ASUS TUF Gaming VG249QL3A 180Hz Monitor: features, specs and who it suits

The ASUS TUF Gaming VG249QL3A is a 23.8-inch Full HD gaming monitor with a 180Hz refresh rate and a Fast IPS panel. It's built for people who play fast games and want smooth motion, with adaptive sync, built-in speakers and a stand that adjusts in height.

Fast IPS, 180Hz and 1ms

Fast IPS is a type of IPS panel tuned for quicker pixel response than standard IPS, while keeping the wide viewing angles and colour consistency IPS is known for. The refresh rate is 180Hz, three times the 60Hz of a typical monitor. To make use of it, your computer or console has to produce frames that fast, so check what your hardware can output at 1080p.

The listed response time is 1ms (GTG, or grey to grey), which is the brand's figure for pixel transitions and is usually measured under favourable settings. The panel covers 99% of the sRGB colour gamut, which ASUS says gives accurate colour and contrast for games and general use.

Reducing motion blur: ELMB

ASUS Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) is a backlight strobing feature that aims to cut ghosting and motion blur further. Strobing features of this kind typically involve trade-offs, such as lower brightness, and some can't be combined with adaptive sync. Check the manual to see which combinations the monitor allows.

Variable refresh rate

The monitor supports AMD FreeSync Premium, is G-SYNC compatible and supports VESA AdaptiveSync. Each lets the screen match the frame rate of the graphics card, which removes tearing and reduces stutter. ASUS says variable refresh rate is on by default. Compatibility depends on your graphics card and connection, so check that against your own computer.

Shadow Boost

Shadow Boost brightens dark areas of the image to reveal detail without over-exposing bright areas. This is useful in games with dark scenes, though it changes how the picture looks, so some people leave it off for films or colour-critical work.

Connections, speakers and stand

The monitor has DisplayPort and HDMI inputs, and the box includes both cables. It also has built-in speakers, which are fine for convenience but typically no match for a headset or dedicated speakers. The stand adjusts in height, and ASUS gives the unit's size as 21.2 x 8.1 x 15.9 inches with a weight of 11.9 lb. Check the manual for tilt, swivel and wall mounting options.

In the box

You get a DisplayPort cable, an HDMI cable, an L-shaped screwdriver, a power cord, a warranty card and a quick start guide. ASUS lists a three-year warranty. A promotional Adobe Creative Cloud trial is mentioned, but its validity dates have passed.

Who it suits

It suits gamers who play first-person shooters, racing games and other fast titles at 1080p, and people with a capable graphics card who want more than 60Hz. If you want higher resolution for work or photo editing, a monitor with more pixels might suit better.

What to check before you buy

• Graphics card: confirm it can drive 180Hz at 1080p in your games.
• Connection: to reach the top refresh rate you may need DisplayPort; check the manual for what HDMI supports.
• Desk fit: around 21 inches wide and nearly 16 inches tall on the stand.
• Variable refresh rate: check your GPU's FreeSync or G-SYNC support.
• Audio: decide if built-in speakers will do or if you'll use headphones.
• Colour needs: 99% sRGB suits general use, but not wide-gamut professional work.

The short version

• 23.8-inch Full HD Fast IPS monitor with 180Hz and 1ms GTG.
• ELMB for reduced motion blur; Shadow Boost for dark scenes.
• FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC compatible and AdaptiveSync.
• 99% sRGB, built-in speakers and a height-adjustable stand.
• DisplayPort and HDMI cables included, with a three-year warranty.

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