ASUS TUF Gaming VG279QM1A 27-inch 280Hz monitor: features and specs

The ASUS TUF Gaming VG279QM1A is a 27-inch Full HD gaming monitor built around a Fast IPS panel with a refresh rate that can be overclocked to 280Hz. It is aimed at fast-paced games, where high frame rates and low motion blur matter more than raw resolution. This page explains what its main specifications mean and what to check for your PC.

Fast IPS and 1920 x 1080

The panel is 27 inches at Full HD (1920 x 1080). IPS panels are generally known for wide viewing angles and consistent colour, and "Fast IPS" refers to versions tuned for quicker pixel response. ASUS lists 100% sRGB coverage, which describes how much of the standard colour range used by most web and game content the screen can show. At 27 inches, 1080p has a lower pixel density than higher-resolution screens, so fine text can look less sharp, but it is also easier for a graphics card to drive at very high frame rates.

280Hz overclocked refresh rate

Refresh rate is how many times per second the picture updates. ASUS says the monitor can be overclocked to 280Hz, compared with the 60Hz typical of office screens. The overclock is a setting you enable, and it only pays off if your graphics card can produce frames that fast, which is mostly the case for esports-style games at moderate settings. The listing gives a 1ms response time.

ELMB Sync and variable refresh rate

Variable refresh rate (VRR) lets the screen match its refresh to the frames your graphics card is producing, avoiding tearing. The monitor supports AMD FreeSync Premium, VESA AdaptiveSync and G-SYNC compatibility, with VRR on by default. ASUS Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync (ELMB Sync) lets motion blur reduction and VRR work at the same time, which ASUS says removes ghosting and tearing. Motion blur reduction modes are often unavailable alongside VRR on other screens, so this is a notable point of the design. Variable Overdrive also adjusts pixel response to the current refresh rate.

HDR10 support

The monitor supports the HDR10 format to enhance bright and dark areas. HDR support on a monitor means it accepts the signal, but the picture quality depends on the panel's peak brightness and contrast, which a standard IPS panel typically offers in a more limited way than dedicated HDR displays. Treat it as a bonus rather than the main reason to choose the screen.

Connections and extras

The box includes a DisplayPort cable, an HDMI cable, an L-shaped screwdriver, a power cord, a quick start guide and a warranty card. The monitor has built-in speakers. For the highest refresh rates, DisplayPort is generally the connection to use; check the manual for which port supports 280Hz. The listing dimensions are 24.2 x 8.4 x 17.9 inches, with a weight of 11.2 lb (about 5.1 kg). A promotional Adobe Creative Cloud offer in the listing has expired.

Who it suits

It suits competitive and fast-action players who prioritize smoothness and responsiveness, and anyone with a graphics card capable of high frame rates at 1080p. It is less suited to people who want maximum sharpness for photo editing or text-heavy work at this size.

What to check before you buy

• Graphics card: confirm your PC can output high frame rates and has a DisplayPort connection for 280Hz.
• Variable refresh: check that your graphics card supports FreeSync or G-SYNC compatible mode.
• Resolution preference: compare 1080p at 27 inches with your desk distance.
• Desk space and mounting: measure the stand footprint, and check the manual if you plan to use a monitor arm.
• Settings: the 280Hz overclock and ELMB Sync need to be enabled in the on-screen menu and graphics driver.

The short version

• A 27-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) Fast IPS gaming monitor, model VG279QM1A.
• Overclockable to 280Hz, with a 1ms response time.
• ELMB Sync, FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC compatible and VESA AdaptiveSync.
• HDR10 support and 100% sRGB, per ASUS.
• DisplayPort and HDMI cables included, plus built-in speakers.

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