ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ 27-inch WQHD 165Hz Monitor: specs and who it suits

The ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ is a 27-inch gaming monitor with a 2560 x 1440 (WQHD, often called 2K or 1440p) IPS panel and a high refresh rate. It aims to give smooth motion for fast games while keeping text and images sharp. The listing describes this unit as renewed, which is worth keeping in mind.

What WQHD at 27 inches means

At 2560 x 1440, the screen has about 78% more pixels than Full HD. On a 27-inch panel that gives a pixel density many people consider a comfortable middle ground: sharper than 1080p, yet easier for a mid-range graphics card to drive than 4K. IPS panels typically provide wide viewing angles and consistent colour from edge to edge.

Refresh rate and motion

The listing title gives 165Hz (supporting 144Hz), while the feature text says 155Hz overclocked, so check the exact figure for your unit. Either way, a refresh rate above 120Hz makes motion look noticeably smoother than the 60Hz found on standard monitors, provided your PC produces enough frames per second.

ASUS also lists a 1ms response time (MPRT, which measures motion blur). It pairs that with ELMB Sync, ASUS's Extreme Low Motion Blur technology, which the company says works together with Adaptive-Sync to reduce ghosting and tearing.

G-SYNC compatibility and Adaptive-Sync

Adaptive-Sync lets the monitor change its refresh rate to match the frames your graphics card produces, which removes screen tearing and reduces stutter. ASUS lists G-SYNC compatibility, meaning it works with supported NVIDIA graphics cards. Details of how these features combine, and when they can be used together, are in the manual.

HDR10

The monitor supports HDR10, a standard format for high dynamic range content. In general, HDR aims for a wider span of brightness and colour, but the effect depends on the panel's peak brightness and contrast. A monitor that accepts an HDR10 signal does not necessarily match an HDR-focused display, so treat it as a compatibility feature.

Stand and ergonomics

The stand adjusts for height, tilt, swivel and pivot, so you can raise the screen to eye level or turn it to portrait orientation. ASUS also lists Eye Care technology. The monitor measures roughly 20.0 x 24.4 x 8.3 inches including the stand, according to the listing.

Connections

The listing names a DisplayPort 1.2 input and two HDMI 2.0 inputs. For the highest refresh rate at 1440p, DisplayPort is usually the connection to use, though check the manual for which input supports which modes.

Who it suits

It suits PC gamers who want a step up from 1080p, and people who like a larger, sharper workspace with smooth scrolling. It is a monitor only, so you need a PC with a graphics card able to drive 1440p at high frame rates.

What to check before you buy

• Condition: this listing is for a renewed unit, so confirm what that means and what warranty applies.
• Graphics card: check that your GPU can output 1440p at the refresh rate you want.
• Cables: confirm that you have the right DisplayPort or HDMI cable.
• Desk space: a 27-inch stand takes room, so measure your desk.
• Mounting: if you plan to use an arm, check the VESA pattern in the manual.
• Speakers: the listing doesn't mention built-in speakers.

The short version

• A 27-inch WQHD (2560 x 1440) IPS gaming monitor.
• Up to 165Hz (listing also cites 155Hz overclocked), 1ms MPRT and ELMB Sync.
• G-SYNC compatible with Adaptive-Sync, plus HDR10 support.
• Fully adjustable stand with a DisplayPort and two HDMI inputs.
• Listed as renewed.

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