ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQA1A 27-inch 1440p monitor: specs and who it suits

The ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQA1A is a 27-inch gaming monitor with a QHD (2560 x 1440) resolution and a refresh rate that can be overclocked to 170Hz. It is meant for gamers who want a sharper picture than 1080p and smoother motion than a standard office display. Here is what its main specifications mean.

What QHD means at 27 inches

QHD, also called 1440p, has 2560 x 1440 pixels, noticeably more than Full HD's 1920 x 1080. At 27 inches it is typically regarded as a good balance: text and game detail look sharper than on a 1080p screen of that size, and the graphics card has less work to do than at 4K. Your graphics card still needs to be capable of driving 1440p at high frame rates.

170Hz and 1ms explained

Refresh rate is how many times the screen redraws per second. ASUS says this monitor supports 144Hz and can be overclocked to 170Hz, usually through the on-screen menu and a compatible graphics card. Higher refresh rates make fast motion look smoother, provided the game produces enough frames.

The 1ms figure is an MPRT (moving picture response time) measurement, which is a different method from grey-to-grey response time and usually gives a lower number. ASUS also lists Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) technology to further reduce ghosting and blur.

FreeSync Premium and HDR

AMD FreeSync Premium enables variable refresh rate (VRR) by default. VRR lets the monitor match its refresh rate to the frames the graphics card is producing, which reduces screen tearing and stutter. ASUS says the monitor supports the HDR10 format to improve bright and dark areas. HDR on monitors varies a lot between models and usually depends on peak brightness, so treat it as a supported format rather than a guarantee of cinema-style contrast.

Connections and extras

The monitor has one DisplayPort 1.2 input and two HDMI 2.0 inputs. Built-in speakers are included, which are handy for basic audio but are typically less capable than a headset or desktop speakers. The listing also mentions Shadow Boost, which brightens dark areas of the picture in games, and an Eye Care feature set.

In the box and size

The box contains a DisplayPort cable, a power cord and adapter, a warranty card and a quick start guide. The monitor measures about 17.9 x 8.4 x 24.2 inches including the stand and weighs 10.2 lb.

Who it suits

It suits PC gamers who want a 1440p screen with a high refresh rate and adaptive sync, and people who want a bigger and sharper desktop for general work alongside gaming.

What to check before you buy

• Graphics card: confirm your card can drive 1440p at the frame rates you want, and which refresh rates its outputs support.
• Cables and ports: use the DisplayPort cable in the box for the highest refresh rates; check your console or other devices against the HDMI 2.0 inputs.
• Desk space: measure for the stand's footprint and the monitor's height.
• Mounting: check the manual for stand adjustments and wall-mount compatibility.
• Bundled offers: the software offer in the listing carries an expired validity window, so don't count on it.

The short version

• 27-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) screen, 170Hz overclock (144Hz supported).
• 1ms MPRT response time with ELMB motion-blur reduction.
• FreeSync Premium and HDR10 support.
• One DisplayPort 1.2 and two HDMI 2.0 inputs, plus built-in speakers.
• DisplayPort cable, power cord and quick start guide in the box.

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