ASUS ROG Swift PG27AQDM OLED Gaming Monitor: specs and who it suits

The ASUS ROG Swift PG27AQDM is a 26.5-inch OLED gaming monitor with a 2560 x 1440 (QHD) resolution and a 240Hz refresh rate. It is aimed at PC gamers who want fast motion, deep blacks and wide colour, and at creators who want an accurate screen with the same speed.

Why OLED looks different

In an OLED panel each pixel produces its own light, so a pixel can switch off completely to show black. In general, that gives very high contrast and dark scenes that look deeper than on a typical LCD. ASUS describes the PG27AQDM as delivering "the darkest black hues". OLED pixels also change state very quickly, which is the basis of the 0.03 ms response time ASUS quotes.

240Hz, 0.03ms and G-Sync compatibility

Refresh rate is how many times per second the picture updates. At 240Hz the image refreshes 240 times a second, which typically makes fast motion look smoother and more responsive, provided your graphics card can produce frames that quickly. Response time describes how quickly a pixel changes colour, and a very low figure reduces smearing.

The monitor is G-Sync compatible, which ASUS says delivers tear-free gaming. Variable refresh rate matches the screen to the frames your graphics card sends, so the image doesn't tear when the frame rate fluctuates. Video input is by DisplayPort and HDMI, and the box includes both cables.

QHD resolution at 26.5 inches

QHD (2560 x 1440) sits between Full HD and 4K. At this size it gives sharp text and detail while asking less of a graphics card than 4K does, which helps frame rates stay high. The anti-glare micro-texture coating, according to ASUS, reduces reflections for more accurate colours.

Colour and brightness

ASUS rates the panel at 99% DCI-P3, a wide gamut used in digital cinema, with true 10-bit colour and a Delta E below 2 colour difference. A lower Delta E means colours sit closer to their intended values. Peak brightness is listed at 1000 nits, but only across 3% of the screen with HDR on. OLED brightness typically varies with how much of the screen is lit, so full-screen scenes are usually dimmer than small highlights.

Care for the OLED panel

OLED screens can suffer burn-in if a static image is shown for very long periods. ASUS says a custom heatsink and intelligent voltage optimisation help manage heat and reduce the risk of burn-in, and it offers a uniform brightness setting. Its DisplayWidget Center software lets you adjust OLED and monitor settings with a mouse. Follow the manual's guidance on screen savers and static content.

What's in the box

The listing includes a USB 3.0 cable, DisplayPort cable, HDMI cable, power cord and adapter, ROG pouch, ROG sticker, VESA mount kit, colour pre-calibration report, quick start guide and warranty card.

Who it suits

It suits competitive and fast-action gamers with a graphics card able to push high frame rates at 1440p, and creators who value accurate colour. It's less obviously suited to a lightly used office screen or a PC that can't reach high frame rates.

What to check before you buy

• Graphics card: confirm it can output 1440p at high refresh rates over DisplayPort.
• Desk space: about 23.8 x 10.8 x 17.2 inches and 15.2 lb with the stand.
• Mounting: a VESA kit is included if you prefer an arm.
• Usage habits: consider static content such as toolbars and read the burn-in advice.
• Room lighting: the anti-glare coating helps, but bright rooms still affect perceived contrast.
• Promotions in the listing: the bundled software offer is dated, so don't count on it.

The short version

• A 26.5-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) OLED gaming monitor.
• 240Hz refresh rate, 0.03 ms response time and G-Sync compatibility.
• 99% DCI-P3 gamut, true 10-bit colour and 1000 nits peak brightness (3% window, HDR).
• Anti-glare micro-texture coating and burn-in management features.
• DisplayPort, HDMI, VESA mount kit and cables included.

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