ASUS ROG Strix XG309CM 29.5-inch ultrawide gaming monitor: specs

The ASUS ROG Strix XG309CM is a 29.5-inch ultrawide gaming monitor with a 21:9 aspect ratio and a resolution of 2560 x 1080 (WFHD). It combines a Fast IPS panel with a refresh rate of up to 220Hz, and adds USB Type-C and a KVM switch for people who connect more than one computer.

What 21:9 and 2560 x 1080 look like

A 21:9 panel is much wider than a standard 16:9 screen of the same height. The result is more horizontal space for racing, strategy and role-playing games, and for lining up two windows side by side. Because the vertical resolution is 1080 pixels, the picture is like a standard Full HD screen stretched sideways. Not every game supports this ratio natively, so some titles may show black bars or crop the image.

Refresh rate and response time

The monitor is rated at 220Hz as an overclocked refresh rate, meaning it redraws the image 220 times a second. ASUS describes this as designed for fast-paced competitive play. Higher refresh rates only help if your graphics card can produce frames that quickly, and the 220Hz mode may need to be turned on in the monitor's menu. ASUS says its Fast IPS technology reaches a 1ms grey-to-grey response time, which relates to how quickly pixels change colour and so how much smearing appears behind moving objects.

Motion handling and G-SYNC

The monitor is G-SYNC Compatible, which allows variable refresh rate with supported NVIDIA graphics cards so the screen matches the card's frame output and tearing is reduced. ASUS also provides Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync (ELMB SYNC), which it says lets motion-blur reduction work together with variable refresh rate to remove ghosting and tearing. Settings like these usually have trade-offs, such as a dimmer picture, so the manual is worth reading.

HDR

The listing calls this an HDR gaming monitor. HDR support on monitors varies widely, and the listing doesn't give a certification level or peak brightness, so look for those figures on the manufacturer's page if HDR matters to you.

Connections: USB Type-C and KVM

A USB Type-C port is listed, along with a KVM switch. A KVM lets one keyboard and mouse control two connected computers, and ASUS says it handles the two connected devices from a single set. That suits someone with a desktop and a work laptop on the same desk. The listing doesn't give port counts or power delivery details, so check the specifications for exact connectors.

For streamers

A tripod socket for streaming is listed, which gives a place to mount a camera or other gear, though the manual should state the weight it supports.

Size and weight

The monitor measures 10.4 x 27.8 x 14.8 inches including its stand and weighs 16.5 lb (about 7.5 kg). That's a deep desk footprint for the base, so measure the space available.

Who it suits

It suits gamers who want a wide view and a fast panel, and people who share one desk between a gaming PC and a work machine. It's less of an obvious fit for those who want higher resolution for photo or text work.

What to check before you buy

• Graphics card: confirm it can drive 2560 x 1080 at high frame rates and supports adaptive sync.
• Game support: check that your main games handle 21:9.
• Desk space: the width is about 28 inches, so measure first.
• Ports and cables: confirm which video cable and USB connections your devices need.
• Mounting: check whether a wall or arm mount is supported, if you'd prefer one.
• Included extras: the listing mentions a time-limited software offer that has expired.

The short version

• 29.5-inch 21:9 monitor with a 2560 x 1080 Fast IPS panel.
• Up to 220Hz (overclocked) with a 1ms grey-to-grey response time.
• G-SYNC Compatible with ELMB SYNC motion handling.
• USB Type-C, KVM switch and a tripod socket.
• About 16.5 lb with its stand.

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