ASUS TUF Gaming VG259Q3A 24.5-inch 180Hz Monitor: specs and who it suits

The ASUS TUF Gaming VG259Q3A is a 24.5-inch (viewable) Full HD gaming monitor with a Fast IPS panel and a 180Hz refresh rate. It targets players who want smooth motion on a desk-sized screen, and it bundles in speakers and both of the cables most graphics cards need.

What 180Hz and 1ms mean

Refresh rate is how many times per second the screen redraws. A standard office monitor runs at 60Hz; at 180Hz the picture updates three times as often, which typically makes fast motion in shooters and racing games look smoother and reduces the lag between your input and the image. To benefit, your PC has to produce frames that fast.

The 1ms (grey-to-grey) response time is how quickly a pixel changes colour. Shorter times usually mean less smearing behind moving objects. ASUS also lists Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) technology, designed to cut ghosting and blur further. Brands usually quote the 1ms figure under the most favourable settings, so real-world behaviour varies with the mode used.

Fast IPS colour and sharpness

IPS panels are known for wide viewing angles and consistent colour when seen from the side. ASUS lists coverage of 99% of the sRGB colour space, the standard used for most web content and games, so colours should look close to what the content creators intended.

The resolution is 1920 x 1080. On a screen of roughly 24 to 25 inches, that is a common balance between sharpness and the graphics power needed to hit high frame rates.

Adaptive sync and image tools

The monitor supports AMD FreeSync, which matches the screen's refresh to the frame rate your graphics card produces. This helps prevent tearing, the horizontal split lines that show up when the two are out of step. Variable Overdrive is also listed, which adjusts pixel response to suit the refresh rate in use.

Shadow Boost brightens dark areas of the picture to reveal detail without over-exposing bright parts, which some players find useful in dim game scenes.

Speakers, ports and power

Built-in 1.5W stereo speakers are included for casual use, though most players still prefer headphones or a separate audio system. The box includes a DisplayPort cable, an HDMI cable, a power cord and a quick start guide. ASUS lists power use under 18W in operation and under 0.3W when off, with a 100-240V, 50/60Hz supply. The monitor measures roughly 22.0 x 15.3 x 7.0 inches including its stand and weighs 7.9 lb (about 3.6 kg).

Who it suits

It suits gamers building or upgrading a PC who want a high refresh rate at Full HD, and people setting up a second screen at a desk. Those who work with large spreadsheets or detailed photo editing may want a higher resolution.

What to check before you buy

• Graphics card: make sure your GPU can output the frame rates you want at 1080p, and has a DisplayPort or HDMI output.
• Refresh setting: high refresh rates may need to be switched on in your operating system's display settings.
• Desk space: check the depth and height of the stand against your desk.
• Mounting: check the manual for compatible wall-mount or arm options if you need one.
• Console use: check which refresh rates your console supports over HDMI.

The short version

• 24.5-inch (viewable) Full HD Fast IPS monitor.
• 180Hz refresh rate and 1ms (GTG) response time, with ELMB.
• 99% sRGB coverage, FreeSync, Variable Overdrive and Shadow Boost.
• Two 1.5W speakers; DisplayPort and HDMI cables included.
• Power use under 18W while running.

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