ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQ-W 27-inch 170Hz QHD Gaming Monitor: specs and fit

The ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQ-W is a 27-inch gaming monitor with a 2560 x 1440 (QHD) FastIPS panel and a refresh rate of up to 170Hz. It is aimed at people who want a sharper picture than Full HD while keeping motion smooth in fast games. Here is what the main specs mean in everyday use.

What QHD at 27 inches gives you

QHD, also called 1440p, packs 2560 x 1440 pixels into the screen. On a 27-inch panel that is a common pairing, because text and game detail look noticeably crisper than on a Full HD screen of the same size, and there is more room on the desktop for windows. It also asks less of a graphics card than 4K does, which is why many gamers choose it as a middle step.

Refresh rate and response time

The refresh rate is how many times per second the picture updates. ASUS lists 170Hz (overclocked), compared with 60Hz on a typical office monitor. Higher refresh rates generally make fast motion look smoother, provided your computer can produce enough frames per second to use them.

Response time describes how quickly a pixel changes colour. ASUS says its FastIPS technology reaches 1ms (grey to grey), which is intended to reduce smearing in fast scenes while keeping the wide viewing angles IPS panels are known for.

G-SYNC Compatible and ELMB SYNC

The monitor is certified as G-SYNC Compatible, with variable refresh rate (VRR) on by default. VRR lets the screen match the rate at which the graphics card delivers frames, which typically reduces the tearing you see when the two fall out of step. G-SYNC Compatible is designed for NVIDIA graphics cards, and VRR over a DisplayPort connection is generally also usable with other cards that support it.

ASUS also lists Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync (ELMB SYNC), which it says allows motion-blur reduction to run together with G-SYNC Compatible to limit ghosting and tearing.

Colour and HDR

ASUS says the panel covers 95% of the DCI-P3 colour gamut and carries DisplayHDR 400 certification. DCI-P3 is a wider range of colours than standard sRGB, which matters for video and photo work as well as games. DisplayHDR 400 is the entry level of the HDR certification scheme, so expect a modest improvement in contrast and brightness rather than the dramatic effect of higher tiers. The box includes a colour calibration report.

Connections and what's in the box

The monitor has one DisplayPort 1.2 input and two HDMI 2.0 inputs. The box contains a DisplayPort cable, an HDMI cable, a USB cable, the power cord and adapter, ROG stickers, the calibration report, a warranty card and a quick start guide.

What to check before you buy

• Your graphics card: it needs to be capable of QHD output at high frame rates for the 170Hz figure to matter.
• Which port you will use. The 170Hz overclocked mode is normally reached over DisplayPort, and HDMI 2.0 may limit the maximum refresh rate, so check the manual for the supported modes.
• Desk space and the stand: the listing gives a shipping weight of about 19 lb (8.6 kg), so check your desk or arm can take it.
• Whether the white finish suits your setup.
• Operating system settings: you will need to switch the refresh rate to 170Hz in your display settings after connecting.

The short version

• A 27-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) FastIPS gaming monitor, model XG27AQ-W.
• Refresh rate up to 170Hz (overclocked) with a 1ms grey-to-grey response time, according to ASUS.
• G-SYNC Compatible with ELMB SYNC, DCI-P3 95% and DisplayHDR 400.
• One DisplayPort 1.2 and two HDMI 2.0 inputs, with cables included.

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