ASUS TUF Gaming VG328H1B 32-inch Curved 165Hz Monitor: specs and who it suits

The ASUS TUF Gaming VG328H1B is a 32-inch curved monitor with a Full HD resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate. It is designed for fast games, where smooth motion and a wide, immersive view matter more than fine pixel detail. Here is what each of the main features means.

Size, curve and resolution

The screen is 32 inches across the diagonal with a resolution of 1920 x 1080. That is a lot of screen for Full HD: the pixels are larger than on a 24-inch screen of the same resolution, so text and edges look less fine, especially at close range. Many people sit a little further back from a screen this size.

The 1500R curve describes the radius: the curve follows a circle 1,500 mm in radius. In general, a tighter curve wraps the screen more around your field of view, which ASUS says makes games feel more immersive. A curved screen can look slightly odd for straight-line work such as design layouts.

165Hz and motion clarity

Refresh rate is how often the image is redrawn each second. At 165Hz, ASUS says the monitor is built for fast-paced play, and the listing notes it supports 144Hz as well. To use the higher rate, your computer has to produce that many frames per second, and the connection and graphics settings must allow it.

ASUS Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) is a feature that reduces blur around moving objects, and ASUS rates it at 1ms MPRT (moving picture response time). MPRT is a measure of perceived blur, and it is a different test from grey-to-grey response times. ELMB is used together with Adaptive-Sync, so check the manual for how the two can be combined.

Adaptive-Sync and FreeSync Premium

Screen tearing and stutter happen when a graphics card's frame rate does not match the monitor's refresh rate. Adaptive-Sync lets the monitor follow the graphics card, and FreeSync Premium is AMD's certification of that technology. The listing says the monitor works with AMD Radeon cards through FreeSync and with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 10, GTX 16 and RTX 20 series cards and newer through Adaptive-Sync.

Shadow Boost

ASUS says Shadow Boost lifts the detail in dark areas without over-exposing bright ones. Gamers use settings like this to see into dark scenes; it is a matter of taste, as it changes how the picture looks.

Inputs and size

The listing mentions HDMI and D-Sub (VGA). Note that D-Sub is an older analogue connection that cannot carry the highest refresh rates, so check which input supports 165Hz on this model in ASUS's manual. The monitor measures about 28.0 inches wide and weighs 15.5 lb (about 7 kg), so it needs a sturdy desk with enough depth for the curved stand.

Who it suits

It suits players who want a big, curved screen for action games and who have a computer that can produce high frame rates at 1080p. It is a poor match for anyone who wants sharp text at 32 inches or work needing high pixel density, where a higher-resolution screen would typically do better.

What to check before you buy

• Resolution at this size: look at a 32-inch Full HD screen in person if you can, as the pixels are visible.
• Cables and ports: confirm which input and cable are needed for 165Hz.
• Graphics card: check that yours supports Adaptive-Sync or FreeSync.
• Desk space: allow for the width and the depth of the stand.
• Mounting: the listing does not mention VESA mounting here, so check the manual.

The short version

• A 32-inch, 1500R curved monitor at 1920 x 1080.
• 165Hz refresh rate (supports 144Hz), ELMB at 1ms MPRT and FreeSync Premium.
• Works with Adaptive-Sync on NVIDIA GTX 10, GTX 16 and RTX 20 series and newer cards, as ASUS states.
• Shadow Boost for dark scenes; HDMI and D-Sub inputs.

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