ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q1A 24-inch 165Hz Monitor: specs and who it suits

The ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q1A is a 23.8-inch Full HD gaming monitor. It uses an IPS panel and a 165Hz refresh rate, and it is aimed at players who want smooth motion on a desk-sized screen without going to a higher resolution.

What 165Hz and 1ms mean in practice

Refresh rate is how many times per second the screen redraws. ASUS lists 165Hz (overclocked, with support for 144Hz). A computer needs to produce frames that quickly to benefit, so a capable graphics card matters as much as the monitor. Compared with a 60Hz screen, higher rates typically make fast movement and mouse motion look smoother.

The 1ms figure is an MPRT (moving picture response time) value, achieved with ASUS Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB). ASUS says this reduces ghosting. MPRT is measured differently from grey-to-grey response times, so the two numbers are not directly comparable. ELMB is usually a mode you switch on in the on-screen menu.

Adaptive sync

The monitor supports FreeSync Premium, which lets the screen change its refresh rate to match the frame rate coming from the graphics card, reducing tearing and stutter. ASUS also states support for Adaptive-Sync with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 10 series, GTX 16 series, RTX 20 series and newer cards, and FreeSync with AMD Radeon graphics cards.

The panel and picture settings

The screen is 1920 x 1080 IPS. IPS panels are known for wide viewing angles and consistent colour when seen from the side. Shadow Boost is ASUS's setting that brightens dark areas of a scene without over-exposing bright ones, which can help show detail in dim game environments.

Connections and mounting

There are two HDMI ports (version 1.4) and one DisplayPort 1.2. HDMI 1.4 has lower bandwidth than newer versions, so check which port supports the full refresh rate; DisplayPort is generally the usual choice for high refresh rates. A DisplayPort cable is included. The monitor is VESA mountable (100 x 100 mm), so it can go on a monitor arm or wall mount. The power supply accepts 100-240V.

In the box

The listing names a DisplayPort cable, power cord and adapter, warranty card and quick start guide. It also mentions a 3-month Adobe Creative Cloud offer, valid from 9/1/2023 to 8/31/2025, which has now passed.

Who it suits

It suits players of fast-paced games on a desk who want a smooth 24-inch display, and anyone building a multi-monitor setup who prefers a compact size. It is also suitable for everyday work where a Full HD IPS screen is enough.

What to check before you buy

• Your graphics card: confirm it can produce high frame rates at 1080p and has a DisplayPort output.
• Resolution: Full HD at 23.8 inches is sharp enough for many, but check against your preference.
• Desk space: the listing gives 15.5 x 21.3 x 6.9 inches (about 39 x 54 x 18 cm) and 7.6 lb.
• Mounting: the VESA pattern is 100 x 100 mm.
• Audio: most monitor speakers are modest; plan on headphones or speakers if sound matters.

The short version

• A 23.8-inch Full HD IPS gaming monitor at 165Hz (supports 144Hz).
• 1ms MPRT with ELMB, FreeSync Premium and Adaptive-Sync for NVIDIA cards.
• Two HDMI 1.4 ports, one DisplayPort 1.2 and VESA 100 x 100 mm.
• Shadow Boost brightens dark scenes.
• DisplayPort cable and power adapter in the box.

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