ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQ Review: Is It Worth It?

by Jhon Lennon 46 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQ, a monitor that's been buzzing around the gaming community for a while now. If you're on the hunt for a new display that balances performance, features, and price, you've probably got this one on your radar. So, let’s break it down and see if it lives up to the hype. Is the ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQ a worthy addition to your gaming setup? Let's find out together!

First Impressions and Build Quality

Right off the bat, the ROG Strix XG27AQ makes a solid impression with its sleek, gamer-centric design. The monitor features a frameless design on three sides, which not only looks modern but also makes it ideal for multi-monitor setups. The stand is sturdy and offers a good range of adjustments, including tilt, swivel, pivot, and height, allowing you to dial in the perfect viewing angle for those marathon gaming sessions. The build quality feels premium, with a combination of matte and glossy plastics that give it a high-end feel. The ROG logo and subtle design elements on the back add a touch of flair without being too over-the-top. When it comes to aesthetics, ASUS has definitely nailed the gamer look without sacrificing build quality or functionality.

Taking a closer look, the stand is one of the standout features. It's not just about aesthetics; it’s about functionality too. The robust stand provides excellent stability, ensuring that the monitor stays put even during the most intense gaming moments. The range of adjustments is also impressive, allowing you to customize the monitor's position to suit your specific needs. Whether you prefer a higher or lower screen, a tilted or swiveled view, the XG27AQ has you covered. This level of adjustability is crucial for maintaining good posture and reducing strain during long periods of use. The monitor also includes a cable management system, which helps to keep your desk tidy and organized. No one likes a cluttered workspace, and ASUS has thoughtfully included this feature to help you maintain a clean and efficient setup. The matte finish on most of the monitor's surfaces helps to minimize reflections, ensuring that you can focus on the game without distractions. The glossy accents are tastefully applied, adding a touch of style without being overly distracting. Overall, the design and build quality of the ROG Strix XG27AQ are top-notch, reflecting ASUS's commitment to quality and attention to detail. For gamers who appreciate both form and function, this monitor is sure to impress.

Display Performance

The heart of any monitor is its display, and the XG27AQ doesn't disappoint. It boasts a 27-inch IPS panel with a 2560x1440 (QHD) resolution. This combination results in a sharp and detailed image, perfect for both gaming and productivity. The color accuracy is excellent, covering 95% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, which means you get vibrant and lifelike colors. Whether you're exploring open-world games or editing photos, the colors will pop and look true to life. The monitor also supports HDR, enhancing the contrast and dynamic range of compatible content. While it's not the brightest HDR implementation, it still adds a noticeable improvement, making scenes more immersive.

Delving deeper into the display performance, the IPS panel technology is a significant advantage. IPS panels are known for their wide viewing angles and accurate color reproduction, making them ideal for both gaming and professional use. The XG27AQ's panel delivers on both fronts, providing consistent colors and clarity even when viewed from extreme angles. This is particularly important for multi-monitor setups or for sharing the screen with others. The QHD resolution strikes a perfect balance between detail and performance. It provides a significant upgrade over 1080p without being as demanding on your GPU as 4K. This means you can enjoy crisp, detailed visuals without sacrificing frame rates. The 170Hz refresh rate (when overclocked) and 1ms response time further enhance the gaming experience, reducing motion blur and ghosting for smoother, more responsive gameplay. The monitor also supports NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible technology, which synchronizes the refresh rate of the monitor with your NVIDIA graphics card to eliminate screen tearing and minimize input lag. This results in a more fluid and immersive gaming experience, especially in fast-paced games. The HDR support, while not the brightest, still adds a noticeable improvement to the image quality. It enhances the contrast and dynamic range, making scenes more lifelike and immersive. Overall, the display performance of the ROG Strix XG27AQ is excellent, making it a great choice for gamers and content creators alike.

Gaming Features and Performance

This is where the ROG Strix XG27AQ truly shines. With a 170Hz refresh rate (overclocked) and a 1ms response time, it's built for fast-paced gaming. The monitor also supports NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible technology, which eliminates screen tearing and minimizes input lag. This results in a smooth and responsive gaming experience, even in the most demanding titles. ASUS also includes a variety of gaming-centric features, such as GamePlus and GameVisual, which offer customizable on-screen displays and preset picture modes for different game genres. These features can give you a competitive edge by optimizing the display settings for specific games.

Let's elaborate on the gaming features and performance because, for most of you, this is what really matters. The 170Hz refresh rate (when overclocked) is a significant upgrade over the standard 60Hz or even 144Hz monitors. This higher refresh rate results in smoother, more fluid motion, making fast-paced games feel more responsive and immersive. The 1ms response time further reduces motion blur and ghosting, ensuring that you can react quickly to in-game events. The NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible technology is another key feature. It synchronizes the refresh rate of the monitor with your NVIDIA graphics card, eliminating screen tearing and minimizing input lag. This results in a more fluid and responsive gaming experience, especially in fast-paced games. The GamePlus feature provides a range of on-screen overlays, such as crosshairs, timers, and FPS counters, which can be customized to suit your preferences. These overlays can be particularly useful in competitive games, where every advantage counts. The GameVisual feature offers a variety of preset picture modes, each optimized for a specific game genre. For example, there's an FPS mode that enhances visibility in dark areas, a Racing mode that reduces input lag, and an RTS/RPG mode that boosts color and clarity. These preset modes can save you time and effort by automatically adjusting the display settings for different games. The monitor also includes ASUS's Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync (ELMB SYNC) technology, which can further reduce motion blur, but it's important to note that this feature cannot be used simultaneously with G-SYNC Compatible. Overall, the gaming features and performance of the ROG Strix XG27AQ are excellent, making it a top choice for gamers who demand the best possible experience.

Connectivity and Features

The XG27AQ offers a good selection of ports, including DisplayPort 1.2 and HDMI 2.0, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices. It also includes a USB 3.0 hub with two ports, allowing you to connect peripherals directly to the monitor. The built-in speakers are decent for casual use, but audiophiles will likely want to use headphones or external speakers. The monitor also features ASUS Aura Sync lighting, which allows you to synchronize the RGB lighting with other compatible devices.

Breaking down the connectivity and features, the inclusion of both DisplayPort 1.2 and HDMI 2.0 ports is essential for compatibility with a wide range of devices, from gaming PCs to consoles. The DisplayPort 1.2 port supports the monitor's maximum refresh rate and resolution, while the HDMI 2.0 port is ideal for connecting consoles and other devices. The USB 3.0 hub with two ports is a convenient addition, allowing you to connect peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and headsets directly to the monitor. This can help to reduce clutter on your desk and make it easier to access your peripherals. The built-in speakers are decent for casual use, but they are not the best option for serious gaming or music listening. Audiophiles will likely want to use headphones or external speakers for a more immersive audio experience. The ASUS Aura Sync lighting is a nice touch, allowing you to synchronize the RGB lighting with other compatible devices, such as keyboards, mice, and cases. This can help to create a more cohesive and personalized gaming setup. The monitor also includes a headphone jack and an audio input, providing additional connectivity options. The on-screen display (OSD) menu is easy to navigate and offers a wide range of customization options, allowing you to fine-tune the display settings to your liking. Overall, the connectivity and features of the ROG Strix XG27AQ are well-rounded, providing everything you need for a seamless gaming and productivity experience.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Excellent image quality with vibrant colors
  • High refresh rate and low response time for smooth gaming
  • NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible
  • Adjustable stand and sleek design
  • Good selection of ports

Cons:

  • HDR implementation could be better
  • Built-in speakers are not the best
  • Pricey compared to some competitors

Final Verdict

So, is the ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQ worth it? Absolutely, especially if you're a serious gamer looking for a high-performance monitor with excellent image quality and a range of gaming-centric features. While it's not the cheapest option on the market, the XG27AQ offers a compelling combination of features and performance that make it a worthwhile investment. If you value smooth gaming, accurate colors, and a sleek design, this monitor should definitely be on your shortlist.

Ultimately, the ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQ is a top-tier gaming monitor that delivers on its promises. The exceptional image quality, high refresh rate, and low response time make it a joy to use for both gaming and productivity. The NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible technology ensures a smooth and tear-free gaming experience, while the adjustable stand and sleek design add to its overall appeal. While the HDR implementation could be better and the built-in speakers are not the best, these are minor drawbacks that are easily overlooked given the monitor's many strengths. If you're willing to invest in a high-quality gaming monitor, the ROG Strix XG27AQ is an excellent choice that will provide you with years of enjoyment. So go ahead, guys, treat yourself to this fantastic piece of tech – you won't regret it!