LG UltraGear evo Monitors Bring On-Device AI Upscaling to 5K Gaming
The new GM9 and GX9 displays shift the computational burden of high-resolution gaming from the GPU to the monitor hardware.
LG has expanded its gaming hardware portfolio for 2026 with the launch of two high-resolution displays: the 27-inch UltraGear evo GM9 (27GM950B) and the 39-inch UltraGear evo GX9 (39GX950B). The new lineup introduces a fundamental shift in how high-fidelity visuals are processed, aiming to make 5K gaming accessible to a broader range of users by reducing the reliance on raw GPU power.
The 27-inch GM9 features a native 5K resolution (5120x2880) and utilizes a Mini LED panel equipped with 2,304 dimming zones. For those seeking a wider field of view, the 39-inch GX9 is an ultrawide OLED monitor featuring 5K2K resolution (5120x2160) and a rapid 0.03ms GtG response time. To handle the significant bandwidth required for these resolutions, the GM9 supports DisplayPort 2.1.
The Shift to On-Device AI
The defining feature of the evo line is the introduction of on-device AI upscaling. This technology allows the monitors to upscale content internally to 5K or 5K2K resolution. By moving the upscaling process from the graphics card to the monitor's own hardware, LG aims to reduce the strain on the PC. This means users may not need to upgrade their existing rigs to achieve 5K results, as the PC hardware is not put under the additional strain typically required for native high-resolution rendering.
To balance visual fidelity with performance, LG has implemented a "Dual Mode" feature. This allows gamers to switch between native high resolution and higher refresh rates depending on the game's demands. For example, the GX9 can deliver up to 330Hz when operating in WFHD via this mode, providing a competitive edge in fast-paced titles.
Industry Implications
This move represents a significant strategic shift in the gaming monitor market. Traditionally, the burden of resolution enhancement has fallen entirely on the GPU, often requiring expensive hardware upgrades to maintain playable frame rates at 5K. By democratizing high-resolution visuals through on-device processing, LG is positioning its monitors as a bridge for users with mid-range hardware who want high-fidelity imagery without the typical performance penalty associated with native rendering.
What to Watch
As the industry continues to push toward higher pixel densities, the adoption of DisplayPort 2.1 will be critical for the widespread success of 5K gaming. While the core hardware specifications of the GM9 and GX9 are confirmed, the real-world efficacy of the on-device AI upscaling—specifically regarding input lag and image artifacts compared to GPU-based solutions like DLSS or FSR—remains the primary point of interest for enthusiasts. The success of this hardware-level approach could redefine the relationship between display technology and GPU requirements.