ASUS TUF Gaming VG279Q1A 27-Inch 165Hz Monitor: features, specs and who it suits

The ASUS TUF Gaming VG279Q1A is a 27-inch gaming monitor with a Full HD IPS panel and a 165Hz refresh rate. It's built for fast games where smooth motion matters, and it works as an everyday monitor too. Here is what its main features mean.

Full HD at 27 inches with IPS

The resolution is 1920x1080. On a 27-inch screen that's a common choice for gaming, because it asks less from the graphics card, so reaching high frame rates is easier than at higher resolutions. Text is less sharp than on higher-resolution panels at this size. The IPS panel typically offers wide viewing angles and good colour consistency.

165Hz refresh rate

Refresh rate is how many times per second the screen updates. ASUS lists 165Hz, with support for 144Hz. Compared with a standard 60Hz screen, that gives smoother motion in fast games. To benefit, your computer must be able to produce high frame rates, and the display must be set to the higher rate in the operating system.

1ms response and ELMB

ASUS says its Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) technology enables a 1ms response time (MPRT) together with Adaptive-sync to reduce ghosting and tearing. Note that MPRT (moving picture response time) is measured differently from grey-to-grey response times, so don't compare the two numbers directly. ASUS also lists Extreme Low Motion Blur as a feature; check the manual for how ELMB interacts with sync, as these features are not always available at the same time.

FreeSync Premium and Adaptive-Sync

The monitor supports FreeSync Premium, which matches the screen's refresh rate to the frames produced by the graphics card to reduce screen tearing and choppy frame rates. ASUS says it supports Adaptive-Sync with NVIDIA GeForce graphics cards and FreeSync with AMD Radeon cards, so both brands are covered. Check your card's requirements for the connection you plan to use.

Shadow Boost

Shadow Boost brightens dark areas of a scene without over-exposing the bright parts, making detail in dim game environments easier to see.

Connections and what's in the box

Inputs are a DisplayPort (v1.2) and two HDMI (v1.4) ports. The listing says the box contains the power cord and adapter, a 1.8 m HDMI cable, a 1.8 m DisplayPort cable, a warranty card and a quick start guide. As a rule, high refresh rates at this resolution are more reliably available over DisplayPort, but check the manual for the maximum rate on each port.

The monitor measures about 17.9 x 24.2 x 8.4 inches (45.5 x 61.5 x 21.3 cm) and weighs 9.7 lb (about 4.4 kg).

Who it suits

• Gamers who play fast-paced games and want smooth motion.
• Players with a mid-range graphics card who want to reach high frame rates at Full HD.
• Anyone setting up a second screen next to a main monitor.

What to check before you buy

• Graphics card: it needs to produce frames fast enough to use 165Hz.
• Cable: use the supplied DisplayPort cable for the highest refresh rate.
• Stand: check the manual for height and tilt adjustment, and VESA mounting if you plan to use an arm.
• Desk space: about 61.5 cm wide.
• Resolution: Full HD at 27 inches is less sharp than higher resolutions.

The short version

• A 27-inch Full HD (1920x1080) IPS gaming monitor, model VG279Q1A.
• 165Hz refresh rate (supports 144Hz) and 1ms MPRT with ELMB.
• FreeSync Premium and Adaptive-Sync for NVIDIA and AMD cards.
• DisplayPort and two HDMI inputs; cables included.
• About 9.7 lb.

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