ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q 23.8-Inch 144Hz IPS Monitor: specs and who it suits

The ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q is a 23.8-inch Full HD IPS gaming monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate. ASUS designed it for fast-paced games, with features to cut motion blur and screen tearing, and a stand that adjusts to your seating position.

IPS panel and resolution

IPS panels typically keep colour and brightness more consistent when you view them from an angle than other common panel types. The VG249Q's resolution is 1920x1080. At 23.8 inches that gives a fairly sharp picture, and it's an easy resolution for most graphics cards to drive at high frame rates.

144Hz, 1ms MPRT and ELMB

The refresh rate of 144Hz means the screen redraws 144 times a second, against 60 on a standard display. In fast games, that shows more frames of movement. The "1ms MPRT" figure is a measure of motion blur: moving picture response time, which describes how long an object stays visible on screen as it moves. It is not the same as grey-to-grey response time, and the two figures shouldn't be compared directly.

ASUS Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) is the company's technology for reducing ghosting and blur, and the listing says it achieves 1ms MPRT. Such backlight strobing features often can't run at the same time as variable refresh, so check the manual for which can be used together.

FreeSync and Shadow Boost

FreeSync lets the monitor adjust its refresh rate to match the frames the graphics card sends, which reduces tearing and choppy frame rates. It is designed for AMD Radeon cards, and some other cards may also support the standard. ASUS also lists Shadow Boost, which it says improves detail in dark areas by brightening those scenes without over-exposing bright ones.

Stand and inputs

The stand has extensive swivel, tilt, pivot and height adjustment, so the screen can be turned to portrait. Inputs are DisplayPort, HDMI and D-Sub. The monitor measures about 14.4 x 21.3 x 7.8 inches (37 x 54 x 20 cm) as listed and weighs 14.3 lb (about 6.5 kg).

Who it suits

It suits players of shooters, racing and other action games who want a compact, quick display with a stand that moves into a comfortable position. It also works as a general desktop monitor. Someone who wants a larger screen or a sharper picture should look at higher resolutions.

What to check before you buy

• Graphics card: check FreeSync compatibility, and which port carries 144Hz.
• Cable: use a cable that supports the refresh rate you want.
• Frame rates: a high refresh rate needs a PC that can produce high frame rates.
• Strobing: read the manual about using ELMB together with FreeSync.
• Space: check the width of your desk and the stand's footprint.
• Mounting: check the VESA pattern in the manual for arms or wall mounts.

The short version

• A 23.8-inch Full HD (1920x1080) IPS gaming monitor.
• 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms MPRT with ELMB motion-blur reduction.
• FreeSync support and Shadow Boost for dark scenes.
• Swivel, tilt, pivot and height adjustment.
• DisplayPort, HDMI and D-Sub inputs.

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