ASUS TUF Gaming VG27UQ1A 27-inch 4K 160Hz Monitor: specs and who it suits

The ASUS TUF Gaming VG27UQ1A is a 27-inch 4K gaming monitor with a 160Hz refresh rate. It uses a Fast IPS panel, supports variable refresh rate on both NVIDIA and AMD graphics cards, and ASUS says it can also run 4K at 120Hz from a console over HDMI 2.1.

4K at 27 inches

The resolution is 3840 x 2160, four times the pixels of a Full HD screen. On a 27-inch panel this gives a sharp image, with fine text and detail. The catch is that 4K asks a lot of a graphics card, so reaching high frame rates in recent games typically needs a capable one.

Refresh rate and response time

Refresh rate is how many times per second the picture updates. At 160Hz motion looks smoother than on a standard 60Hz screen, if your graphics card can produce the frames. The listing quotes a 1ms response time and the Fast IPS panel, which is intended to cut ghosting, the faint trails behind moving objects.

ELMB Sync and variable refresh rate

ELMB Sync is ASUS's Extreme Low Motion Blur technology. According to ASUS, it lets motion-blur reduction and variable refresh rate work at the same time, which are normally separate. Variable refresh rate matches the monitor's refresh to the graphics card, preventing screen tearing and stutter. The monitor is described as NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible and AMD FreeSync Premium, with Variable Overdrive tuning.

Reaching 160Hz at 4K

The description mentions Display Stream Compression (DSC), a method that squeezes the signal so more data fits through the cable. It is what makes high refresh at 4K practical over DisplayPort, and it needs a graphics card that supports it. For consoles, the listing says 4K at 120Hz over HDMI 2.1 works without chroma subsampling.

Colour and HDR

ASUS lists 95% DCI-P3 coverage, a wide gamut used in film and many creative workflows, plus HDR support. In general, HDR effects depend on a monitor's peak brightness and local dimming, so check the specifications for HDR level if that is important to you.

In the box and extras

The box contains a DisplayPort cable, an L-shaped screwdriver, a power cord, a quick start guide and a warranty card. ASUS lists a three-year warranty and DisplayWidget software for adjusting settings. No HDMI cable is listed, so a console owner will need to supply one that handles HDMI 2.1.

Size

The listing gives about 24.2 inches wide, 17.9 inches high with the stand, and a weight of 10.6 lb (roughly 4.8 kg).

Who it suits

It suits players with a strong graphics card who want sharp detail and smooth motion, console owners with an HDMI 2.1 console, and people who want one screen for gaming and colour-sensitive work.

What to check before you buy

• Graphics card: confirm it can output 4K at high refresh over DisplayPort, ideally with DSC.
• Cables: use the supplied DisplayPort cable, and supply a suitable HDMI 2.1 cable for a console.
• Desk space: check the width and the stand's height, or the VESA mount if you plan to arm-mount it.
• Scaling: 4K on 27 inches typically needs operating-system scaling for comfortable text.
• HDR expectations: check the details in the manual.

The short version

• 27-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) Fast IPS monitor at 160Hz with 1ms response.
• ELMB Sync, G-SYNC Compatible and FreeSync Premium.
• 95% DCI-P3 and HDR support.
• 4K 120Hz over HDMI 2.1 for consoles, according to ASUS.
• DisplayPort cable included, three-year warranty listed.

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