ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQM1A 27-inch 260Hz Monitor: features and who it suits

The ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQM1A is a 27-inch gaming monitor with a QHD (2560 x 1440) Fast IPS panel that can be overclocked to a 260Hz refresh rate. It is aimed at fast games where smooth motion matters. Here is what its features mean.

QHD resolution on a Fast IPS panel

QHD gives sharper detail than Full HD on a 27-inch screen, without the heavy graphics demands of 4K. The panel is Fast IPS, which ASUS pairs with a 1ms response time. IPS panels are generally known for wide viewing angles and good colour, and "Fast" variants aim to bring response times closer to those of faster panel types.

What 260Hz means in practice

Refresh rate is how many times per second the screen updates. A 260Hz monitor can show up to 260 frames each second when overclocked, which makes fast motion look smoother and can reduce perceived delay. To benefit, your graphics card needs to produce frames at close to that rate in the games you play. If it doesn't, the monitor simply follows whatever frame rate arrives.

Motion and sync

ASUS Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync (ELMB Sync) lets motion-blur reduction work at the same time as variable refresh rate. ASUS says this removes ghosting and tearing. The monitor lists FreeSync Premium and G-SYNC compatibility, with variable refresh rate enabled by default, along with VESA AdaptiveSync. Variable refresh rate matches the screen to your graphics card's output, which avoids visible tearing and stutter.

HDR

The monitor is DisplayHDR 400 compliant and supports the HDR-10 format. DisplayHDR 400 is the entry level of that certification, so it enables HDR content, though the effect is more modest than on brighter or locally dimmed screens.

What's in the box

The listing says the box contains a DisplayPort cable, an HDMI cable, a USB 3.2 cable, an L-shaped screwdriver, a power cord, a quick start guide and a warranty card. It also mentions a three-year warranty and a promotional Adobe Creative Cloud offer whose validity window has since ended, so don't count on it.

Size and weight

The monitor measures about 24.2 x 8.4 x 17.9 inches with its stand and weighs 11.0 lb as listed.

Who it suits

It suits competitive and fast-paced PC gamers who have a graphics card able to drive high frame rates at 1440p. It can also work as a general-purpose 27-inch monitor for office tasks and media.

What to check before you buy

• Graphics card: check it can output 1440p at the refresh rate you want, over DisplayPort or HDMI.
• Cable and port: ASUS includes a DisplayPort cable; use the connection the manual recommends for the top refresh rate.
• Desk space: check the footprint of the stand.
• Adjustability: the listing doesn't detail the stand; check the specification sheet if you need height or pivot options.
• Wall or arm mounting: check the manual for compatibility.
• Warranty: confirm the terms of the three-year cover.

The short version

• 27-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) Fast IPS gaming monitor with a 260Hz overclock and 1ms response.
• ELMB Sync with FreeSync Premium and G-SYNC compatibility.
• DisplayHDR 400 and HDR-10 support.
• Box includes DisplayPort, HDMI and USB 3.2 cables.
• Listed with a three-year warranty.

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