ASUS TUF Gaming VG32WQ3B 31.5-Inch Curved Monitor: specs and who it suits

The ASUS TUF Gaming VG32WQ3B is a 31.5-inch curved monitor with a QHD (2560 x 1440) resolution and a 180Hz refresh rate. It is designed mainly for gaming, where smooth motion and a wide field of view matter, though the same specs are useful for general desktop work. Here is what each headline number means.

QHD resolution at 31.5 inches

QHD is 2560 x 1440 pixels, a step above Full HD (1920 x 1080) and below 4K. On a 31.5-inch panel, that works out to roughly 93 pixels per inch, so text and images are sharper than 1080p at this size but not as fine as 4K. QHD is also easier on the graphics card than 4K, which makes high frame rates more achievable.

180Hz and 0.5ms

Refresh rate is how many times per second the screen updates. At 180Hz the image refreshes 180 times a second, against 60 on a standard office monitor. You only see the benefit if your computer produces frames that fast. ASUS also lists a 0.5ms (GTG) response time, the time a pixel takes to change from one grey shade to another. Manufacturers usually measure this under best-case conditions, so treat it as a brand figure.

ASUS Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) is a feature aimed at reducing ghosting and motion blur in fast scenes.

FreeSync and tear-free gameplay

FreeSync is AMD's variable refresh rate technology. It lets the monitor match its refresh rate to the frames the graphics card is sending, which reduces screen tearing. ASUS says variable refresh rate is enabled by default on this model. Check your graphics card's documentation for variable refresh rate support.

Curve, colour and Shadow Boost

The 1500R curve means the screen bends as if it were part of a circle with a 1500 mm radius. It is gentler than a 1000R curve and pulls the edges toward you to fill more of your view, which many people like on larger screens. ASUS lists coverage of 90% of the DCI-P3 colour gamut, a wide range used in digital cinema, and describes the monitor as HDR. Shadow Boost brightens dark areas of a scene without overexposing bright parts.

Size and what's in the box

The monitor weighs about 7.1 lb and measures about 27.9 inches wide. The box includes a DisplayPort cable, an L-shaped screwdriver, a power cord, a quick start guide and a warranty card. ASUS lists a three-year warranty.

Who it suits

It suits gamers and desktop users who want a large, sharp screen with fast refresh, and who have a graphics card able to drive 1440p at high frame rates.

What to check before you buy

• Graphics card: confirm it can output 1440p at high refresh rates over DisplayPort.
• Desk space: a 31.5-inch curved screen is wide; measure your desk and stand depth.
• Ports: check the inputs against your devices, including HDMI versions.
• Mounting: check the stand's adjustments, or whether you need a VESA mount.
• Curve preference: some people prefer flat panels for design or photo work.

The short version

• 31.5-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) curved monitor with a 1500R curve.
• 180Hz refresh rate and 0.5ms (GTG) response time, as ASUS rates it.
• FreeSync variable refresh rate, ELMB and Shadow Boost.
• 90% DCI-P3 colour coverage and HDR.
• DisplayPort cable included, with a three-year warranty.

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