ASUS TUF Gaming VG27VQ3B 27-inch Curved Monitor: specs and who it suits

The ASUS TUF Gaming VG27VQ3B is a 27-inch curved monitor with a Full HD (1920 x 1080) panel, built mainly for fast-paced games. Its main selling points are a 180Hz refresh rate, a 1ms response time and variable refresh rate support. Here is what those numbers mean and what to confirm before choosing it.

What 180Hz means in practice

Refresh rate is how many times per second the screen draws a new image. A typical office monitor runs at 60Hz; at 180Hz the picture updates three times as often. In fast games, that usually means motion looks smoother and the image responds more quickly to your mouse movements. ASUS positions the monitor at competitive players and those who want immersive gameplay.

To benefit, your graphics card has to produce frames fast enough. A computer that manages only 60 frames per second in a given game will not look any smoother on a 180Hz screen, though the extra headroom can still help in lighter titles.

Response time, ELMB Sync and FreeSync

The 1ms (GTG, grey-to-grey) figure describes how quickly a pixel can change from one shade to another. A lower number generally means less ghosting, the faint trails that follow fast-moving objects.

ASUS adds its Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) Sync technology to reduce ghosting and motion blur further. The monitor also supports AMD FreeSync, and ASUS says variable refresh rate is enabled by default. Variable refresh rate lets the screen match the frame rate your computer is delivering, which typically prevents tearing, the horizontal split you sometimes see when the two are out of step.

The 1500R curve and Full HD resolution

A 1500R curvature means the screen follows a circle with a radius of 1,500 mm. The curve brings the edges slightly closer to your eyes, which ASUS says adds to immersion. It is a gentle curve designed for sitting at a desk.

At 27 inches, 1920 x 1080 gives a lower pixel density than higher-resolution panels, so fine text can look less sharp. In return, a Full HD image is far easier for a graphics card to drive at high frame rates, which suits a 180Hz monitor.

Colour and dark scenes

ASUS says the panel covers 90% of the DCI-P3 colour gamut, a wider range than the basic sRGB standard that many everyday screens target. The Shadow Boost feature brightens dark areas to reveal detail without over-exposing the bright parts of the scene, which can help in dim game environments.

What is in the box and size

The package includes a DisplayPort cable, an L-shaped screwdriver, a power cord, a quick start guide and a warranty card. The monitor measures about 24.0 x 7.6 x 17.9 inches (61 x 19 x 45 cm) with its stand and weighs 10.8 lb (about 4.9 kg). ASUS lists a three-year warranty in the title; check the terms that apply where you live.

Who it suits

It suits players who want a fast Full HD screen for shooters, racing or other action games, and people who like a curved panel at a typical desk distance. If you mostly need sharp text for long document work, a higher-resolution display may suit better.

What to check before you buy

• Your graphics card: confirm it can output a high frame rate at 1080p and supports DisplayPort or HDMI at the refresh rate you want.
• Cable and port: the DisplayPort cable is included; check your computer has a matching port.
• Desk space: allow for a stand about 7.6 inches deep and a screen height near 18 inches.
• Mounting: if you plan to use an arm or wall mount, check the VESA details in the manual.
• Promotional offers: any bundled software offer has a stated validity period, so check that it applies.

The short version

• 27-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) curved gaming monitor with a 1500R curve.
• 180Hz refresh rate and 1ms (GTG) response time.
• ELMB Sync and FreeSync with variable refresh rate on by default.
• 90% DCI-P3 coverage and a Shadow Boost mode for dark scenes.
• Comes with a DisplayPort cable, power cord and warranty card.

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