ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ1A 27-inch 1440p 170Hz Monitor: specs and uses

The ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ1A is a 27-inch gaming monitor with a QHD (2560 x 1440) IPS panel and a 170Hz refresh rate. It sits between 1080p and 4K, a resolution many players find a sensible fit for a 27-inch screen.

Why 1440p at 27 inches

At 2560 x 1440 on a 27-inch panel, pixel density is about 109 pixels per inch. Images are typically noticeably sharper than on a 1080p screen of the same size, while the graphics card does less work than at 4K. That makes high frame rates easier to reach, which matters because a 170Hz refresh rate is only useful if the game can keep up.

Refresh rate and motion

ASUS lists 170Hz, with support for 144Hz. A higher refresh rate means more frames shown each second and smoother motion, especially in fast games. The monitor also has ASUS Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB), which ASUS says eliminates ghosting and tearing, and the model is described with a 1ms response time. ELMB works by strobing the backlight, so it is often not usable at the same time as variable refresh rate; check the manual for how the two modes interact.

Tear-free gaming

The monitor is G-SYNC Compatible, with variable refresh rate (VRR) enabled by default. ASUS says it supports Adaptive-Sync with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 10 series, GTX 16 series, RTX 20 series and newer cards, and FreeSync with AMD Radeon cards. Variable refresh lets the screen match the frame rate your GPU produces, which prevents tearing and reduces stutter.

Display features

The IPS panel is typically valued for good colour and wide viewing angles. Shadow Boost brightens dark areas of an image without over-exposing bright areas, which can make details in dim game scenes easier to see. ASUS also lists TÜV Rheinland-certified flicker-free and low blue light technologies, and a stand that tilts and swivels. The monitor is VESA mountable for arms and wall mounts, and has a built-in speaker.

Connections

Ports are two HDMI 2.0 inputs and one DisplayPort 1.2. HDMI 2.0 can limit the top refresh rate at 1440p on some setups, so DisplayPort is typically the safer choice for reaching the full 170Hz.

Who it suits

It suits PC gamers who want a step up in sharpness from 1080p without the graphics demands of 4K. It also works for general desktop use, thanks to the extra screen space.

What to check before you buy

• Graphics card: confirm it can drive 1440p at the frame rates you want, and that it supports the adaptive sync type you will use.
• Cable: use DisplayPort for the highest refresh rate.
• Space: the listing gives about 24 inches wide and 18 inches tall with the stand, at 11.9 lb.
• Mounting: check the VESA pattern if you plan to use an arm.
• Sound: many gamers use headphones or separate speakers rather than a built-in speaker.

The short version

• 27-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) IPS panel at 170Hz (supports 144Hz).
• ELMB with a 1ms response time; G-SYNC Compatible, with FreeSync support on AMD cards.
• Shadow Boost, flicker-free and low blue light certification, tilt and swivel stand.
• Two HDMI 2.0 ports, one DisplayPort 1.2, a speaker and VESA mounting.

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