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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Verdict: The BenQ ZOWIE XL2546X is a specialist competitive-gaming monitor. Its 24.5-inch 1080p Fast TN panel, 240Hz ceiling and DyAc 2 backlight strobing are designed for clear motion in fast PC games. Independent testing from RTINGS found strong motion handling and low input lag at higher refresh rates, but also high lag at 60Hz, mediocre contrast, no HDR and narrow viewing angles. Buy it for a high-refresh esports setup—not for wide-angle viewing, HDR games, console-first use or image-quality work.
BenQ lists the model as the “DyAc 2 Special Edition of XL2546K.” The exact balance depends on your graphics card, the games you play, local pricing and whether a newer 360Hz or 540Hz display is affordable. The Europe product page currently shows “Discontinued,” which is a regional page status rather than proof that stock has ended everywhere, so check your local retailer before ordering.
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What the XL2546X is
The XL2546X is a 24.5-inch, 16:9 monitor with a 1,920 × 1,080 resolution and a maximum PC refresh rate of 240Hz. It uses a Fast TN panel rather than IPS or OLED. That choice prioritizes fast pixel transitions and predictable motion over contrast, color consistency and viewing angles. The intended audience is a player who sits directly in front of the screen and values competitive clarity in titles such as tactical shooters, arena shooters and other games where tracking a moving target matters.
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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →BenQ positions DyAc 2 as the monitor’s defining feature. The company says its dual-backlight technology “enhances performance in blur reduction while it offers a soft light output, facilitating eye adaptation.” That is a vendor description, not an independently measured guarantee of better results for every player. RTINGS’ evaluation of the exact 24.5-inch unit it tested nevertheless identifies motion handling at high refresh rates as a major strength.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Specifications at a glance
| Specification | BenQ-listed detail |
|---|---|
| Screen size and format | 24.5 inches, 16:9 |
| Native resolution | 1,920 × 1,080 |
| Panel | Fast TN |
| Maximum PC refresh rate | 240Hz through HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort 1.2 |
| Typical brightness | 320 nits |
| Native contrast | 1,000:1 |
| Console mode | Up to 1,920 × 1,080 at 120Hz on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S over HDMI 2.0 |
| Video inputs | Three HDMI 2.0 ports and one DisplayPort 1.2 port |
| Audio connection | Headphone jack |
| Motion and sync features | DyAc 2; variable refresh rate with DyAc 2 switched off; flicker-free operation with DyAc 2 switched off |
| Stand adjustment | 155mm height range |
| Mounting | 100 × 100mm VESA |
| Included accessories | S Switch remote controller and shielding hood |
These figures are manufacturer specifications from BenQ ZOWIE’s current product information, not independent measurements. The 320-nit brightness and 1,000:1 contrast figures describe the panel’s stated capability; they do not make the monitor an HDR display.
Motion performance: the reason to consider it
240Hz is useful only when the PC can feed it
A 240Hz panel refreshes every 4.17 milliseconds. To benefit consistently, the computer needs to render frames at a similarly high rate, and the game must expose settings that allow those frame rates. A powerful system running a competitive title at 200–240 frames per second can show more current motion information than a 60Hz or 144Hz display. If your frame rate remains around 100–140fps, the XL2546X still works, but much of its headline refresh capability is unused.
Refresh rate alone does not establish a measured esports advantage. No independent sales, player-outcome or tournament-performance statistic was identified for this model. Treat 240Hz as a latency and motion opportunity that depends on the entire chain—game engine, GPU, CPU, connection and settings—not as a guaranteed improvement in aim.
What DyAc 2 does
DyAc 2 is a backlight-strobing mode. Instead of leaving the backlight continuously lit during each refresh, the monitor controls the light timing to reduce the visible persistence of a moving object. The practical goal is a sharper-looking opponent or crosshair while your eyes track motion. Strobing can also make brightness behavior and setup more sensitive than ordinary refresh-rate operation.
RTINGS reports that the XL2546X has sharp motion and strong performance at higher refresh rates. That independent assessment supports the display’s esports focus, but it does not provide a universal setting that works for every game. You should compare DyAc 2 on and off in a familiar title and choose the mode that keeps moving targets easiest to follow.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Variable refresh rate and the DyAc 2 trade-off
BenQ lists VRR support when DyAc 2 is off, and also specifies flicker-free operation with DyAc 2 off. RTINGS observed moderate VRR flicker as frame rates change. That means a player whose frame rate moves substantially may notice brightness variation while adaptive synchronization is active. A stable, high frame rate is the best environment for evaluating the monitor’s motion modes; if your frame rate is erratic, test both VRR and DyAc 2 behavior rather than assuming the combination is optimal.
Image quality compromises you should accept before buying
1080p on 24.5 inches
Full HD at this size gives a familiar competitive-game view and places relatively little load on the graphics card. It is also a low pixel-density choice by current desktop standards. Fine text, detailed photographs and large spreadsheets look less refined than they do on a 1440p or 4K monitor. RTINGS specifically notes the low pixel density when assessing office use.
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TN contrast and viewing angles
The stated 1,000:1 native contrast is modest, and RTINGS characterizes the XL2546X’s contrast as mediocre. Dark scenes therefore cannot deliver the depth you get from a strong VA panel or an OLED display. The TN layer also has narrow viewing angles: colors and brightness shift as you move away from the center. That is less troublesome for one player sitting squarely in front of the screen, but it is a poor fit for couch viewing, shared screens or a desk where you frequently sit off-axis.
No HDR support
The monitor does not support HDR. HDR games and video will be shown through the display’s standard dynamic-range behavior, so bright highlights and dark shadow detail will not have the range available on a proper HDR monitor. RTINGS lists the lack of HDR among the XL2546X’s weaknesses. If cinematic single-player games matter as much as competitive titles, this limitation is visible every time you switch from an esports match to HDR content on another display.
PC setup for 240Hz and DyAc 2
Use the following sequence so the operating system and game are both running at the intended mode:
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- Connect the PC with DisplayPort 1.2 or an HDMI 2.0 cable. BenQ lists both inputs for up to 1,920 × 1,080 at 240Hz.
- Open Windows display settings, select the XL2546X, choose 1,920 × 1,080 and set the refresh rate to 240Hz. If 240Hz is not offered, check the cable, graphics-driver control panel and which input is selected on the monitor.
- Install or update the graphics driver, then select the game’s 1,920 × 1,080 resolution and a frame-rate limit appropriate to your system. A limit that your PC can hold steadily is easier to evaluate than an uncapped rate that swings widely.
- Decide whether motion clarity or adaptive synchronization is the priority. DyAc 2 and VRR are not the same operating mode on this model: BenQ specifies VRR with DyAc 2 off.
- Use the S Switch to save or recall the monitor presets you prefer for different games. Keep the shielding hood installed if it helps reduce surrounding light and reflections.
- Position the screen directly in front of you and adjust its height within the 155mm range. Centered seating reduces the color and brightness shifts inherent to a TN panel.
The monitor also supports 100 × 100mm VESA mounting. That is useful if your desk setup needs an arm rather than the supplied stand.
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PS5 and Xbox Series X/S support
BenQ lists 1,920 × 1,080 at 120Hz for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S over HDMI 2.0. In other words, the console mode can accept a 120Hz signal at Full HD; it is not a 1440p or 4K console monitor, and it cannot create 120 frames per second when a game does not provide that mode.
RTINGS still rates the XL2546X poorly for console use. Its reasons are the 1080p detail level, no HDR, high input lag at 60Hz and limited compatibility. The 60Hz point matters for console games that fall back to 60Hz: the monitor’s behavior at that refresh rate is a weakness even though its high-refresh PC performance is strong. Confirm that your specific console game supports 120Hz and that the console recognizes the display before treating the XL2546X as a console upgrade.
How it compares with nearby choices
The alternatives below are not automatically better. They target different refresh-rate, image-quality and price priorities, so compare the specifications with the frame rates your system can actually sustain.
| Model | Position relative to XL2546X | Key decision |
|---|---|---|
| XL2546K | Close predecessor; 24.5-inch, 1,920 × 1,080, 240Hz, DyAc+ | Compare the DyAc+ versus DyAc 2 feature revision and current local price. Do not assume every other component changed substantially. |
| XL2566K | 24.5-inch, 1,920 × 1,080, 360Hz, DyAc+ | Worth considering when your PC can sustain substantially higher frame rates and the price premium is acceptable. |
| XL2586X | 24.1-inch, 1,920 × 1,080, 540Hz, DyAc 2 | Offers a higher refresh ceiling; the benefit depends on very high, stable frame rates and your sensitivity to motion differences. |
| Dell Alienware AW2523HF | Higher refresh rate, better glare performance and HDR support while retaining crisp moving objects, according to RTINGS | Compare its broader image and feature set against the XL2546X’s dedicated DyAc 2 approach, ergonomics and local price. |
XL2546X versus XL2546K
This is the most direct comparison. Both are 24.5-inch 1080p 240Hz displays aimed at the same type of player. The principal named change is DyAc 2 on the XL2546X versus DyAc+ on the XL2546K. If the older monitor is substantially cheaper and its condition and warranty are strong, the price difference may matter more than the branding of the strobing revision. If prices are close, choose based on the newer model’s availability, warranty and your own motion preference rather than assuming a dramatic all-round image-quality change.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
XL2546X versus XL2566K
The XL2566K raises the ceiling to 360Hz while retaining a 24.5-inch 1080p format and DyAc+. At 360Hz, each refresh lasts about 2.78 milliseconds, versus 4.17 milliseconds at 240Hz. That difference is relevant only when the computer can deliver the required frame rates and the player can perceive and use the additional temporal information. A stable 240fps experience on the XL2546X is preferable to buying a 360Hz display for a system that rarely reaches 200fps.
XL2546X versus XL2586X
The XL2586X moves to 540Hz, a 24.1-inch 1080p panel and DyAc 2. Its 1.85-millisecond refresh interval is aimed at an even narrower slice of competitive users with exceptionally high frame rates and a willingness to pay for the top refresh tier. It is not a general image-quality upgrade: both models remain Full HD esports displays, and you should weigh the price against how often your games run near that ceiling.
XL2546X versus AW2523HF
RTINGS describes the AW2523HF as offering a higher refresh rate, better glare performance and HDR support while keeping moving objects crisp. That makes it a more balanced candidate when the same monitor must handle bright rooms, HDR games and competitive play. The XL2546X remains the more specialized choice if DyAc 2 behavior, the included hood and the ZOWIE control layout are your priorities. Check actual local pricing and the exact refresh modes before deciding.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Who should buy the XL2546X?
It is a good fit when
- You play competitive PC games at frame rates close to 240fps.
- You sit directly in front of the screen and value moving-target clarity over deep blacks or wide viewing angles.
- You want a 24.5-inch 1080p format that is easy for a gaming PC to drive.
- You are comfortable choosing between DyAc 2 strobing and VRR rather than expecting both to operate as one combined feature.
- The XL2546X is locally available at a price that makes sense beside the XL2546K and higher-refresh alternatives.
Look elsewhere when
- HDR, strong contrast or cinematic single-player image quality is a priority.
- You need a display for shared viewing, color-sensitive work or frequent off-axis use.
- Your PC cannot maintain high frame rates, making much of the 240Hz capability idle.
- Your main target is console gaming, especially games that run at 60Hz or output formats beyond 1080p.
- You want a sharper desktop workspace than 1080p at 24.5 inches provides.
Ergonomics and everyday use
The adjustable stand, 155mm height range and 100 × 100mm VESA pattern make the XL2546X easier to position than a fixed-foot display. The S Switch gives quick access to stored settings without reaching behind the panel, while the shielding hood can help keep attention on the screen in a bright room. These are practical advantages for a dedicated desk.
They do not change the panel’s fundamental character. RTINGS considers the ergonomics useful but still flags low pixel density and narrow viewing angles for office work and editing. Long documents, photo work and multi-window layouts benefit from higher resolution and more consistent off-axis color, so a second monitor may be a better companion than using this as an all-purpose primary display.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Availability, price and warranty checks
The Europe ZOWIE page captured for this model displays a “Discontinued” label. That label establishes what the European page shows, not the status of inventory in North America, Asia or another region. Before paying, verify that the seller has a new unit, identify the warranty provider, check the return period and confirm the listed input and refresh specifications match the model you intend to buy. Older stock can be attractive when discounted, but the saving should compensate for any shorter warranty or limited replacement availability.
Because street prices and stock change by country, there is no single global “worth it” price. Compare the delivered local cost with the XL2546K, XL2566K, XL2586X and other 240Hz displays available in your market. A lower-priced 360Hz model may be the better value for a high-end PC, while a discounted XL2546K may make more sense for a budget esports build.
Strengths and weaknesses
Strengths
- 240Hz PC refresh rate in an easy-to-drive 1080p format.
- Fast TN panel and DyAc 2 designed for competitive motion clarity.
- RTINGS reports strong motion handling and low input lag at higher refresh rates.
- Three HDMI 2.0 inputs, DisplayPort 1.2, headphone output and 120Hz Full HD console support.
- Adjustable stand, VESA mounting, S Switch and shielding hood included.
Weaknesses
- 1080p is relatively low-detail for general desktop use.
- TN viewing angles are narrow and the stated 1,000:1 contrast is modest.
- No HDR support.
- RTINGS reports high input lag at 60Hz and moderate VRR flicker as frame rates change.
- Console compatibility is limited, and RTINGS rates console use poorly.
- Regional availability is uncertain; the Europe product page is marked discontinued.
Final buying decision
The XL2546X makes sense when your priority is competitive PC motion at up to 240Hz and you are willing to trade away HDR, contrast, viewing-angle stability and desktop sharpness. RTINGS’ findings support that narrow purpose: strong high-refresh motion performance, but clear weaknesses at 60Hz and in image quality. It is not the monitor to choose because it is universally best; it is the monitor to choose when its specialist behavior matches your games, frame rates and seating position.
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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCheck local stock and warranty first, then compare the real street price with the XL2546K, XL2566K, XL2586X and more balanced high-refresh options. If your PC can hold 240fps in the games you care about and DyAc 2 improves your tracking, the XL2546X remains a credible esports purchase. If you want one screen for HDR entertainment, console flexibility and high-quality everyday work, its compromises are decisive.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
