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With specifications out the way, let’s take a closer look at the build quality, design, and mechanical features the Gigabyte M32U comes equipped with.
Design
Gigabyte has utilized a fairly understated design for the M32U, designing a display that looks tailored to office work than gaming. The subtle design for the ‘M’ series likely comes down to Gigabyte wanting to separate it from the AORUS brand – a feature that we’ve seen across competing monitor manufacturers in the past. Of course, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, just a feature that’s worth pointing out in case you’re considering other ‘M’ models.
The panel features an all-black design that is characterized by thin “borderless” bezels on the top and sides. The bottom bezel features Gigabyte’s branding alongside a small LED light on the right-hand side. There are no signs of G-Sync or FreeSync logos.
While the design of the M32U is relatively subtle, the stand features a glaring aesthetic that certainly catches the eye. It’s easily one of the thickest stand’s we’ve seen in some time, and not in a good way. Gigabyte has branded the stand with a ‘KVM series’ stamp, showcasing one of the panel’s main features. The stand does feature some edging and textural differences, but overall, it’s pretty cumbersome.
Moving to the rear of the monitor and, yet again, there isn’t a great deal to discuss. Gigabyte’s branding can be seen at the top of the panel on a glossier-type finish. Underneath, the monitor protrudes slightly to encase the internal elements of the panel. The M32U SKU can be found on the rear of the monitor alongside a KVM button and joystick for navigating the various OSD menus. The rear of the stand is relatively bulky, however, it does feature a small cable management solution which is great for tidying up your desk space.
Build Quality
On a more positive note, despite the monitor featuring quite a bit of plastic throughout its construction, it doesn’t feel flimsy in the slightest. However, when you consider its price tag, that shouldn’t really come as a surprise.
While the stand is garish in design, it does feature excellent stability and robustness – offering up very little in the way of wobble. All stand adjustments also feel incredibly purposeful and firm, leaving me with a satisfied feeling when repositioning the panel (if that makes sense?).
The rear of the panel is predominantly plastic but, again, it doesn’t feel flimsy or weak. During tests, minimal flex was experienced – even when using a fair amount of pressure on more vulnerable areas. All fittings and fixtures also feel well-finished, with inputs and buttons feeling firm and tactile.
As far as build quality is concerned, you can’t really knock the M32U at all.
Panel Coating
Like most modern gaming monitors, the Gigabyte M32U offers up an anti-glare matte coating with a 3H hardness. Not only does this add an additional layer of protection to the panel, but it also helps to mitigate both natural and manmade light sources.
Unfortunately, this particular coating does tend to pick up fingerprints and oils fairly quickly – meaning regular cleaning is required.
Bezels
The bezels on the M32U do feel relatively slim, especially when you consider the 32″ size of the display itself. The top and side bezels measure in at 9mm while the bottom bezel features a large (23mm) profile.
Of course, this is often the case with many modern displays, with only a few featuring ‘borderless’ bezels on all four sides.
Stand
Looking at the stand’s functionality, the M32U seems to offer the most common adjustments used by today’s gamers (height, tilt, and swivel).
On top of this, the stand also comes with a handy cable management slot that allows users to easily minimize untidy cables.
Below are the full adjustments available with this particular panel:
- Forward Tilt – 5 degrees
- Backward Tilt – 20 degrees
- Left Swivel – 30 degrees
- Right Swivel – 30 degrees
- Height – 130mm
Like most modern gaming monitors, this panel also allows for simple VESA mounting – via a 100 x 100mm bracket.
Inputs
All inputs for the M32U can be found at the rear of the panel and require insertion via the normal vertical manner. As we’ve previously stated, the M32U comes with HDMI 2.1 certification, allowing users to push next-gen consoles to their maximum potential ([email protected] gameplay).
Alongside HDMI ports, users can also expect DisplayPort 1.4 (DSC), 3 x USB 3.0, and a USB Type-C port (ideal for connecting laptops to this panel).
See specifications for a full list of this monitor’s inputs
OSD
The OSD, or on-screen display, for the M32U does feel a little aged but certainly covers the most important picture and response time features.
Users can use the joystick found at the rear of the panel to navigate the menus, with quick options available when pressing the joystick in various directions.
Inside the OSD, users will have access to all the usual suspects, including gaming, picture, and display features. Users can also utilize the PIP/PBP mode available in this panel, alongside the KVM switch (which can be found at the rear of the monitor).
Like always, we’ll be testing the monitor’s main response-affecting features during the gaming settings – establishing any artifacts that may occur during their usage.
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