Samsung Odyssey G5 27-Inch Monitor Drops to $149.99, Hitting a 32% Discount

Q: Does the inclusion of older HDMI 2.0 ports secretly limit the true high-refresh-rate potential of this QHD display for modern gamers?

Yes — but only if you plan to use HDMI. The Samsung Odyssey G5 (G51F) includes HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4, and the searched spec details indicate the monitor’s full 2560 x 1440 resolution at 180Hz runs over DisplayPort, not HDMI. That matters because HDMI 2.0 has enough bandwidth for 1440p at around 144Hz, but 1440p at 180Hz is typically beyond what standard HDMI 2.0 can deliver uncompressed at full settings. In practical terms, modern PC gamers who want the monitor’s advertised top refresh rate should expect to use DisplayPort 1.4. If they connect over HDMI, they may be limited to a lower refresh rate, likely closer to 144Hz depending on the source device and timing support. This is not exactly a hidden flaw so much as a common compromise in budget gaming monitors. Samsung still provides the connection needed for full performance, but the older HDMI ports mean buyers should not assume every device will get 1440p/180Hz automatically. That is especially relevant for users connecting laptops, consoles, or desktops that rely mainly on HDMI. For PC gamers, the fix is simple: use DisplayPort if your graphics card supports it. For console users, the limitation is less severe because current consoles generally do not target 1440p at 180Hz anyway. So the monitor’s high-refresh potential is real, but its full benefit is tied to the right port.

3 articles · Updated · Mashable · Aug 21

$149.99 buys Samsung’s 27-inch Odyssey G5 G51F at Amazon, down $72 from its usual $221.99 price and marking a new low for the QHD gaming monitor.
The deal targets budget 1440p buyers with a 2560x1440 VA panel, 180Hz refresh rate, 1ms MPRT, AMD FreeSync and HDR10.
Amazon is selling and shipping the display directly, with free delivery estimated for Aug. 26 and Prime delivery as soon as Aug. 22.
Samsung rounds out the monitor with a height-adjustable stand, tilt and pivot support, plus gaming features such as Black Equalizer, Virtual Aim Point and Auto Source Switch+.