ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ: 27-inch WQHD 155Hz IPS monitor explained

The ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ is a 27-inch gaming monitor with a WQHD (2560 x 1440) IPS panel and a refresh rate of up to 155Hz. It sits between Full HD and 4K in resolution, which makes it a common choice for PC players who want a sharper picture than 1080p without the graphics power that 4K demands. This page explains what the listed terms mean.

What WQHD at 27 inches means

WQHD is 2560 x 1440 pixels, about 78 per cent more pixels than Full HD. On a 27-inch screen that gives roughly 109 pixels per inch, a good balance of sharpness and size for games, documents and photos. Compared with a 1080p screen of the same size, text and fine detail look cleaner, and you get more room on the desktop.

IPS panel

The panel is IPS (in-plane switching). IPS panels typically offer wide viewing angles and more consistent colour from edge to edge than VA or TN types. Contrast ratios are usually lower than on VA panels, so blacks may look less deep in a dark room.

155Hz refresh and 1 ms MPRT

Refresh rate is how many times per second the screen redraws. The listing gives 155Hz with an asterisk, which ASUS typically uses to indicate that the top refresh rate can depend on settings, such as an overclock option in the menu, so check the manufacturer's notes. Higher refresh rates make fast movement look smoother when your graphics card can supply enough frames.

The 1 ms figure is MPRT, or moving picture response time. MPRT describes perceived motion blur, usually with a backlight-strobing feature, and isn't the same as the grey-to-grey response times that some brands quote. ASUS names its motion-blur reduction feature ELMB Sync. Blur-reduction modes of this kind often have conditions, such as a minimum refresh rate or the need to switch other settings off, so check the manual for how it works alongside adaptive sync.

Adaptive sync and G-SYNC Compatible

The monitor supports Adaptive-sync and is listed as G-SYNC Compatible. These features let the screen change its refresh rate to match the graphics card's frame rate, which reduces tearing and stutter. They require a compatible graphics card and cable, and settings must be switched on in the graphics driver.

HDR10

HDR10 support means the monitor accepts HDR signals. A monitor without local dimming and very high peak brightness typically doesn't deliver the dramatic contrast of premium HDR displays, so treat HDR here as a compatibility feature rather than a guarantee of a dramatic picture.

Size and weight

With its stand, the monitor weighs about 12.8 lb. The listing's dimensions are 16 x 10 x 14 inches, which are approximate. Check the exact stand footprint and height range if desk space is tight.

Who it suits

It suits PC gamers on a mid-to-high-end graphics card who play at 1440p, and people who want more desktop space for work. It is less suited to console players who want 4K, or to anyone with a graphics card that can't drive 1440p at a high frame rate.

What to check before you buy

• Graphics card and cables: confirm you can reach 1440p at high refresh over DisplayPort or HDMI.
• Ports: check which inputs the monitor has and which support the top refresh rate.
• Mounting: if you plan a monitor arm, check the VESA pattern in the manual.
• Desk space: check the stand's depth and height adjustment.
• Model listing: the listing's "model" field is unclear, so confirm the model name VG27AQ on the box.

The short version

• A 27-inch WQHD (2560 x 1440) IPS gaming monitor.
• 155Hz refresh rate (see the manufacturer's note on the asterisk) and 1 ms MPRT.
• ELMB Sync, Adaptive-sync and G-SYNC Compatible.
• HDR10 support; about 12.8 lb.
• Best with a graphics card that can drive 1440p smoothly.

Bloiq is reader-supported. Some links may earn us a commission; it never affects what we write. How we make money.