Expert's Rating
Pros
- 4K resolution with 144Hz
- Impressive gaming performance
- Good ergonomic adjustment options
- Comfortable configuration
Cons
- High power consumption
- Premium price
Our Verdict
The Asus ROG Strix XG27UQ is a more-than-suitable display for everyone passionate about gaming who wants to enjoy the latest AAA titles at high resolutions with nonexistent input lag. In our tests, we found that, thanks to high frame rates and a fast IPS panel, the 4K monitor can master demanding, responsive games flawlessly and effortlessly.
Price When Reviewed
699.99
Best Prices Today: Asus ROG Strix XG27UQ
The 27-inch display impresses with its ergonomic adjustment options and simple configuration, including numerous gaming functions. However, this quality has its price; the Asus ROG Strix XG27UQ retails for around $699. That’s a lot of money for a 27-inch display that hopes to compete in an already crowded market. But given the specs, it’s not entirely an unfair price for a monitor with 4K and 144Hz. It seems that Asus has aimed this model at gamers who want to enjoy 4K resolution with three-digit refresh rates but who are not willing to shell out for a four-digit purchase price.
Note: This review is part of our ongoing roundup of the best gaming monitors. Go there to learn more about competing products, what to look for in a gaming monitor, and buying recommendations.
Asus ROG Strix XG27UQ: The specs
The Asus ROG Strix XG27UQ supports both of the important synchronization methods, G-Sync and FreeSync, which require either an Nvidia or AMD graphics processor, respectively. The IPS panel has a resolution of 3840×2160 pixels and absolutely shines with a response time of a mere 1 millisecond and supports up to 90 percent of the DCI-P3 color range.
| Display size | 27-inch |
| Native resolution | 3840×2160 |
| Panel type | IPS / 16:9 |
| Refresh rate | 144Hz |
| Adaptive Sync | Compatible with Nvidia’s G-Sync and AMD FreeSync |
| Ports | 2 DisplayPort, 2 HDMI, 2 USB, 1 analog audio jack |
| Stand adjustment | Height, tilt, swivel, pivot |
| VESA mount | Yes, 100x100mm |
| Speakers | No |
| HDR | Yes, HDR 10 |
| Price | $950 |
Asus ROG Strix XG27UQ: Image quality
With its 144Hz frame rate, the Asus ROG Strix XG27UQ handles responsive, fast games confidently and without image errors, such as tearing and motion blur. However, with its 4K resolution, the main focus remains on aesthetic graphics-oriented games, which the 27-inch unit displays admirably with a focus on stunning detail.
In addition to the good general image quality with natural color reproduction, good brightness, and rich contrast, various technical aids such as black value increase, flicker-free tech, and blue light reduction contribute to an even better gaming experience.
Asus ROG Strix XG27UQ: 4K gaming monitor (2160p) with impressive gaming performance
PC Welt
Asus ROG Strix XG27UQ: Ports
The Asus ROG Strix XG27UQ has two HDMI and two DisplayPort interfaces, two USB 3.0 outputs, and a headphone jack. On another positive note, the Asus monitor includes all cables—HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB 3.0—so there are no additional costs no matter which connection option you choose.
Asus ROG Strix XG27UQ: There is an LED light bar on the back, which can be controlled via Asus’ own Aura light management system
.PC Welt
Asus ROG Strix XG27UQ: Features and menu
The screen menu is clearly structured and offers extensive setting options. There are lots of useful features for gamers, such as FPS, crosshairs, various presets for different game genres, and two large buttons that allow direct access to the predefined game settings. These are on the right rear of the case below a five-way joystick, allowing for convenient overall control of the OSD.
Ergonomic adjustment options—turning, tilting, and 5 inches of height adjustment—ensure optimal adjustment depending on your respective location to help fight fatigue during those marathon gaming sessions.
Asus ROG Strix XG27UQ: The clear on-screen menu offers ample setting options for gaming
.PC Welt
One last thing to note is that the monitor does not come with any internal speakers. While not a game breaker, for a display this expensive it would be nice to have.
Asus ROG Strix XG27UQ: Power consumption
At maximum brightness, the gaming monitor consumes just over 50 watts in operation, which is quite high, but relatively standard for 4K monitors on the whole. In standby mode, the energy requirement drops to a low 0.3 watts.
Final thoughts
The Asus ROG Strix XG27UQ monitor delivers excellent performance, especially if you’re looking to play everything at maxed out settings and have the computer to do so. Sure, you’ll need external speakers and top-market hardware, but you’ll love watching the most demanding games play out flawlessly on the display. It is a monitor with a lot going for it, and it is more than capable of handling everything a high-end system (or game) might throw at it. Though it’s not exactly inexpensive, what it will give you is enough to justify the high price.
This review originally appeared on PC-Welt, PCWorld’s German sister site.