Cooler Master GM25FP 180Hz Gaming Monitor Review

I’m a big fan of Cooler Master monitors and have been using them on my desk for a few years now, and both my partner and one of my kids are rocking Cooler Master monitors too. That should tell you something about their quality and value, and I’ve been very happy with them all. Alas, the relentless pursuit of smoother gameplay and more immersive visuals drives the evolution of gaming monitors. For those seeking a competitive edge without breaking the bank, the 1080p arena offers a sweet spot of performance and affordability. Cooler Master’s GM25FP is here and, armed with a 180Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time, promising buttery-smooth motion that can keep pace with the latest competitive games. Best of all, it does it for a very reasonable price, so perhaps there will be another Cooler Master monitor getting added to my collection very soon!?

Cooler Master GM25FP

But high refresh rates alone don’t guarantee a winning formula. The GM25FP also boasts an IPS panel, a technology favoured for its vibrant colours and wide viewing angles, catering not only to gamers but also to content creators and those seeking good colour reproduction and contrast. Sure, they may not stack up to newer Mini-LED and OLED panels, but at the same time, they’re a tried and tested technology and much more affordable too. Plus, it comes with a 180Hz refresh rate with Adaptive-Sync technology further smoothing out any potential stutters and tears.

While I’m not expecting this to be the greatest gaming monitor ever, I think it’s fairly clear that Cooler Master is trying to tick a lot of boxes for enthusiast gamers on a tighter budget here. The cost is kept down by the panel technology used (not that there’s anything wrong with IPS, of course), 180Hz is fast, but it’s not the fastest on the market these days, and it’s only Full HD, which admittedly is plenty of pixels for a smaller 24.5″ screen anyway. So yeah, it’s pretty clear this monitor has its limitations, but at the same time, this is a great amount of features that should make for a more than pleasant gaming experience too.

• 24.5-inch display size: A good size for gaming and general use, providing ample screen real estate without being overwhelming.
• Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution: Standard resolution for this size, offering a sharp image.
• Fast IPS panel: Combines the benefits of IPS technology (good color accuracy and wide viewing angles) with a fast response time.
• 180Hz refresh rate: This high refresh rate ensures smooth motion, especially noticeable in fast-paced games.
• 1ms GTG response time: Minimizes motion blur for clear visuals even during rapid action.
• Adaptive Sync technology: Synchronizes the monitor’s refresh rate with your graphics card’s output to eliminate screen tearing.
• HDR10 support: Offers a wider dynamic range with brighter highlights and deeper blacks for more realistic visuals (though keep in mind the monitor’s peak brightness will affect HDR performance).
• 1000:1 static contrast ratio: A decent contrast ratio for an IPS panel, providing a good distinction between light and dark areas.
• 250 cd/m² brightness: Adequate for most indoor lighting conditions.
• Wide viewing angles (178° horizontal/178° vertical): Allows for comfortable viewing from various positions without significant colour shift.
• Multiple connectivity options: Includes two HDMI 2.0 ports and two DisplayPort 1.4 ports for connecting various devices.
• Low blue light mode and flicker-free technology: Helps reduce eye strain during extended use.
• 36-month warranty: Provides peace of mind and protection against defects.