Asus has opened pre-orders for their new 31.5-inch 4k monitor. This pixel-dense beast of a monitor goes by the markedly unremarkable name of PQ321Q, and will run you $3,500---quite a high barrier for entry for average consumers.

Should you choose to drop a load of cash on this immoderate monitor, you'll be one of the first to have a consumer grade 4k display. The PQ321Q was first announced at Computex in May, and features a 3840 x 2160 resolution, which is four times greater than a 1080p monitor. It's not 16:10, but hopefully with that many pixels, we'll finally be able to settle for a 16:9 standard for computer displays.

The PQ321Q boasts a 140ppi pixel density, which doesn't sound high next to numbers from smartphone and tablet displays, but is very impressive when compared to full size monitors. For instance, the similarly sized HP ZR30w 2560 x 1600 30-inch monitor has a pixel density of 101ppi.

Asus used Sharp's IGZO technology, or Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide, for the PQ321Q. IGZO has a number of benefits for display technology, including higher image quality than normal LCDs, with lower power consumption.

IGZO also allows for each transistor in the display to be made much smaller, which in turn allows for higher pixel density (more important for small screens), and reduced overall device thickness. The PQ321Q is 35mm deep at its thickest point, not counting the stand, which Asus says is the thinnest wallmountable 4K display on the market.

As for the rest of the technical specs, the monitor features a 176-degree viewing angle, 10-bit color depth, 350 cd/m2 brightness rating, 8ms GTG response time, and built in speakers. Connect it to your computer or entertainment devices with DisplayPort or through the dual HDMI ports.

The PQ321Q is slated to ship on July 16, and can be pre-ordered today from Amazon, Newegg, or TigerDirect.