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Full HD might have been the sweet spot for a gaming monitor a few years ago, but things have moved on. Now, a lot of graphics cards can comfortably handle higher resolutions, and 2,560 x 1,440 has become a more sensible mainstream option. But you still want high refresh ability and adaptive sync. Enter the ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ. This 27in screen offers a 2,560 x 1,440 resolution, 165Hz and FreeSync adaptive sync that is certified NVIDIA G-Sync Compatible.
The ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ cuts few corners with its core specification. The panel type is IPS, which usually majors on colour accuracy. This supplies the habitual 350cd/m2 brightness and 1,000:1 contrast of IPS. ASUS only quotes the MPRT pixel response of 1ms, probably because IPS doesn't fare so well with grey-to-grey response readings compared to TN. The jewel in the crown is the 165Hz refresh, although this is with overclocking enabled, and 144Hz is the un-overclocked maximum.
ASUS is a bit coy about what adaptive synchronisation is supported, but this appears to be a FreeSync 2 screen that is officially on NVIDIA's G-Sync Compatible list, so will provide adaptive sync with AMD or NVIDIA graphics cards. The screen also supports HDR-10.
There's plenty of adjustability, with swivel, tilt, height, and even pivoting into portrait available. The video inputs include two HDMI and DisplayPort, with an analog output for audio plus built-in 2W stereo speakers. The one thing you don't get is a USB hub.
This is a bit of a disappointment considering that this screen costs close to £500. But with a very promising specification in every other respect, this is still a gaming screen with plenty of potential. Read on to see how it performs.
Specification:
- Screen size: 27-inch, 16:9 aspect
- Native resolution: 2,560 x 1,440
- Refresh rate: 144Hz (165Hz overclocked)
- Panel type: IPS
- Contrast ratio: 1,000:1 (typical)
- Brightness: 350cd/m2
- Response time: 1ms MPRT
- Display inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.2
- USB hub: No
- Tilt: 5 degrees forward, 35 degrees backward
- Raise: 130mm
- Swivel: 90 degrees left and right
- Portrait: Yes
- Other: Audio output, 2 x 2W speakers
Retail Price: £484.99 (inc. VAT)
