ASUS TUF Gaming VG34VQL1B 34-inch Curved Monitor: specs and who it suits

The ASUS TUF Gaming VG34VQL1B is a 34-inch curved ultrawide monitor built mainly for PC gaming. It pairs a WQHD-class 3440x1440 panel with a 165Hz refresh rate and adaptive sync, so fast games stay smooth and sharp. Here is what the main specs mean and what to confirm before choosing it.

What 3440x1440 on a 34-inch screen gives you

The panel is 3440x1440, often called ultrawide QHD or UWQHD. It has the same height in pixels as a standard 2560x1440 monitor but is much wider, in a 21:9 shape. In games that support the format, you see more of the scene to the left and right. For work, the extra width typically fits two documents or a spreadsheet and a browser side by side without a second display.

ASUS also lists a 1500R curve. The number is the radius of the curve in millimetres, so 1500R is a circle with a 1.5 metre radius. The tighter the number, the stronger the curve. A 1500R curve is meant to keep the screen edges at a similar distance from your eyes when you sit at a normal desk.

Refresh rate, response time and motion blur

ASUS rates the monitor at 165Hz and says it supports 144Hz. Refresh rate is how many times per second the picture updates. Higher numbers feel smoother in fast games, provided your graphics card can produce enough frames per second to use them.

The 1ms figure is given as MPRT, or moving picture response time, in connection with ASUS Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB). MPRT is a different measurement from the grey-to-grey response time that many panels quote, and it typically describes how long a moving object stays visible on screen, which is related to perceived blur. ELMB generally works by strobing the backlight, and this kind of mode is usually used at a fixed refresh rate, so check the manual for how it interacts with adaptive sync.

FreeSync Premium and NVIDIA compatibility

Adaptive sync lets the monitor change its refresh rate to match the frame rate coming from the graphics card, which reduces screen tearing and stutter. The listing names FreeSync Premium for AMD Radeon cards and says the monitor also works with Adaptive-Sync on NVIDIA GeForce GTX 10 series, GTX 16 series, RTX 20 series and newer cards. Adaptive sync over DisplayPort is the usual route, so it's worth using that input for the best results.

What DisplayHDR 400 means

The monitor meets the DisplayHDR 400 certification. This is the entry level of VESA's DisplayHDR scheme, and it typically means a higher peak brightness than a basic screen and support for HDR signals. Without local dimming, though, HDR on a monitor of this class gives a modest lift in contrast, not the dramatic effect of a high-end HDR display. ASUS describes the colour gamut as professional-grade; check the manual for the exact coverage figures.

Ports and connections

The listing gives two DisplayPort 1.4 inputs, two HDMI 2.0 inputs and a USB hub. Two DisplayPort inputs make it easy to connect a desktop and a laptop. HDMI 2.0 can carry the native resolution, but typically at a lower refresh rate than DisplayPort 1.4, so use DisplayPort for 165Hz.

Size, weight and power

The monitor measures about 16.4 x 31.9 x 10.8 inches (roughly 42 x 81 x 27 cm) with its stand and weighs 19.9 lb (about 9 kg). The listing also says the stand is height adjustable. It accepts 100-240V, so it runs from standard household power in most regions with the right cable.

Who it suits

It suits PC gamers who want a wide, immersive view and a high refresh rate, and people who want one wide screen for multitasking. A 3440x1440 image is less demanding than 4K, so a mid-range to high-end graphics card is typically enough to reach high frame rates.

What to check before you buy

• Desk space: about 81 cm wide, plus room for the depth of the curve and stand.
• Graphics card: confirm it has DisplayPort and can drive 3440x1440 at the frame rates you want.
• Game support: not every game supports 21:9; some show black bars at the sides.
• Ports: make sure the inputs match your computer, console or laptop.
• What's in the box: confirm the cables included, and whether you need a wall mount or monitor arm.

The short version

• 34-inch curved (1500R) ultrawide monitor with a 3440x1440 panel.
• 165Hz refresh (supports 144Hz) and a 1ms MPRT response time with ELMB.
• FreeSync Premium, with NVIDIA Adaptive-Sync support on listed GeForce cards.
• DisplayHDR 400 certified.
• Two DisplayPort 1.4, two HDMI 2.0 and USB hub ports; 100-240V.

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