ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCS 27-inch 4K 160Hz Monitor: specs and who it suits

The ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCS is a 27-inch gaming monitor with a 4K (3840 x 2160) Fast IPS panel and a 160Hz refresh rate. It adds a USB-C input, so one cable can connect a suitable laptop or other device. This page explains what the main specifications mean and who they suit.

What 4K at 27 inches looks like

A 27-inch screen at 3840 x 2160 packs the pixels very densely, which makes text, game detail and photos look crisp. The trade-off is that your graphics card has to work harder to render games at 4K, so reaching high frame rates at that resolution typically needs a powerful card. Operating systems also usually scale the interface on a screen like this, so text stays readable.

Refresh rate and response time

Refresh rate is how many times per second the picture updates. At 160Hz, it is well above the standard 60Hz, so fast motion looks smoother, provided the game or graphics card can deliver those frames. ASUS rates the Fast IPS panel at 1ms grey-to-grey (GTG) response, which describes how quickly pixels change colour. Lower figures typically mean less smearing behind moving objects.

ASUS also includes ELMB SYNC (Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync), which it says runs motion-blur reduction together with variable refresh rate, aiming to remove ghosting and tearing. The monitor is described as G-Sync compatible, and variable refresh rate lets the screen follow the graphics card's frame rate to avoid tearing.

Colour and HDR

The panel covers 95% of the DCI-P3 colour gamut, a wide range used in film and many games. ASUS says its grey-scale tracking technology aims for smoother colour gradation and uniformity. The title refers to HDR400, the entry level of VESA's HDR tiers. HDR400 mainly signals support for HDR content rather than a dramatic contrast boost.

Connections and set-up

USB Type-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode lets a compatible laptop or device send video over a single USB-C cable, which keeps the desk neat. A DisplayPort cable is included in the box. ASUS's DisplayWidget Center lets you change monitor settings with a mouse rather than the on-screen buttons. A tripod socket is also listed in the product title.

Size and weight: about 24.2 x 8.6 x 20.2 inches (61 x 22 x 51 cm) with the stand, at 14.5 lb (6.6 kg). In the box: DisplayPort cable, ROG pouch, ROG sticker, power cord, quick start guide and warranty card.

Who it suits

It suits gamers with a strong graphics card who want a sharp 4K image and fast refresh, and people who also use a laptop with USB-C video output for work. It is a less obvious fit for people whose graphics hardware cannot drive 4K smoothly.

What to check before you buy

• Graphics card: confirm that your card can output 4K at the refresh rate you want, and which connector (DisplayPort or HDMI) delivers 160Hz.
• USB-C: check that your laptop's USB-C port supports DisplayPort Alt Mode and how it handles power, since the listing does not describe charging.
• Desk space: measure the stand and your desk depth.
• Panel finish and brightness: consider room lighting and glare.
• Warranty: the title mentions a three-year warranty; check the terms.

The short version

• 27-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) Fast IPS monitor with 160Hz refresh and 1ms GTG response.
• ELMB SYNC with variable refresh rate; G-Sync compatible.
• 95% DCI-P3 colour coverage and HDR support.
• USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode, plus a DisplayPort cable in the box.
• 14.5 lb with the stand.

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