ASUS ROG Strix XG32WCMS Curved Gaming Monitor Review: 280Hz QHD Fast VA Display

Table of Contents

Introduction

The ASUS ROG Strix XG32WCMS is a premium gaming monitor aimed at enthusiasts seeking a high-refresh rate and immersive curved display. With its 32-inch QHD Fast VA panel, 280Hz refresh rate, and a host of gaming-focused features, this monitor promises a truly captivating gaming experience. Let’s delve into its strengths and weaknesses to determine if it lives up to the hype.

Key Features

The XG32WCMS is packed with features designed to enhance your gaming experience. Here are some of its highlights:

  • 32-inch QHD Fast VA Panel: The curved 32-inch display offers a 2560×1440 resolution, providing a balance between sharpness and immersion. The Fast VA panel delivers excellent contrast and color accuracy, making it ideal for both competitive gaming and visually stunning titles.
  • 280Hz Refresh Rate: The monitor’s 280Hz refresh rate delivers incredibly smooth and responsive gameplay, making it a dream for fast-paced titles where every millisecond counts.
  • 1ms Response Time: With a 1ms response time (GTG), the XG32WCMS virtually eliminates ghosting and motion blur, ensuring crisp and clear visuals during rapid action sequences.
  • AMD FreeSync Premium: This technology ensures smooth and tear-free gameplay by synchronizing the monitor’s refresh rate with your AMD GPU, reducing stuttering and screen tearing.
  • HDR10 Support: The monitor supports HDR10, allowing you to experience a wider range of colors and brightness levels for more vibrant and realistic visuals in compatible games and media.
  • Extensive Connectivity: The XG32WCMS offers a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI (v2.1), USB-C, and a headphone jack.
  • Ergonomic Design: The monitor features adjustable tilt, swivel, and height, allowing you to personalize its position for maximum comfort and optimal viewing angles.

Performance & Usage

I’ve had the opportunity to test the XG32WCMS extensively with various games and applications, and I’m impressed with its overall performance. The curved display truly enhances immersion, particularly in racing games and open-world titles where the wider field of view feels more natural.

The 280Hz refresh rate is a game-changer for competitive titles. In games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Valorant, the responsiveness and smoothness of the display give you a significant advantage, allowing you to react quicker and make more precise shots.

The Fast VA panel delivers impressive contrast and color accuracy, making games look vibrant and visually appealing. The HDR support, though not as impactful as on more expensive monitors, does add a noticeable improvement in brightness and shadow detail.

The ergonomic design is a definite plus, allowing me to adjust the monitor to my preferred position for maximum comfort during extended gaming sessions. The low blue light feature is also appreciated, reducing eye strain during late-night gaming sessions.

Pros & Cons

Here’s a breakdown of the XG32WCMS’s key strengths and weaknesses:

Pros:

  • Immersive curved display enhances gameplay.
  • 280Hz refresh rate provides smooth and responsive gameplay.
  • Fast VA panel delivers excellent contrast and color accuracy.
  • HDR10 support enhances visuals.
  • Extensive connectivity options cater to various needs.
  • Ergonomic design ensures comfort during extended use.
  • AMD FreeSync Premium eliminates screen tearing and stuttering.
  • Low blue light mode reduces eye strain.

Cons:

  • The HDR implementation could be more impressive.
  • The monitor lacks built-in speakers.
  • Price may be a barrier for some.

Final Verdict

The ASUS ROG Strix XG32WCMS is a fantastic gaming monitor that delivers on its promises of a high-refresh rate, immersive curved display, and excellent image quality. Its 280Hz refresh rate and Fast VA panel make it a perfect choice for competitive gamers, while its HDR support and ergonomic design enhance its appeal for casual gamers and media consumers.

While the HDR implementation could be more impressive and the lack of built-in speakers is a minor inconvenience, the XG32WCMS’s overall performance and feature set make it a strong contender in the high-end gaming monitor market. If you’re looking for a truly immersive and responsive gaming experience, this monitor is highly recommended.

Specifications

Feature Value
Display
Panel Size (inch) 31.5
Curvature 1500R
Aspect Ratio 16:9
Color Space (DCI-P3) 95%
Panel Type Fast VA
True Resolution 2560×1440
Display Viewing Area (HxV) 697.344 x 392.256 mm
Display Surface Non-Glare
Pixel Pitch 0.272mm
Brightness (Typ.) 350 cd/㎡
Brightness (HDR, Peak) 400 cd/㎡
Contrast Ratio (Typ.) 4000:1
Contrast Ratio (HDR, Max) 100,000,000:1
Viewing Angle (CR≧10) 178°/ 178°
Response Time 1ms (GTG)
Display Colors 16.7M
Flicker free Yes
HDR (High Dynamic Range) Support HDR10
Refresh Rate (max) 280Hz
Video Feature
GamePlus Yes
Low Blue Light Yes
HDCP Support Yes
Game Visual Yes
VRR Technology Yes (Adaptive-Sync)
Extreme Low Motion Blur Yes
ELMB Sync Yes
Shadow Boost Yes
Display Widget Yes, DisplayWidget Center
PIP (PBP) Technology Yes
Aspect Control Yes
I/O Ports
DisplayPort 1.4 1 (HBR3)
HDMI (v2.1) 1
USB-C 1 (DP Alt Mode)
Earphone Jack Yes
USB-C Power Delivery 15W
Audio Features
Speaker No
Signal Frequency
Digital Signal Frequency HDMI: 30-415 KHz (H) / 48-280 Hz (V)
USB-C, DisplayPort: 415-415 KHz (H) / 48-280 Hz (V)
Power Consumption
Power Consumption <50W
Power Saving Mode <0.5W
Power Off Mode <0.3W
Voltage 100-240V, 50/60Hz
Mechanical Design
1/4″ Tripod Socket Yes
Tilt Yes (+20° ~ -5°)
Swivel Yes (+25° ~ -25°)
Height Adjustment 0~110mm
VESA Wall Mounting 100x100mm
Kensington Lock Yes
Dimensions (Esti.)
Phys. Dimension with Stand 70.8 x 57.3 x 24.6 cm (27.87″ x 22.56″ x 9.69″)
Phys. Dimension without Stand 70.8 x 42.5 x 10.8 cm (27.87″ x 16.73″ x 4.25″)
Box Dimension (W x H x D) 92.0 x 56.2 x 23.5 cm (36.22″ x 22.13″ x 9.25″)
Weight (Esti.)
Net Weight with Stand 9.4 kg (20.72 lbs)
Net Weight without Stand 6.1 kg (13.45 lbs)
Gross Weight 12.2 kg (26.90 lbs)
Certifications TÜV Flicker-free, TÜV Low Blue Light, VESA AdaptiveSync Display 280Hz, VESA DisplayHDR 400, AMD FreeSync Premium, FSC MIX