ASUS TUF Gaming VG279Q1R 27-inch 144Hz Monitor: specs and who it suits

The ASUS TUF Gaming VG279Q1R is a 27-inch gaming monitor with a Full HD (1920 x 1080) screen and a 144Hz refresh rate. It is aimed at gamers who want smooth motion in fast games such as shooters, racing, strategy and sports titles. Here is what its main features mean.

What 144Hz changes

Refresh rate is how many times per second the screen redraws. A standard office monitor refreshes 60 times per second; this one refreshes up to 144 times. When your PC can produce enough frames, that makes motion look smoother and can make fast action easier to follow. ASUS says it keeps even fast-paced games at high settings looking smooth and lag-free. The benefit depends on your graphics card actually delivering frame rates well above 60.

Response time and motion blur

ASUS lists a 1ms response time (MPRT) through its Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) technology, used together with Adaptive-sync. MPRT, moving picture response time, is a way of describing perceived blur, and it is measured differently from the grey-to-grey figure. ASUS says ELMB eliminates ghosting and tearing. Check ASUS's documentation for how ELMB is enabled, since motion-blur reduction modes of this kind often have restrictions on other settings.

FreeSync Premium

The monitor supports FreeSync Premium over both DisplayPort and HDMI. Variable refresh rate lets the screen match the frame rate your graphics card produces, which typically reduces stuttering and tearing. ASUS says this also gives low latency. FreeSync is designed for AMD graphics cards, and many other cards can also use adaptive sync, but check your card's documentation.

Panel and image

The 27-inch Full HD panel offers 178-degree viewing angles, according to ASUS. At 27 inches, a 1080p resolution is less sharp than higher-resolution screens, but it is easier for a mid-range graphics card to drive at high frame rates. Shadow Boost brightens dark areas of a scene to show details, without over-exposing bright areas, which can help in dim game environments.

Design and connections

The body is ultra-slim, just 7.5mm at its thinnest point, with a "Turbo Rim" base. The listed ports are one DisplayPort 1.2 and two HDMI (v1.4). The back supports VESA 75 x 75mm wall or arm mounting. ASUS lists the box contents as a DisplayPort cable, HDMI cable, power adapter and power cord. The listing gives a weight of 12.3 lb.

Who it suits

It suits PC gamers with a graphics card that can run games well above 60 frames per second, and players of competitive titles who care about smoothness. It also suits a simple second screen. Those who care about colour work, HDR or high resolution may want to compare other panels, and console owners should check which of their console's modes the HDMI ports support.

What to check before you buy

• Graphics card: confirm it can output 144Hz at 1080p over DisplayPort or HDMI.
• Cable: use DisplayPort or an HDMI cable that supports the refresh rate you want. Check the manual about which input gives 144Hz.
• Desk size: a 27-inch screen needs room; check the stand's footprint and height adjustment.
• Mounting: the VESA 75 x 75mm pattern is a fit for compatible arms.
• Resolution: Full HD at 27 inches is less sharp than higher-resolution screens.

The short version

• A 27-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) gaming monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate.
• 1ms MPRT with ELMB, plus FreeSync Premium over DisplayPort and HDMI.
• Shadow Boost, 178-degree viewing angles and a 7.5mm slim profile.
• One DisplayPort 1.2, two HDMI 1.4 ports and a VESA 75 x 75mm mount.
• DisplayPort and HDMI cables are listed as included.

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