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ROG Swift PG279Q
ASUS $580
The PG279Q is a
27-inch monitor with a
2560x1440 resolution,
which I consider the sweet spot
for high-end gaming. It offers
more pixels than 1080p without
being as demanding as a 4K
panel, meaning games look sharp
at 27 inches but won’t bring a
GPU to its knees. Plus, you can
still get higher-than-60Hz refresh
rates, which isn’t possible on
most 4K displays.
Like its competitor, the Acer
Predator XB271HU, the PG279Q
is an IPS panel with a refresh rate
that can be overclocked up to
165Hz. Inputs include DisplayPort
1.2a as well as HDMI 1.4. Both
displays also feature Nvidia’s
G-Sync technology for variable
refresh rates, assuming you’re
using an Nvidia GPU. If you’re an
AMD user, you should consider a
FreeSync monitor instead.
The biggest drawback is its
$579 price tag. Having said that, I
consider a monitor to be an
investment—don’t buy a cheap
one you’ll want to replace in two
years; buy a great one that will
last you five. You can buy similar
IPS displays with FreeSync
instead of G-Sync, but the Asus
ROG Swift PG279Q is the best
choice and worth every penny.1440p with 144Hz refresh rate
Low input lag for an IPS screen
G-Sync requires Nvidia graphics
ExpensiveVERDICTSPECS SCREEN SIZE: 27-INCH / PANEL TYPE: IPS / ASPECT RATIO: 16:9 / RESOLUTION: 2560X1440 /
RESPONSE TIME: 4MS / REFRESH RATE: 144HZ (OVERCLOCKS TO 165HZ) / WEIGHT: 6.99KG
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VG248QE
ASUS $260
For displays, one of the
biggest compromises is
often giving up features
to save money. You don’t have to
lose out on everything in pursuit
of lower prices, however, as the
VG248QE still supports up to
144Hz refresh rates, all on a
24-inch 1080p TN display.
Finding a great budget gaming
display is difficult. Features like an
IPS panel and Nvidia’s G-Sync
carry a price premium. The Asus
VG248QE keeps prices low by
opting to not include Nvidia’s
pricey G-Sync, and its TN panel
gives washed-out colors
compared to the IPS panels I’ve
selected elsewhere. But the
inclusion of 144Hz refresh rates
makes this a better choice forgaming than most 60Hz 1080p
displays, and pairs perfectly with
budget builds that use an AMD
graphics card.
If you want to save even more
money, the 23-inch Viewsonic
VX2370Smh includes an IPS
panel and is only $130 online,
though it’s not without
drawbacks. It’s still an IPS
bargain, which means there are
none of the washed out colors
you get with a TN panel. Going
that route, though, means you
lose out on a fast refresh rate.Good specs for an affordable price
Supports 144Hz
Ideal for budget builds
Uses a TN panelVERDICTSPECS SCREEN SIZE: 24-INCH / PANEL TYPE: TN / ASPECT RATIO: 16:9 / RESOLUTION: 1920X1080 /
RESPONSE TIME: 1MS / REFRESH RATE: 144HZ / WEIGHT: 5.5KGGROUP TEST
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