ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACS Gaming Monitor Review: 180Hz WQHD Fast IPS Display
ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACS Gaming Monitor Review: 180Hz WQHD Fast IPS Display
Welcome to our comprehensive review of the ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACS, a 27-inch WQHD gaming monitor boasting a 180Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and Fast IPS panel technology. This monitor is designed for competitive gamers who demand the best possible visual experience. We put it through a series of rigorous tests to evaluate its performance, features, and overall value proposition.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACS is a premium gaming monitor that aims to elevate the competitive gaming experience. With its stunning visual clarity, rapid refresh rate, and low response time, it promises to provide gamers with a significant edge. We were particularly excited to test its USB-C connectivity, HDR10 support, and advanced gaming features like ELMB Sync and Shadow Boost.
Key Features
Let’s take a closer look at the key features that make this monitor stand out:
- 27″ WQHD (2560×1440) Fast IPS Display: The XG27ACS offers a vibrant and immersive gaming experience with its high-resolution WQHD display and exceptional Fast IPS technology. This ensures vivid colors, sharp details, and wide viewing angles.
- 180Hz Refresh Rate: The monitor’s lightning-fast 180Hz refresh rate eliminates screen tearing and stuttering, providing smooth and responsive gameplay. This is especially crucial in fast-paced games where every millisecond matters.
- 1ms (GtG) Response Time: With a 1ms response time, the XG27ACS effectively reduces motion blur, delivering clear and crisp visuals, even during intense action sequences.
- NVIDIA G-SYNC & AMD FreeSync Technology: This monitor supports both NVIDIA G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync technologies, ensuring seamless and tear-free gameplay by synchronizing the monitor’s refresh rate with the graphics card.
- USB-C Connectivity: The XG27ACS features a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort Alternate Mode, enabling you to connect your laptop or other devices with a single cable. It also provides up to 7.5W of power delivery.
- HDR10 Support: The monitor’s HDR10 support enhances the visual experience by expanding the range of colors and delivering more realistic visuals with deeper blacks and brighter whites.
- Advanced Gaming Features: The XG27ACS includes a range of features specifically designed for gamers, including GamePlus, Game Visual, Extreme Low Motion Blur, ELMB Sync, and Shadow Boost. These features provide visual enhancements, crosshairs, and other tools to improve gameplay.
Performance Evaluation
We subjected the ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACS to rigorous testing to evaluate its performance in real-world gaming scenarios.
Visual Quality: The Fast IPS panel delivered vibrant colors and sharp details. The viewing angles were excellent, allowing for consistent image quality even when viewing the monitor from the side. The HDR10 support enhanced the visual experience, especially in games that support HDR.
Refresh Rate & Response Time: The 180Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time were clearly noticeable in fast-paced games like shooters and racing simulations. Gameplay felt incredibly smooth, and the fast response time eliminated motion blur, making it easier to track objects and react quickly.
Gaming Features: The advanced gaming features, such as ELMB Sync, Shadow Boost, and GamePlus, proved to be valuable tools for enhancing gameplay. ELMB Sync effectively reduced ghosting and blur, while Shadow Boost helped to clarify dark areas, making it easier to spot enemies in shadows.
Connectivity: The USB-C port with DisplayPort Alternate Mode was a welcome addition, allowing for a single-cable connection to our laptops. The power delivery feature was also convenient for charging devices.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of the ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACS:
Pros:
- Excellent image quality with vivid colors and sharp details
- Fast 180Hz refresh rate for incredibly smooth gameplay
- 1ms response time effectively reduces motion blur
- Supports both NVIDIA G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync technologies
- Includes a range of useful gaming features like ELMB Sync and Shadow Boost
- USB-C connectivity with DisplayPort Alternate Mode for single-cable convenience
- HDR10 support for enhanced visual experience
- Ergonomic stand with tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustment
Cons:
- The monitor can be quite pricey compared to other gaming monitors in the market.
- While the HDR10 support is a plus, it’s not as pronounced as higher-end HDR implementations.
- The USB-C power delivery is limited to 7.5W, which may not be sufficient for all devices.
Final Verdict
The ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACS is a fantastic gaming monitor that delivers exceptional performance and features. Its stunning visual quality, lightning-fast refresh rate, and low response time provide a significant advantage for competitive gamers. The inclusion of advanced gaming features like ELMB Sync and Shadow Boost further enhances the gameplay experience. While the price is a bit on the higher end, the overall value proposition makes it a worthwhile investment for serious gamers who demand the best possible visual experience.
**Overall, we highly recommend the ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACS to gamers who prioritize smooth gameplay, stunning visuals, and a wide range of features.**
Specifications
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Panel Size (inch) | 27 |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Color Space (DCI-P3) | 97% |
| Color Space (sRGB) | 133% |
| Panel Type | Fast IPS |
| True Resolution | 2560×1440 |
| Display Viewing Area (HxV) | 596.74 x 335.66 mm |
| Display Surface | Non-Glare |
| Pixel Pitch | 0.233mm |
| Brightness (Typ.) | 350cd/㎡ |
| Brightness (HDR, Peak) | 400 cd/㎡ |
| Contrast Ratio (Typ.) | 1000:1 |
| Viewing Angle (CR≧10) | 178°/ 178° |
| Response Time | 1ms(GTG) |
| Display Colors | 16.7M |
| Flicker free | Yes |
| HDR Support | HDR10 |
| Refresh Rate (max) | 180Hz |
| Trace Free Technology | Yes |
| GamePlus | Yes |
| Low Blue Light | Yes (Hardware Solution) |
| HDCP Support | Yes, 2.2 |
| Game Visual | Yes |
| VRR Technology | Yes (Adaptive-Sync) |
| Extreme Low Motion Blur | Yes |
| ELMB Sync | Yes |
| Shadow Boost | Yes |
| Display Widget | Yes, DisplayWidget Center |
| DisplayPort 1.4 | x 1 (HBR3) |
| HDMI (v2.0) | x 1 |
| USB-C | x 1 (DP Alt Mode) |
| Earphone jack | Yes |
| USB-C Power Delivery | 7.5W |
| Digital Signal Frequency | USB-C, DisplayPort: 30KHz to 255KHz (H) / 48Hz to 180Hz (V) |
| HDMI: 30KHz to 225KHz (H) / 48Hz to 144Hz (V) | |
| Power Consumption | <23.1W* |
| Power Saving Mode | <0.5W |
| Power Off Mode | <0.3W |
| 1/4″ Tripod Socket | Yes |
| Tilt | Yes (+20° ~ -5°) |
| Swivel | Yes (+45° ~ -45°) |
| Pivot | Yes (+90° ~ -90°) |
| Height Adjustment | 0~120mm |
| VESA Wall Mounting | 100x100mm |
| Kensington Lock | Yes |
| Phys. Dimension stand (W x H x D) | 64.18 x 51.29 x 21.88 cm (25.27″ x 20.19″ x 8.61″) |
| Phys. Dimension without Stand (W x H x D) | 64.18 x 36.71 x 6.01 cm (25.27″ x 14.45″ x 2.37″) |
| Box Dimension (W x H x D) | 78.00 x 22.60 x 51.50 cm (30.71″ x 8.90″ x 20.28″) |
| Net Weight with Stand | 6.61 kg (14.57 lbs) |
| Net Weight without Stand | 3.93 kg (8.66 lbs) |
| Gross Weight | 10.1 kg (22.27 lbs) |
| Certificate | TÜV Flicker-free |
