INTRODUCTION

   I don't know if it's because I’ve been playing games on the PC since the early 90's (although we did have some CRT monitors that could reach 85-90Hz at maximum resolution) or because i simply don't play that much nowadays but high refresh rate LCD screens are still not my thing, especially when in most cases you have to sacrifice screen area/size and resolution for it. Still, I’m far from a hardcore gamer right now so i can understand and respect that many people out there put high refresh rates above screen size and resolution (and in some cases even color reproduction). The good news is that mid-end model prices have dropped recently with the sweet spot set at around 25-27 inches and so today I’ll be testing one such model and more specifically the REAPER RFI25CBA 24.5" 144Hz Gaming Monitor by my friends over at Viotek.

   Viotek is a different kind of tech company. Built on an unwavering will to innovate, Viotek is dedicated to making the best products at the best price for technology enthusiasts worldwide. With an imaginative research and development team and the resources to bring ideas to life, Viotek is committed to never follow but always lead.

   The REAPER RFI25CBA model by Viotek is a 24.5-inch widescreen (16:9) LCD monitor based on a 10 bit (8 bits + FRC) IPS W-LED backlit panel (anti-glare/matte finish with low blue-light filter and PIP/PBP modes) which sports a maximum resolution of 1920x1080p (FullHD) with a refresh rate of 144Hz (Adaptive Sync, G-Sync and FreeSync compatible) and 178 degrees viewing angles (for both axis). Always according to Viotek their REAPER RFI25CBA also delivers an sRGB color gamut of 111% (NTSC 85%) and features a contrast ratio of 1000:1, 300cd/m2 brightness, 5ms GTG response time (1ms in overdrive mode), pixel density of almost 94ppi and an auto-rotating G-sensor. As for available connections, the REAPER RFI25CBA packs two HDMI ports (v2.0 & v1.4), single DisplayPort (v1.2), single USB-C port and a 3.5mm audio output (can be used with speakers and headsets). Viotek has also equipped their REAPER RFI25CBA with a height adjustable metal stand (4D stand they call it) featuring tilt (5/-20 degrees) and swivel (-15/+15 degrees) functionality, portrait and landscape orientation (pivot), headset holder and internal cable management (the screen is compatible with VESA 75x75mm). Just like with past models Viotek covers the REAPER RFI25CBA with a 3-year limited warranty and a pixel perfect policy upon delivery (no questions asked replacement). So, let's see what the REAPER RFI25CBA by Viotek is really capable of.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

Just like with older models Viotek uses a typical cardboard box to ship the REAPER RFI25CBA.

Inside the box you'll find the RFI25CBA screen with its power adapter, 2 piece stand, VESA screws, DP cable, USB-C cable, screwdriver and the user manual.

THE REAPER RFI25CBA

The Viotek REAPER RFI25CBA is a 24.5 inch IPS LCD monitor with a diagonal length of roughly 63cm.

1st thing to do once you take the screen out of its box is to attach its stand which you can easily do just by mounting it at the rear as seen above (tool-less mechanism).

After that you'll just need to mount the base (single screw).

The RFI25CBA doesn't feature a curved screen so although i do expect some to like that, some will not.

Lowest position from your desk is set at 81mm whereas the highest is set at 196mm (also do notice the LEDs on both corners of the screen).

Top and side bezels are less than 3mm thick so this is good news for people who may want to grab two or three RFI25CBA for a multi-monitor setup. On the other hand, the bottom bezel is 15mm in thickness (although that doesn't really matter).

Turning the screen around we find two more LEDs at the top.

The metal stand Viotek has used has both an headset holder and internal cable management.

At the rear we also find the joystick control, Kensington lock and all of the connectors (power, type-C, 2xHDMI, DP and 3.5mm output).

The stand of the REAPER RFI25CBA pans (15 degrees on either side) and tilts (-5 degrees down and +20 degrees up) so it's quite more versatile than what some other similar models come with.

Perhaps what really sets the REAPER RFI25CBA apart however is the portrait orientation (complete with a g-sensor which automatically changes orientation).

RFI25CBA MENUS

By using the rear joystick, you can enter the quick commands menu (GamePlus crosshairs, color modes, color switch and main menu).

From the input source tab, you can switch between inputs and of course see which input is currently being used.

Moving to the brightness/contrast tab from here you can control not only those two but also black levels and the DCR (dynamic contrast ratio) function.

Inside the color setting tab you can change the gamma presets, select a picture mode, change the temperature of the screen (warm/cool), enable the low blue light feature and adjust both the hue and saturation levels.

The picture quality tab allows the end user to manually adjust overdrive (response time), set picture sharpness and noise reduction and also enable super resolution and dynamic luminous control (automatic brightness).

Both the aspect ratio and the LED mode can be changed from within the Display tab (as long as the input used allows it).

You can choose the audio input and adjust the volume for the 2 stereo speakers from inside the audio tab.

Viotek has added convenient picture in picture (PIP) and picture by picture (PBP) modes which you can access from the multi-window tab.

Everything in regards to the OSD (language included) can be adjusted from its very own tab.

Finally, from the other tab you can switch between DP versions and enable/disable the Adaptive Sync (FreeSync/GSync) mode and the USB-C and G-sensor features.

VIEWING ANGLES / PICTURE QUALITY

Since the REAPER RFI25CBA is a purely gaming monitor i didn't have many expectations when it comes to image quality but it actually does very well, especially with colors. Yes, 24.5 inches is not large what I'd call a large surface so that alone makes things easier but still the REAPER RFI25CBA does a good job both in terms of detail and color accuracy.

In terms of viewing angles since we're talking about an IPS panel monitor they are very good as you can certainly tell from the above pictures.

TEST RESULTS

DATACOLOR SPYDERX ELITE MEASUREMENTS

By using the SpyderX Elite Colorimeter by Datacolor i measure both the color gamut (SRGB and Adobe) and the brightness levels of the monitor at hand.

Here you can see results for Color and Luminance Screen Uniformity (instead of just listing results at 100% brightness I’m listing all of them - 50/67/83/100%).

Datacolor rates monitors based on their overall results so it was decided to include this chart as well.

POWER CONSUMPTION

Power consumption may not be what most people look for when out to get a brand new monitor but at the end of the day it's still an important factor so i do hope this is of interest to some of you.

CONCLUSION

   I will not lie, it’s been well over a decade since I last used a 24 inch gaming monitor so when I first unboxed the REAPER RFI25CBA it clearly seemed like many steps backwards for me. Still, after spending over a month with it my opinion about it changed and even though I could probably never use it for gaming (have been using 30 Inch+ screens since 2011 after all so my eyes probably can’t adjust) it would make a great secondary monitor, primarily because of its image quality (and its portrait function). The 144Hz refresh rate is a great addition (together with the 1ms response time, it eliminates ghosting) but in order to take advantage of it you should have a card capable of Full HD gaming at such high fps so potential buyers should take that into account as well. Finally in terms of design I have no issues, on the contrary, the LEDs look nice and the rear headset holder is something I hope more manufacturers introduced with their screens.

   At the time of this review the REAPER RFI25CBA 24.5 Inch Gaming Monitor by Viotek retails for just USD199.99 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and this is clearly one of its strong selling points. Yes, its inches are not for everyone but if you’ve got space restrictions, your PC is simply not powerful enough for higher resolutions or if you just want the advantage offered by its 144Hz refresh rate then the REAPER RFI25CBA could be the right one for you and since it does deliver as advertised it receives the Golden Award.

PROS

- Good Build Quality
- Design
- WLED Backlit IPS Panel (16:9 / 144Hz / 1ms Response Time)
- Good Image Quality & Viewing Angles
- FreeSync / Adaptive Sync / GSync Compatible
- 4D Adjustable Stand (Height / Swivel / Tilt / Pivot)
- Available Ports (HDMI v1.4 / HDMI v2.0 / DP v1.2 / 3.5mm)
- Headset Holder
- 3 Year Limited Warranty With Zero Pixel Policy
- Price (For Some)

CONS

- Availability Outside The USA
- Inches (For Some)