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ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQL1A 27-inch 1440p monitor: features and specs

A 27-inch WQHD IPS monitor with a 170Hz overclocked refresh rate, 1ms MPRT, ELMB Sync, G-SYNC Compatibility and DisplayHDR 400. What the specs mean.

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The ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQL1A is a 27-inch IPS monitor with a WQHD (2560 x 1440) resolution and a refresh rate of up to 170Hz. It is built for fast games, but a 1440p IPS panel also suits general use and some creative work.

Resolution and panel

WQHD, often called 1440p, has about 78% more pixels than Full HD. On a 27-inch screen that typically means sharper text and more detail. It also asks more of a graphics card, so check that yours can reach high frame rates at this resolution. The panel is IPS, with listed viewing angles of 178° horizontally and 178° vertically, a typical brightness of 350 cd/m² and a 16:9 aspect ratio.

170Hz and 1ms

ASUS lists a 170Hz overclocked refresh rate, with 144Hz also supported. "Overclocked" generally means the extra speed is enabled in the monitor's settings or the graphics driver rather than being the default. The 1ms (MPRT) figure describes motion blur, and ASUS pairs it with ELMB Sync (Extreme Low Motion Blur), which it says works together with G-SYNC Compatibility to eliminate ghosting and tearing.

Who it suits

A 27-inch 1440p screen with a high refresh rate is a common middle ground for people who play fast games but also want room for browsing, documents and video. It fits a single-monitor desk well, and the IPS panel's wide viewing angles mean the picture stays consistent if you sit off-centre. Players of competitive titles who want the highest possible frame rates may prefer a lower resolution, while those who mainly work with text or photos may value the extra sharpness over the refresh rate.

Because the monitor is rated for G-SYNC Compatibility, it is described for use with NVIDIA graphics cards, although variable refresh rate can often work with other cards too, depending on the card and its drivers.

G-SYNC Compatible

G-SYNC Compatible means NVIDIA graphics cards can adjust the monitor's refresh rate to follow the frame rate, so tearing and stutter are reduced. It is a variable refresh rate feature, and compatibility depends on your graphics card and driver version.

HDR and colour

The monitor meets the DisplayHDR 400 certification. At this entry tier, HDR typically brings a modest lift in brightness and contrast, rather than the dramatic highlights of higher tiers. ASUS also quotes 130% sRGB coverage, which describes a wider range than the standard sRGB colour space. Eye care features are also listed.

Connections and size

The monitor has HDMI and DisplayPort inputs. DisplayPort is generally the usual route to the highest refresh rates. The listing gives its dimensions as about 24.2 x 14.4 x 2.0 inches and its weight as 14.6 lb.

What to check before you buy

  • Whether your graphics card can drive 1440p at high frame rates.
  • Whether you will use DisplayPort, and whether your card has it.
  • Whether you need to enable 170Hz in software.
  • Desk space, stand height and tilt, or VESA mounting if you plan to use an arm.
  • How you will use HDR, as DisplayHDR 400 is a basic tier.
  • Which cables are included.

The short version

  • 27-inch WQHD (2560 x 1440) IPS monitor.
  • 170Hz overclocked refresh rate, with 144Hz supported, and 1ms MPRT.
  • ELMB Sync and G-SYNC Compatibility to reduce tearing and blur.
  • DisplayHDR 400 and 130% sRGB.
  • HDMI and DisplayPort inputs.

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