ASUS TUF Gaming VG27VQM1B 27-Inch 280Hz Curved Monitor: specs explained

The ASUS TUF Gaming VG27VQM1B is a 27-inch curved gaming monitor with a Full HD (1920 x 1080) panel and a refresh rate of up to 280Hz. It is aimed at fast-paced games where smooth motion and quick response matter more than raw pixel count. Here is what its main specifications mean and what to check before pairing it with a computer.

What 280Hz means

The refresh rate is how many times per second the screen redraws the image. A typical office monitor runs at 60Hz; 280Hz is more than four times that. In fast games, a higher refresh rate generally shows motion in finer steps, which can make quick camera turns look smoother. To benefit, the graphics card has to produce frames at a high rate too, and the difference becomes harder to see once frame rates are well below the monitor's maximum.

1ms response and motion blur

ASUS lists a 1ms (grey-to-grey) response time. That figure describes how quickly a pixel changes from one shade to another, and it is measured under specific conditions, so real-world blur depends on the shades involved. The monitor also includes ASUS Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB), which ASUS says further reduces ghosting and motion blur. Features of this type usually work by pulsing the backlight, so check the manual for any limits on when they can be used alongside other settings.

Variable refresh rate with FreeSync Premium

FreeSync Premium enables variable refresh rate (VRR) by default, according to ASUS. VRR lets the monitor match its refresh to the frames the graphics card is producing, which helps prevent screen tearing. It is supported on most recent AMD graphics cards, and many recent graphics cards from other makers can use adaptive sync over DisplayPort as well. Confirm support for your own card.

A 1500R curve and a 27-inch Full HD panel

The 1500R figure describes the curve: the screen follows a circle with a 1.5-metre radius. That is a fairly gentle curve intended to keep the edges at a more even distance from your eyes. At 27 inches, 1920 x 1080 gives a lower pixel density than higher-resolution panels, so text and fine detail look less sharp than on a 1440p screen of the same size. In exchange, the graphics card has an easier job reaching very high frame rates.

Picture settings

Shadow Boost brightens dark areas without over-exposing bright ones, which ASUS says helps reveal detail in shadows. The listing also cites 90% coverage of the DCI-P3 colour space, a wider gamut than basic office displays typically offer, and the DisplayWidget Center utility for adjusting settings from the desktop.

What's in the box

ASUS lists a DisplayPort cable, an L-shaped screwdriver, a power cord, a quick start guide and a warranty card. The monitor is covered by a 3-year warranty, according to the listing. It measures about 24.0 x 17.9 inches with its stand and weighs 10.8 lb.

Who it suits

It suits competitive players who want high frame rates and fast response, and people with a mid-range graphics card that will reach very high frame rates at 1080p. It is a less natural fit for work that needs lots of screen space or fine detail, such as photo editing.

What to check before you buy

• Your graphics card: make sure it can output 1080p at high refresh rates over DisplayPort.
• Connections: the box includes a DisplayPort cable. Check the ports on your computer.
• Desk space: the stand is about 24 inches wide.
• Resolution: if you need more screen space or sharper text, a higher-resolution model may suit better.
• Settings: the 280Hz rate usually has to be selected in the operating system.

The short version

• 27-inch Full HD curved (1500R) gaming monitor.
• Up to 280Hz, with a 1ms (GTG) response time and ELMB.
• FreeSync Premium with VRR enabled by default; Shadow Boost.
• 90% DCI-P3 and DisplayWidget Center; DisplayPort cable included.
• 3-year warranty and a weight of 10.8 lb.

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