Question 1

How would a single gtx 980 perform with this?

Accepted Answer

Cannot answer this specific question.  I run dual GTX 980s and can run games like BF4, Far Cry 4, Witcher 3 in full Ultra settings around 60 fps and there is still plenty of unused potential remaining.  Single card performance will probably vary by game requirements, but should handle BF4 and similar games on at least medium to high quality graphics settings.
P.S. The large curved screen results in a remarkably immersive gaming experience.

Question 2

does it have a thunderbolt port and can it be used with a mac mini?

Accepted Answer

It does not have a Thunderbolt port. It has a DisplayPort port which can be used with a Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable. I am using this monitor just fine with my 2011 MacBook Pro using the described cable at full resolution.

Question 3

Does the monitor have an adjustable stand? Can it be lowered?

Thanks

Accepted Answer

The height is adjustable. At its lowest the bottom of the monitor is at 3.625" and the top of the monitor is 17.75"

Question 4

At the monitors lowest point on the stand, how much space is between the desk & bottom of the monitor?

Thank you

Accepted Answer

about 4 inches. Its about the size of my fist clenched going vertically.

Question 5

Is this a smart TV?

Accepted Answer

It is not a smart tv. It is an LED monitor, and a great one I might add. Been using it for gaming for the last year and I can't go back to standard 1080p resolution. The ultra wide and curve makes games more immersive. Also great for multitasking with multiple windows on the same monitor

Question 6

Is this Mac compatible?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Works great with my current Mac pro. But I recommend you connect to it using a display port cable rather than HDMI for faster screen refresh resolution. This is also documented within the Samsung specs.

Question 7

Does this support G-sync?, If not pointless

Accepted Answer

Firstly, this monitor represents a great value proposition, regardless of having G-Sync (which would arguably make it more expensive, and therefore a worse value proposition).

And in response to the earlier answer that the benefit of G-Sync is primarily at high frame rate, I respectfully submit that you are wrong; The high refresh rates of some gaming monitors (85, 100, 120, 144 Hz) allow a system to run as quickly as possible, within the limitation of the monitor. The purpose of adaptive sync technology, such as G-Sync (or FreeSync for AMD users), is for when the system is slower than the upper limit of the monitor's refresh; It allows the monitor and graphics system to refresh at the same speed, reducing tearing and/or stuttering when refreshes occur partway through a screen render. The ideal benefit of this technology is for the slower end of frame rates, making anything from roughly 30-60 fps seem smoother, to better mirror the experience of a smoother, higher frame rate.

In answer to another question regarding the lack of FreeSync in this model, I mentioned that there are only a few exceptions in which a monitor of this size and resolution can be run with adaptive sync, and they are generally quite costly (Acer's Predator series has the X34 which has almost identical specs to this, but with added G-Sync, and Asus is set to release the ROG Swift P348g soon, which will be similar). They will often run a few hundred dollars more, for a minimal return on investment.

Another thing to note is that the refresh rate for this (and the Acer X34) is natively 60 Hz, with the option to overclock up to 85 Hz. However, the DisplayPort 1.2 standard will not allow for enough bandwidth to exceed that, and match monitors with less resolution that refresh at up to 144 Hz or higher. But, again, G-Sync is arguably not very effective above 85 Hz.

Cheers!

Question 8

How is the color quality?  Thanks for your help!

Accepted Answer

I went with this 21 :9 versus others because the color contrast was fantastic compared to other brands like LG. I compared them side by side at ABT. This samsung has a real WOW factor to it.

Question 9

What cables does it come with?

Accepted Answer

Just the power cord.  You'll need to purchase HDMI and/or Display Port cables separately.
FYI, It is a great monitor, perfect for gaming.

Question 10

I love Samsung but I have read about text clarity issues related to the oblong shape of the pixels of this monitor? Does anyone have a comment on this or preferably a picture of the issue or lack there of?

Accepted Answer

I have never encountered this issue. I use this monitor for watching movies, gaming, programming, etc, and I have never had a problem with clarity. I haven't had a single issue with this monitor. Everything has always been crystal clear.

Questions & Answers