ASUS TUF Gaming VG24VQE 23.6-inch curved 165Hz monitor: specs explained

The ASUS TUF Gaming VG24VQE is a 23.6-inch curved gaming monitor with a Full HD resolution and a refresh rate of up to 165Hz. ASUS designed it for fast-paced games, with a 1500R curve intended to feel immersive on a desk-sized screen. This page walks through what the specs mean and what to confirm about your graphics card and desk.

Size, resolution and curve

The screen is 23.6 inches at 1920 x 1080 (Full HD). At this size, 1080p gives a reasonably sharp image, and it is also a resolution most graphics cards can drive at high frame rates. The 1500R curvature means the screen curves along a circle with a radius of 1500 mm, a fairly tight curve that wraps toward the viewer. On a screen this small the effect is gentle, and it is mostly noticeable at the edges when you sit close.

165Hz and 1ms MPRT

The refresh rate is 165Hz, and ASUS says it also supports 144Hz. A higher refresh rate means the picture updates more times per second than the usual 60Hz, which typically makes fast movement look smoother, provided your PC can produce enough frames. ASUS lists a 1ms response time (MPRT) enabled by Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB). MPRT measures perceived motion blur, and it differs from the grey-to-grey figures that some brands quote, so the two numbers should not be compared directly. ELMB, per ASUS, is aimed at removing ghosting.

FreeSync Premium and Adaptive-Sync

Variable refresh technology lets the monitor adapt to the frame rate your graphics card produces, which removes screen tearing and choppy frames. The monitor supports FreeSync on AMD Radeon cards and Adaptive-Sync on NVIDIA GeForce cards. ASUS lists compatibility with the GeForce GTX 10 series, GTX 16 series, RTX 20 series and newer. It's worth checking your card against that list.

Shadow Boost

Shadow Boost is a setting that brightens dark areas of an image without overexposing bright ones. ASUS says this helps you see detail in dark scenes. It's a matter of taste, as lifting shadows can change how a game's intended mood looks, and it can be switched off.

Ports, mounting and in the box

Connections are DisplayPort (version 1.2) and two HDMI (version 1.4) ports. The box includes a 1.8 m DisplayPort cable, a 1.8 m HDMI cable, a power cord, a power adapter, a warranty card and a quick start guide. The monitor is VESA mountable, so it can go on a compatible monitor arm. The listing gives dimensions of 15.9 x 21.2 x 0.3 inches and a weight of 7.4 lb (about 3.4 kg). Keep in mind that the highest refresh rates typically need DisplayPort or a suitable HDMI setup, so check the manual. A promotional Adobe Creative Cloud offer in the listing has expired.

Who it suits

It suits players who want a smooth, responsive screen for shooters and racing games and who have a mid-range graphics card. It also fits a compact desk, since 23.6 inches is smaller than the popular 27-inch size. It is less suited to people needing high resolution for detailed photo or video work.

What to check before you buy

• Graphics card: confirm it can run Adaptive-Sync or FreeSync and can output games near 144-165Hz.
• Cable and port: use the supplied DisplayPort cable for the highest refresh rate, and check what your PC offers.
• Desk depth: curved monitors can sit differently from flat ones, so measure the stand footprint.
• Mounting: if you plan to use an arm, check the VESA pattern in the manual.
• Console use: check the manual for the refresh rate and resolution your console supports.

The short version

• A 23.6-inch curved (1500R) Full HD gaming monitor, model VG24VQE.
• 165Hz refresh rate, with 144Hz supported, and 1ms MPRT with ELMB.
• FreeSync Premium and Adaptive-Sync for supported graphics cards.
• Shadow Boost, one DisplayPort, two HDMI ports and VESA mounting.
• Cables and power adapter included in the box.

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