ASUS ROG Strix XG49VQ 49-inch Curved Gaming Monitor: features and specs

The ASUS ROG Strix XG49VQ is a 49-inch super ultra-wide curved gaming monitor. Its 3840 x 1080 screen is effectively two Full HD displays in one panel, so it fills your field of view with a single wide picture and no bezel in the middle. Here is what its specifications mean.

Dual Full HD and the super ultra-wide shape

ASUS calls the resolution DFHD, short for dual Full HD: 3840 pixels across and 1080 high, a 32:9 shape. In practice it is like two 16:9 monitors side by side. That suits racing and flight simulators, open-world games and strategy titles that benefit from a wide view. For work, it can show two documents or windows next to each other, or a long video timeline.

Pixel height stays at 1080, so the image is less sharp than on a monitor with more vertical pixels at the same size. And not every game or video supports 32:9, so some content shows black bars at the sides or stretches unless you adjust settings.

The 1800R curve

The curve is 1800R, which means the screen follows a circle with a radius of 1,800 mm. The sides of such a wide panel curve toward you, so the edges are at a more even distance from your eyes. It is a fairly gentle curve and is meant to be used at a normal desk distance.

144Hz and FreeSync 2 HDR

The refresh rate is 144Hz, so the picture updates 144 times per second, which makes motion smoother than a common 60Hz screen if your computer can produce those frame rates. The monitor supports AMD FreeSync 2 HDR, a variable refresh rate technology that matches the screen to the graphics card to reduce tearing and stutter. NVIDIA cards may also use adaptive sync with compatible monitors, so check ASUS's compatibility details.

Colour and HDR

The panel is DisplayHDR 400 certified and covers 90% of the DCI-P3 colour space, a wide gamut used in cinema. DisplayHDR 400 is the entry level of VESA's HDR certification, so high-dynamic-range content will look different from standard content, but not as dramatic as on screens with higher HDR tiers. GameVisual provides colour presets for different game types, and GamePlus adds overlays such as crosshairs and timers.

Connections, stand and mounting

Connections are DisplayPort and HDMI. The stand adjusts for swivel, tilt and height, and the monitor has a VESA mount. The listing gives its dimensions as 20.0 x 46.0 x 13.0 inches and its weight as 21.4 lb (about 9.7 kg). ASUS also lists its Eye Care technology, with flicker-free backlighting and blue light filters, as display features.

Who it suits

It suits gamers who want an immersive wide view, simulation fans, and people who want a single screen to replace a two-monitor setup. It is less suited to small desks or anyone who needs very high pixel density.

What to check before you buy

• Desk space: at about 46 inches wide, check that it fits your desk and that you have a sturdy surface.
• Graphics card: driving 3840 x 1080 at 144Hz needs a capable card and the right cable (DisplayPort is typically used for the highest refresh rate).
• Game support: confirm that the games you play support 32:9.
• Adaptive sync: check compatibility with your graphics card brand.
• Viewing distance: a large curved panel works best when you sit a comfortable distance away.

The short version

• A 49-inch, 3840 x 1080 super ultra-wide monitor with an 1800R curve.
• 144Hz refresh rate with FreeSync 2 HDR, DisplayHDR 400 and 90% DCI-P3.
• DisplayPort and HDMI inputs, swivel, tilt and height adjustment, and VESA mounting.
• GameVisual and GamePlus tools for gaming.

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