ASUS ROG Strix XG259CMS 24.5-Inch 310Hz Gaming Monitor: specs and who it suits

The ASUS ROG Strix XG259CMS is a 24.5-inch gaming monitor built around speed: a 310Hz refresh rate, a 1ms response time and a Fast IPS panel at 1920 x 1080 resolution. It is aimed at players of fast competitive games who want smooth motion, and it adds a USB-C input for a tidier desk. Here is what the main specs mean in practice.

What 310Hz and 1ms mean on screen

Refresh rate is how many times per second the screen redraws. A typical office monitor runs at 60Hz; at 310Hz the image updates roughly five times as often, which makes fast movement look smoother and reduces the lag between what the game renders and what you see. ASUS describes the 310Hz figure as an overclocked (OC) rate, so check the on-screen menu and the graphics settings on your PC to confirm it is switched on.

The 1ms figure is grey-to-grey (GTG) response time: how quickly a pixel can change from one shade to another. Brand-quoted GTG numbers are measured under favourable conditions, but a low number generally means less smearing behind moving objects.

Fast IPS and colour

The panel uses what ASUS calls Fast IPS technology. IPS panels typically offer wider viewing angles and more consistent colour than many other panel types, and the "fast" label refers to the quicker response times. ASUS lists 110% sRGB coverage and says its grey-scale tracking gives smoother colour gradation and uniformity. The monitor is also HDR400-rated in its listing, which is an entry-level HDR tier, so expect a modest effect compared with brighter dedicated HDR displays.

Tearing, ghosting and motion blur

The monitor is G-SYNC Compatible, meaning it can match its refresh rate to the frame rate of a supported graphics card to avoid tearing and stutter. ASUS also includes Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync (ELMB SYNC), which it says works together with variable refresh rate to reduce ghosting and tearing. Motion-blur reduction modes of this kind often trade off some brightness, so it is worth trying them with your own games.

USB-C and setup

A USB Type-C port with DisplayPort Alt Mode lets a compatible laptop or device send video over a single cable. Whether it also charges your device depends on the port, which the listing does not detail, so check the manual. The box includes a DisplayPort cable, power cord and adapter, a ROG pouch, a sticker, a quick start guide and a warranty card. DisplayWidget Center is ASUS software that lets you change monitor settings with a mouse instead of the on-screen buttons. The monitor also has a tripod socket and a three-year warranty, as listed.

Who it suits

At Full HD on a 24.5-inch screen, it suits players of fast-paced competitive games who prioritise frame rate over resolution. It also asks less of a graphics card than a 1440p or 4K display would, though reaching very high frame rates still depends on your whole system.

What to check before you buy

• Your PC's output: confirm that your graphics card can drive a high refresh rate and has a DisplayPort or suitable USB-C output.
• Frame rates: a 310Hz screen only shows its full benefit when your games run at very high frame rates.
• USB-C features: check whether your laptop supports video over USB-C and whether power delivery is included.
• Desk space: check the stand's adjustments and the monitor's size against your desk.
• What's in the box: the listing names a DisplayPort cable; you may need other cables for different setups.

The short version

• A 24.5-inch, 1920 x 1080 Fast IPS gaming monitor with a 310Hz (OC) refresh rate and 1ms GTG response.
• G-SYNC Compatible, with ELMB SYNC motion-blur reduction and HDR400.
• USB Type-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode, plus DisplayWidget Center software.
• Includes a DisplayPort cable, a tripod socket and a three-year warranty.
• Best suited to competitive players who value speed over resolution.

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