ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ3A 27-inch 1440p 180Hz Monitor: specs explained

The ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ3A is a 27-inch gaming monitor with a QHD (2560 x 1440) IPS panel and a 180Hz refresh rate. ASUS designed it for fast games, with technologies to reduce blur and tearing. This page explains what the main specifications mean and what to check for your own setup.

What QHD at 27 inches gives you

QHD, also called 1440p, has about 78% more pixels than Full HD. On a 27-inch screen, that gives a sharper picture than 1080p, with room for more on screen when you work. It is also a popular middle step because many graphics cards can drive it at high frame rates, where 4K demands considerably more.

Refresh rate and response time

The monitor refreshes 180 times a second, compared with 60 on a standard office display. A higher refresh rate shows motion more smoothly, but only if your computer produces frames that fast. ASUS lists a 1 ms response time, which describes how quickly pixels change colour. Such figures are usually measured under specific conditions, so they are best read as a guide.

The panel and colour

The monitor uses a Fast IPS panel. IPS panels typically offer wide viewing angles and good colour consistency. ASUS rates the colour gamut at 130% sRGB, meaning it can show a wider range than the sRGB standard, though that figure is a measure of the gamut's size, not of colour accuracy. The monitor supports HDR10, which is designed to improve bright and dark areas. The actual HDR effect depends on the panel's brightness and contrast.

ELMB Sync and variable refresh rate

Variable refresh rate (VRR) matches the monitor's refresh to the frames coming from the graphics card, which prevents tearing. This monitor supports AMD FreeSync Premium, is G-SYNC compatible and supports VESA AdaptiveSync, with VRR on by default. ASUS Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync (ELMB Sync) lets motion-blur reduction work at the same time as VRR, which ASUS says reduces ghosting and tearing. Check the manual for supported refresh ranges and any limits on using the features together.

Connections, speakers and size

The monitor offers HDMI and DisplayPort inputs and has built-in speakers. Built-in speakers are convenient but typically basic, so headphones or separate speakers give better sound. The monitor measures about 24.2 x 8.4 x 17.9 inches with its stand and weighs 10.1 lb. In the box are a DisplayPort cable, an L-shaped screwdriver, a power cord, a power adapter, a quick start guide and a warranty card.

Who it suits

It suits gamers who want a sharp, smooth 27-inch screen for competitive or action games, and people who want one monitor for gaming and everyday work. Creative professionals who need accurate colour should check ASUS's specifications and calibration details.

What to check before you buy

• Graphics card: confirm your computer can drive 1440p at high frame rates.
• Ports: match your device to HDMI or DisplayPort; use DisplayPort for the highest refresh rate if the manual advises it.
• Desk space: check the stand's depth and height.
• Mounting: the manual says whether a wall or arm mount is supported.
• Settings: features such as VRR and ELMB Sync are turned on in the on-screen menu.
• Included offers: the listing mentions a software subscription with a validity window that has ended, so don't count on it.

The short version

• A 27-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) Fast IPS gaming monitor with 180Hz refresh and 1 ms response.
• ELMB Sync, FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC compatibility and VESA AdaptiveSync.
• HDR10 support and a 130% sRGB gamut.
• HDMI and DisplayPort inputs, built-in speakers; DisplayPort cable included.
• About 10.1 lb with the stand.

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