ASUS TUF Gaming VG27WQ1B 27-Inch Curved Monitor: specs and who it suits

The ASUS TUF Gaming VG27WQ1B is a 27-inch curved monitor with a 2560 x 1440 (WQHD, or 1440p) resolution and a refresh rate of up to 165Hz. It is made for fast-paced games, where smooth motion and low blur matter. Here is what the main specs mean.

Resolution and size

At 27 inches, 1440p gives a sharper image than 1080p, with more room for windows and game detail, without the graphics demands of 4K. Most mid-range graphics cards can drive 1440p at high frame rates, so it pairs well with a gaming PC. The same sharpness helps with spreadsheets and photo work.

The 1500R curve

The screen is a 1500R curve. The number is the radius of the curve in millimetres, so a 1500R screen would form part of a circle 1.5 metres in radius. Viewed from around that distance, the whole screen sits at about the same distance from your eyes, which ASUS says makes gameplay more immersive. Some people find curved screens less suited to precise design work with straight lines.

165Hz and 1ms

Refresh rate is how many times per second the picture updates. At 165Hz (ASUS says it supports 144Hz as well), motion looks smoother than on a typical 60Hz office monitor. To see the benefit, your graphics card has to produce frames at a similar rate.

ASUS lists a 1ms response time measured as MPRT (moving picture response time). MPRT is measured differently from the grey-to-grey figure on some monitors, so the numbers shouldn't be compared directly. ASUS Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) is a backlight strobing technology that ASUS says reduces ghosting and tearing. Strobing like this typically works at fixed refresh rates and can reduce brightness, so check the manual for how it combines with variable refresh.

Adaptive-sync and FreeSync Premium

Variable refresh technologies let the monitor match its refresh rate to the frames the graphics card is producing, which reduces tearing and stutter. ASUS lists FreeSync Premium over both DisplayPort and HDMI. Check which graphics cards and cables support it on your setup.

HDR10 and Shadow Boost

The monitor accepts HDR10 content. Monitors at this level can read the HDR signal, but the effect usually looks different from a screen with very high peak brightness, so expect a modest change. Shadow Boost brightens dark areas of an image without over-exposing bright areas, which helps in dark game scenes. The listing also mentions Eye Care features. Check the manual for the details.

Connections and size

The listing gives two HDMI 2.0 ports and one DisplayPort 1.2. The monitor measures about 24 x 18.7 x 8.4 inches (61 x 47.5 x 21 cm) with its stand and weighs 12.1 lb (5.5 kg).

Who it suits

It suits PC gamers who want a step up from 1080p at a high refresh rate, as well as people who want a larger work display. Console owners should check which resolution and refresh rate their console can output.

What to check before you buy

• Graphics card: check it can drive 1440p at the frame rates you want.
• Cables and ports: use DisplayPort or a suitable HDMI cable to reach 165Hz.
• Desk space: check the depth and height of the stand, and whether it adjusts.
• Curve: check whether you're comfortable with a curved panel for your work.
• Mounting: check the manual for VESA mounting if you plan to use an arm.

The short version

• A 27-inch, 1440p, 1500R curved gaming monitor.
• 165Hz refresh rate, with 144Hz supported, and a 1ms MPRT response time.
• FreeSync Premium over DisplayPort and HDMI, plus ELMB and Shadow Boost.
• HDR10 support, two HDMI 2.0 ports and one DisplayPort 1.2.

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