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ASUS ROG Strix XG256Q 24.5-inch 180Hz Gaming Monitor: specs and fit
A 24.5-inch Full HD Fast IPS gaming monitor with a 180Hz refresh rate, 1ms response, G-Sync Compatible support and DisplayHDR 400. What the specs mean.
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The ASUS ROG Strix XG256Q is a 24.5-inch Full HD gaming monitor built around a fast IPS panel and a 180Hz refresh rate. It is aimed at competitive players who want smooth motion on a desk-friendly screen size. Here is what its main specs mean and what to confirm before choosing it.
What 180Hz and 1ms mean in practice
Refresh rate is how many times per second the screen redraws the picture. ASUS lists the XG256Q at 180Hz (OC), where "OC" indicates the top rate is reached by overclocking the panel in the on-screen menu. A higher refresh rate generally makes fast movement look smoother, but your graphics card has to produce enough frames per second to take advantage of it.
Response time is how quickly a pixel changes colour. ASUS rates it at 1ms grey-to-grey (GTG) using its Fast IPS technology. Quick transitions reduce the smearing behind moving objects. The brand also includes Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB), a feature intended to reduce ghosting and motion blur further.
Fast IPS and Full HD resolution
The screen is 24.5 inches with a 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) resolution. IPS panels typically offer wider viewing angles and more consistent colour than many older gaming panel types, and ASUS positions Fast IPS as combining that look with quick response. At this size, Full HD gives a sharp picture at normal desk distance and is easier on a graphics card than higher resolutions, which is one reason it is common in competitive setups.
Variable refresh rate
The monitor is G-SYNC Compatible, and ASUS says variable refresh rate (VRR) is on by default. VRR lets the screen match its refresh to the frame rate your graphics card is delivering, which reduces tearing, the horizontal "split" you can see during fast movement. The listing also mentions FreeSync in the title, so check which graphics card brands and settings you plan to use.
HDR and colour
The XG256Q meets the DisplayHDR 400 certification. That is the entry tier of the VESA HDR programme, and in general it means higher peak brightness than a standard screen and support for HDR signals, though not the deep contrast of the higher tiers. ASUS also mentions a professional colour gamut.
Ports and what is in the box
Connectivity is DisplayPort 1.2 and two HDMI 2.0 ports. A DisplayPort connection is typically the way to reach the full refresh rate on a PC. The box contains a DisplayPort cable, an HDMI cable, a power cord and adapter, a warranty card, a quick start guide and a ROG pouch.
Stand and mounting
The monitor measures about 9.2 x 21.9 x 15.0 inches with its stand and weighs 11.5 lb (about 5.2 kg). The stand has a tripod socket, which ASUS says lets you mount a webcam or build a second-display or streaming setup.
Who it suits
It suits players of fast-paced games who have a PC able to run those titles at high frame rates, and people who want a compact 24.5-inch screen. It is a Full HD monitor, so it is not designed for the extra desktop space of larger or higher-resolution screens.
What to check before you buy
- Your graphics card: check it can output close to 180 frames per second in the games you play, and has a DisplayPort or HDMI output.
- Desk space: confirm the stand's footprint and height suit your desk.
- VRR support: check your graphics card's G-Sync or FreeSync compatibility and settings.
- Console use: HDMI 2.0 supports different maximum refresh rates from DisplayPort, so check your console's output.
- Overclock setting: the 180Hz mode is enabled in the monitor's menu.
- Bonus offers: the listing mentions a software promotion with a limited validity period, so check whether it still applies.
The short version
- 24.5-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) Fast IPS gaming monitor.
- 180Hz (OC) refresh rate and 1ms GTG response, with ELMB for less motion blur.
- G-SYNC Compatible with VRR on by default; DisplayHDR 400 certified.
- DisplayPort 1.2 and two HDMI 2.0 ports, cables included.
- Tripod socket on the stand for a webcam or extra display.
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