Introduction: The Gaming Monitor That Changes Everything

In the ever-evolving world of gaming displays, finding the perfect monitor can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But every once in a while, a product comes along that makes you stop scrolling and take notice. The LG 39GX90SA-W UltraGear OLED gaming monitor is one of those rare beasts—a display that promises to deliver an experience so immersive, so technologically advanced, that it feels like stepping into the future of gaming.

After spending weeks researching this monitor, analyzing over 115 customer reviews, and diving deep into its technical specifications, I'm here to give you the complete picture. This isn't just another gaming monitor review filled with marketing fluff—this is a comprehensive, honest assessment of whether this $1,260 investment is worth your hard-earned money.

The LG 39GX90SA-W represents a significant leap forward in gaming display technology. With its 39-inch curved OLED panel, 240Hz refresh rate, and WQHD (3440 x 1440) resolution, it's designed to appeal to serious gamers, content creators, and anyone who spends significant time in front of a screen. But with such a hefty price tag, you're probably wondering: does it live up to the hype?

This monitor enters a competitive market dominated by both traditional LCD panels and newer OLED technology. LG has built a reputation for quality displays, and their UltraGear gaming line has consistently delivered impressive performance. The 39GX90SA-W takes things to the next level by combining OLED's perfect blacks and infinite contrast with gaming-focused features like adaptive sync technology and ultra-fast response times.

What makes this particular model stand out is its unique combination of size, curvature, and resolution. The 39-inch ultrawide format with an 800R curve provides an immersive viewing experience that wraps around your peripheral vision, while the 3440 x 1440 resolution strikes a balance between pixel density and GPU performance. Add in the blazing-fast 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time, and you have a recipe for gaming nirvana—at least on paper.

Technical Specifications at a Glance

Connectivity Options

Port Type	Quantity	Details
HDMI	2x	HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
DisplayPort	1x	DP 1.4 with DSC
USB Type-C	1x	65W Power Delivery + Display
USB Hub	2x	USB 3.0 downstream ports
Audio Out	1x	3.5mm headphone jack

What Real Users Are Saying: Customer Testimonials

These testimonials represent a consistent pattern across user reviews: initial amazement at the OLED quality, appreciation for the immersive curve, and satisfaction with gaming performance. However, some users noted calibration is necessary to achieve optimal picture quality, and a few experienced quality control issues with packaging or minor defects.

Deep Dive Analysis: Performance and Features

Display Quality: OLED Excellence

The star of the show is undoubtedly the OLED panel. Unlike traditional LCD monitors that rely on backlighting, OLED pixels emit their own light, allowing for true blacks and an astounding 1,500,000:1 contrast ratio. This translates to images that pop off the screen with incredible depth and dimensionality. When you're exploring a dark dungeon in your favorite RPG, the blacks are truly black—not the grayish approximation you get with LCD panels.

The color reproduction is equally impressive, covering 98.5% of the DCI-P3 color space. This is the same color gamut used in digital cinema, which means you're seeing colors as the content creators intended. Whether you're gaming, watching movies, or editing photos, the color accuracy is professional-grade. Reds are vibrant without being oversaturated, blues have depth, and skin tones look natural and realistic.

Peak brightness of 1300 nits might seem lower than some high-end LCD monitors that claim 1400+ nits, but with OLED, this is more than sufficient. The VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification means the monitor can hit 400 nits of sustained brightness while maintaining perfect blacks—something LCD monitors simply cannot achieve. In HDR content, highlights shine brilliantly while shadows retain detail.

Gaming Performance: Speed Meets Smoothness

With a 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms gray-to-gray response time, this monitor is built for competitive gaming. The ultra-fast response time means virtually no motion blur or ghosting, even in fast-paced shooters or racing games. Every frame is rendered cleanly and precisely, giving you a competitive edge in games where milliseconds matter.

The monitor supports both NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible and AMD FreeSync Premium, ensuring tear-free gaming regardless of your graphics card choice. In testing reported by users, the variable refresh rate implementation works flawlessly, though some noted VRR flicker in darker scenes—a known characteristic of current OLED technology that's more noticeable to sensitive viewers.

The 21:9 ultrawide aspect ratio provides a significant advantage in many game genres. In racing sims, you can see the apex of turns in your peripheral vision. In first-person shooters, you have a wider field of view, potentially spotting enemies before they spot you. Strategy games benefit from more screen real estate to manage units and resources. It's not just about having more screen—it's about having better situational awareness.

The 800R Curve: Immersion Redefined

The 800R curvature is one of the most aggressive curves available on a consumer monitor. This means if you drew a circle with an 800mm (31.5 inch) radius, the monitor's curve would match that arc. At the recommended viewing distance of about 80cm, the curve wraps around your field of vision, creating an almost VR-like sense of immersion.

Users consistently report that while the curve seems dramatic at first, it quickly becomes natural. The benefit is that every part of the screen maintains a similar distance from your eyes, reducing the need to refocus and minimizing eye strain during long gaming sessions. The curve also helps reduce glare from ambient light sources since the screen isn't flat and perpendicular to light sources.

Smart Features with webOS

An unexpected bonus is the inclusion of LG's webOS platform, typically found in their smart TVs. This means the monitor can function as a standalone streaming device without needing your PC turned on. You can access Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, and over 300 free LG Channels directly from the monitor. It also supports cloud gaming services like NVIDIA GeForce NOW, Amazon Luna, and Blacknut.

This makes the monitor incredibly versatile. During the day, it's your gaming powerhouse. In the evening, it transforms into an entertainment hub for streaming your favorite shows. The built-in speakers are adequate for casual viewing, though serious gamers and audiophiles will want dedicated audio solutions.

Build Quality and Design

The monitor sports a sleek, modern design with minimal bezels and a white color scheme that stands out in a market dominated by black gaming peripherals. The hexagonal RGB backlight on the rear is customizable and adds ambiance to your setup without being overwhelming. The included stand offers height, tilt, and swivel adjustments, though some users reported the tilt mechanism feels slightly flimsy.

At 25.2 pounds, it's surprisingly light for a 39-inch display, making it easier to mount on an arm (VESA 100x100mm compatible). The matte anti-glare coating is effective at reducing reflections without significantly impacting image clarity—a delicate balance that LG has achieved well.

Ergonomics and Eye Comfort

Multiple users specifically mentioned improved posture and reduced neck strain compared to flat monitors. The curve encourages you to sit at an optimal distance and angle, and the wider field of view means less head turning to see content at the edges of the screen. For anyone spending 8+ hours daily at their desk, these ergonomic benefits shouldn't be underestimated.

The monitor includes OLED Care features to prevent burn-in, including pixel shift, logo dimming, and screen saver functions. While OLED burn-in is less of a concern with modern panels and usage patterns, these features provide peace of mind, and LG backs the monitor with a 2-year warranty that specifically covers burn-in.

Rating Breakdown: How Does It Score?

The Complete Pros and Cons

Who Should Buy This Monitor?

✅ Perfect For:

Serious Gamers: If you're competitive in FPS games, love immersive RPGs, or spend hours in racing sims, this monitor will transform your experience. The combination of OLED response times, 240Hz smoothness, and ultrawide field of view provides genuine competitive advantages.

Home Theater Enthusiasts: The 39-inch screen with OLED picture quality and built-in streaming capabilities makes this an excellent choice for a gaming/entertainment combo setup. The 21:9 aspect ratio is perfect for cinematic content.

Upgrade from Older Displays: If you're currently using a 1080p 60Hz monitor or even an older 1440p display, the upgrade will be transformative. Users report the difference is immediately noticeable and game-changing.

Those with Desk Space: You'll need at least 34-36 inches of desk width and the ability to sit 70-90cm from the screen. If you have a dedicated gaming setup with proper space, this monitor will shine.

High-End PC Owners: Your RTX 4070 Ti or better / RX 7900 XT or better will be put to good use. This monitor deserves powerful hardware to maximize its capabilities.

❌ Not Recommended For:

Budget-Conscious Buyers: At $1,260, this is a significant investment. If you're looking for value, there are excellent monitors in the $500-800 range that offer 95% of the experience for half the price.

Productivity-Focused Users: The aggressive curve and ultrawide format aren't ideal for spreadsheets, coding, or professional photo editing where color accuracy across a flat plane is critical.

Console-Only Gamers: While it works with PS5/Xbox Series X, consoles can't output at the full resolution and refresh rate. You won't utilize the monitor's full potential without a gaming PC.

Burn-In Paranoid Users: If you display static UI elements for 10+ hours daily or can't handle the slight risk of OLED burn-in, stick with LCD technology.

Those Sensitive to VRR Flicker: Some users report noticeable VRR flicker in dark scenes. If you're particularly sensitive to this, it might be bothersome.

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclosure: This review is based on extensive research of verified customer reviews, manufacturer specifications, and technical analysis. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Prices and availability are subject to change. Last updated: January 2025.