ASUS TUF Gaming VG27WQ3B 27-Inch Curved Monitor: specs and who it suits

The ASUS TUF Gaming VG27WQ3B is a 27-inch curved monitor with a QHD (2560 x 1440) screen and a 180Hz refresh rate. It is aimed at gamers who want a sharper image than 1080p and smoother motion than a standard 60Hz display. Here is what the main specs mean.

QHD resolution at 27 inches

QHD, also called 1440p, has about 78% more pixels than Full HD (1920 x 1080). On a 27-inch panel, that typically gives a sharper picture with more room for windows on a desktop. It also asks more of a graphics card than 1080p does, so check that your PC can drive high frame rates at this resolution in the games you play.

What 180Hz and 0.5ms mean

The refresh rate is how many times per second the screen redraws. At 180Hz it updates 180 times a second, three times as often as a 60Hz screen, which generally makes fast movement look smoother. You only see the benefit if your graphics card produces frames that quickly. The 0.5ms (GTG) figure is the response time, the time a pixel takes to change from one shade to another. Brands usually measure it under best-case conditions, so it is a guide rather than a guarantee for every colour transition.

ELMB and FreeSync

ASUS Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) is a technology the brand says reduces ghosting and motion blur further. FreeSync is AMD's variable refresh rate technology. ASUS says it is on by default and delivers a tear-free experience. With variable refresh rate, the monitor adjusts to match the frame rate your graphics card produces, which helps avoid screen tearing when the frame rate fluctuates.

The 1500R curve

The "1500R" figure describes the curve: a circle with a 1,500 mm radius. It is a fairly gentle curve, designed so the edges of a 27-inch screen sit closer to your eyes. Many people find that a curve adds to immersion in games, while others prefer a flat panel for precise work such as design or layout. It is a matter of taste.

Colour and Shadow Boost

ASUS says the monitor covers 90% of the DCI-P3 colour gamut, a wide colour space also used in digital cinema. A wider gamut generally means richer colours than a basic display. Shadow Boost brightens dark areas of a scene to make details easier to see, without over-exposing the bright parts. The monitor also includes DisplayWidget, ASUS's software for adjusting settings from a PC.

Size and what's in the box

The listing gives dimensions of 24.0 x 17.9 x 7.6 inches (about 61 x 45 x 19 cm) with the stand, and a weight of 10.8 lb (about 4.9 kg). The box includes a DisplayPort cable, a power cord, a quick start guide and a warranty card. ASUS lists a three-year warranty.

What to check before you buy

• Graphics card: make sure it can deliver a high frame rate at 2560 x 1440 to use the 180Hz refresh rate.
• Ports: a DisplayPort cable is included, so check what your graphics card offers and whether you need a different cable.
• Desk space: measure for the stand and the curve, especially with a second monitor.
• Use: if you do precise colour work, check how much the curve and the 90% DCI-P3 figure matter to you.
• Mounting: if you plan to use a monitor arm, check the VESA support in the manual.
• FreeSync: confirm that your graphics card supports it, and enable it in the driver if needed.

The short version

• A 27-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) curved gaming monitor from ASUS, model VG27WQ3B.
• 180Hz refresh rate, 0.5ms (GTG) response and ELMB.
• FreeSync with variable refresh rate on by default.
• 1500R curve, 90% DCI-P3 and Shadow Boost.
• DisplayPort cable included, with a three-year warranty listed.

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