ASUS ROG Strix XG32UQ 32-inch 4K Gaming Monitor: specs and who it suits

The ASUS ROG Strix XG32UQ is a 32-inch 4K gaming monitor with a Fast IPS panel and a refresh rate of up to 160Hz. Its HDMI 2.1 input is aimed at current consoles, and its adaptive-sync support is aimed at PC gamers. Here is what the main specs mean in practice.

4K on a Fast IPS panel

The resolution is 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD). On a 32-inch screen, that gives sharp text and fine detail, though it takes a capable graphics card to run recent games at full resolution. Fast IPS is a faster-responding variant of IPS technology; IPS panels typically hold their colours well from wide angles. ASUS lists a 1ms response time.

Refresh rate: 160Hz (overclocked)

ASUS describes the 160Hz figure as an overclock (OC), meaning it's a setting you enable on top of the standard refresh rate. A higher refresh rate gives smoother motion, provided your graphics card can produce enough frames per second.

HDMI 2.1 and consoles

HDMI 2.1 supports far more bandwidth than older versions. ASUS says it allows native 4K at 120Hz without chroma subsampling (4:4:4) on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. The "DSC" in the title refers to Display Stream Compression, a standard way to fit high-resolution, high-refresh signals into the available bandwidth. A PC graphics card also needs to support the relevant standard to use the highest modes, so check your own hardware.

Adaptive sync and Variable Overdrive

The monitor is NVIDIA G-SYNC compatible, and the listing also names FreeSync Premium Pro. Adaptive sync matches the screen's refresh to the graphics card's output to reduce tearing. ASUS says its exclusive Variable Overdrive technology adjusts pixel response to frame rate for tear-free play.

HDR and colour

The monitor is DisplayHDR 600 compliant with a 96% DCI-P3 colour gamut, according to ASUS. DisplayHDR 600 is a mid-level VESA tier with a peak brightness target of 600 nits. It is a step up from non-HDR screens but not the same as the highest tiers.

Stand and connections

ASUS says the stand offers extensive swivel, tilt and height adjustment. The listing also names DisplayPort and USB ports. With its stand, the monitor measures about 11.0 x 28.7 x 18.1 inches (28 x 73 x 46 cm) and weighs 19.6 lb (about 8.9 kg).

Who it suits

It suits people who want a large 4K screen for both a gaming PC and a current console, and who want smoother motion than a 60Hz 4K screen provides. It's best matched with a powerful graphics card.

What to check before you buy

• Graphics power: 4K at high frame rates demands a strong GPU; check what your card can drive.
• Ports and cables: use a certified HDMI 2.1 cable for console 4K 120Hz and a DisplayPort cable for PC.
• Console settings: check your console's output options for 120Hz.
• Desk space: about 73 cm wide with the stand.
• Pixel density: 4K at 32 inches may need display scaling in Windows.
• Included offers: the listing mentions a software trial with expired dates.

The short version

• A 32-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) Fast IPS gaming monitor with up to 160Hz (OC) and a 1ms response time.
• HDMI 2.1 for 4K 120Hz (4:4:4) on PS5 and Xbox Series X, plus DisplayPort and USB.
• G-SYNC compatible, FreeSync Premium Pro and Variable Overdrive.
• DisplayHDR 600 and 96% DCI-P3.
• Adjustable stand; about 19.6 lb.

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