Sceptre C275B-1858RN Review and Specs. The Sceptre C275B-1858RN is a curved, 27-inch gaming monitor that ticks most boxes for pro-artists and gamers. In addition to a beautiful aesthetic, it brings into the crowded market an excellent mix of gaming features including AMD Freesync, a fast response rate and a VA panel with sharp graphics and vibrant colors.
For those in the market for a monitor that can easily do-it-all without being too expensive, this Sceptre monitor looks like a great choice. Alternatives in this category include our Editors’ Choice, the AOC CQ27G2, but on a price-feature basis, the C275B-1858RN offers excellent value.
Sceptre C275B-1858RN Gaming Performance
The Sceptre C275B’s specs sheet points towards a reliable VA panel, offering the kind of performance most gamers require from a gaming screen. In this case, it gets a full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, a 3,000:1 contrast ratio, fast 144Hz (up to 165Hz) refresh rate, 250 cd/m2 peak brightness and a 3-millisecond (3ms) pixel response rate. What else would you ask for in a sub-$ 300 monitor?
As configured, most modern AAA games including the The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and the Red Dead Redemption 2 will play easily, and the 1080p monitor’s two shooter presets make the gaming experience more immersive. When playing Dota 2, the monitor does a nice job displaying the lush sceneries, giving you ample time to keep up with the action.
With AMD Freesync support, screen-tearing is not an issue, especially when receiving signals from AMD-powered machines, like the iBUYPOWER Trace 4, by simply syncing the display to your computer’s graphics card.
When not gaming, the Sceptre C275B-1858RN also has great viewing angles, so you can easily use it to watch films with friends, or have people crowd around it while you play, then pretty much everyone will get a bird’s-eye view.
Sceptre C275B-1858RN Design
Gaming monitors like the Alienware AW3420DW often carry a flashy profile, but the Sceptre C275B takes an understated look, devoid of illuminated LEDs and the likes. Don’t confuse that for boring, though– its V-shaped stand and gently curved monitor add some class, and emphasize the gaming genes in this monitor. This approach would sound like a miss for some gamers, but it makes up with practicality, meaning you can comfortably use this panel for gaming and at the office.
Looking at the Sceptre C275B-1858RN, you immediately notice the gentle 1800R curve, that’s not as pronounced as the 1500R curvature on the Samsung CF791. Screen curvature is measured in R figures, and for a fixed screen, the larger the R value, the less the curvature.
Inputs & Presets
Port options on this Sceptre monitor are a mixed bag, but at the very least you have all the basic inputs for your PC or gaming console. All ports are located at the back of the monitor, including two HDMI ports and DisplayPort that’s required when you want to utilize the built-in FreeSync technology.
Others are a 3.5 mm mini-jack and a pair of built-in speakers; the monitor doesn’t have a USB port, though.
Being a gaming monitor, it packs multiple color modes that are activated depending upon the action at hand. The available presets include: Standard, User, Movie and Eco; as well as two game presets: RTS (Real Time Strategy) and FPS (First Person Shooter).
Bottom Line
If you’ve got the desk space, a powerful graphics card but on a lean bank balance, the 27-inch Sceptre C275B is an excellent investment for gamers. It’s a huge monitor that will fill your field of vision, and if you love being fully immersed in your videos or games then it’s well worth considering.
It’s also a damn good monitor when you’re not gaming, with the full HD (1080p) resolution giving you plenty of space when using your PC for work.
However, if you’re buying strictly for gaming, our Editors’ Choice for budget 27-inch monitors, the AOC CQ27G2 is a better choice, offering the most accurate sRGB mode, spot-on grayscale and extended colors that cover nearly 83% of the DCI-P3 color gamut.
Meanwhile, if all you need is a widescreen gaming monitor that can double-up for work, and one that doesn’t cost so much, then the Sceptre C275B-1858RN should be at the top of your short list.
Sceptre C275B-1858RN Verdict
The Sceptre C275B-1858RN is an excellent, VA gaming monitor that will make you feel like you’re in the midst of the action while playing, and it’s packed with great gaming extras at an affordable price.
PROS
- Wonderful, curved screen
- AMD FreeSync tech
- High frame rate
- Affordable pricing
CONS
- Lacks height adjustment
- No USB port