ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQM5A 27-inch 300Hz QHD monitor: specs explained

The ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQM5A is a 27-inch gaming monitor with a QHD (2560 x 1440) Fast IPS panel and a 300Hz refresh rate. It aims at fast-paced games where smooth motion and quick response count, while keeping enough sharpness for everyday desktop work. Here is what the main specs mean.

QHD at 27 inches

QHD, also called 1440p, has about 78% more pixels than Full HD. On a 27-inch screen it is a common sweet spot, because text and game scenes look sharper than at 1080p, and the graphics card has to work less than for 4K. It's worth remembering that a high-refresh monitor only shows its full potential if the computer can produce enough frames per second at this resolution.

What 300Hz and 0.3ms mean

Refresh rate is how many times per second the screen redraws; 300Hz means 300 times. Higher rates typically make motion look smoother and reduce the delay between an action and what you see, and the gains are most noticeable in competitive shooters and racing games. The listing quotes a 0.3ms (GTG, minimum) response time. Response time is how quickly a pixel changes colour, and a "minimum" figure is a best-case measurement, so real-world transitions vary by shade.

Fast IPS panel

IPS panels typically offer wide viewing angles and good colour consistency. ASUS says its Fast IPS technology brings the response speed close to what gamers expect from faster but less colourful panel types. The monitor covers 95% of the DCI-P3 colour space and supports HDR, according to the brand.

ELMB Sync and Shadow Boost

ELMB (Extreme Low Motion Blur) strobes the backlight to reduce blur on fast-moving objects. ASUS says ELMB Sync lets this work together with variable refresh rate, which matches the screen's refresh to the graphics card's output to prevent tearing and ghosting. Strobing techniques can lower brightness, so check how it looks in your own room.

Shadow Boost brightens dark areas of the image to reveal detail, without over-exposing bright areas. It can be useful in dark game scenes.

DisplayWidget Center

DisplayWidget Center is ASUS software that lets you change monitor settings with a mouse, instead of the on-screen buttons. It's a convenience feature for switching profiles or adjusting brightness quickly.

Size, weight and what's in the box

The monitor measures about 24.2 inches wide and 17.9 inches tall including its stand, and weighs 10.1 lb (about 4.6 kg). It includes a built-in speaker. In the box are a DisplayPort cable, a power cord and adapter, a quick start guide and a warranty card, and ASUS lists a three-year warranty.

Who it suits

It suits players of fast competitive games who have a computer capable of high frame rates at 1440p, and people who want a sharper upgrade from a 1080p screen. If you mainly watch films or do colour-critical photo work, other features such as panel type and calibration may matter more.

What to check before you buy

• Graphics card: confirm your computer can drive 1440p at high frame rates, or the 300Hz won't be used.
• Ports: the box includes a DisplayPort cable; check which connections your computer has.
• Desk space: allow for the stand's footprint and height, or check mounting options.
• Variable refresh rate: check your graphics card's compatibility and the settings in the manual.
• Speaker: the built-in speaker is a convenience; headphones or desktop speakers typically sound fuller.
• Warranty: confirm terms in your region.

The short version

• 27-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) Fast IPS panel.
• 300Hz refresh rate and 0.3ms (GTG, minimum) response time.
• ELMB Sync, Shadow Boost and DisplayWidget Center.
• 95% DCI-P3 and HDR support, according to ASUS.
• 10.1 lb, with a DisplayPort cable in the box and a three-year warranty.

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