LG UltraGear: problems, parts and running costs

Checked: 2026-10-31

Summary

Owners frequently report horizontal screen lines and loss of picture within 8 months to over two years, with RTINGS’ own test unit failing similarly. Running costs are minimal at about $26.68 yearly for electricity based on 2,000 powered hours. It is a good buy only at $250 or less given the panel failure risk and poor current retail availability.

Common problems and fixes

Horizontal screen lines and intermittent picture loss — reported by owners within 8 months to over two years of use, including RTINGS’ own test unit that failed after 10 months; LG sometimes declares units unrepairable while others receive panel replacements. [1][3][5][6][7][8]
Color flicker and display failure — Best Buy owners report color flicker failures at approximately 8 months and complete screen failure just outside the one-year warranty period. [8]
Dark room contrast and HDR limitations — no local dimming results in gray blacks and poor highlight separation despite DisplayHDR 400 certification, making HDR performance mostly cosmetic. [1][3]
Reflection handling and edge darkening — RTINGS testing found disappointing reflection handling and darkened panel edges, making it unsuitable for rooms with strong windows or users wanting uniform blacks. [3]
No swivel on stand — the included stand provides height adjustment and 90° pivot but no swivel, requiring movement of the heavy base to turn the display toward others. [1][2][3]

Parts and consumables

EAY63032212 power adapter (19V DC/5.79A, 110W) — $151.95 from LG Parts (2026); owners replace only on failure since the included adapter is rated for the monitor’s 65W typical consumption. [12][13][20]
AAN30050801 stand base assembly — $90.85 from Reliable Parts but on backorder (2026); replace only after physical breakage or loss. [15]
EAD65573101 USB 3.0 A-to-B cable (1.8m) — required for USB hub functionality; replace only on loss/damage. [2][12][15]

Yearly running cost

Electricity is the only ongoing cost: $26.68 yearly based on 2,000 powered hours at 65W ($26.00) plus 6,760 hours deep sleep at 0.5W ($0.68), using $0.20/kWh. No filters, batteries or mandatory subscriptions are required. [2]

When it is a good buy

Exceptional value: $250 or less for a confirmed authorized-new unit with full LG warranty, but inspect carefully for screen defects.
Worthwhile considering: $251–$349 if accepting the panel line risk and specifically wanting the IPS response/sRGB accuracy.
Only for specific needs: $350–$449 for buyers specifically wanting this panel’s performance over alternatives.
Unattractive: $450–$599 while better 32-inch 4K alternatives are available.
Poor value: over $600 against newer 4K monitors and QD-OLED options.

Used/open-box: $150–$200 or lower with verified working 60Hz and 144Hz on both DisplayPort and HDMI, plus a dependable return window, given the documented failures and one-year warranty. [1][3][8][9][10][11][19]

Alternatives:

MSI MAG 321CUP (31.5-inch curved VA, 4K, 160Hz) — $399.97 at Micro Center (2026); the better pick for a large 4K gaming screen at a much lower price, if VA contrast and curve suit you better than an IPS panel.
MSI MAG 321UP (31.5-inch QD-OLED, 4K, 165Hz) — $649.99 at Micro Center (2026); the better choice for real HDR blacks and faster pixel response, with OLED static-image burn-in as the tradeoff for text-heavy work.
Gigabyte M32U (31.5-inch 4K 144Hz IPS) — the better choice for two-PC or laptop setups, since it adds USB-C, a built-in KVM and swivel adjustment that this LG lacks. [19][21][22]