ASUS TUF Gaming Monitor Review

The ASUS TUF Gaming Monitor VG277Q1A is a 27-inch Full HD monitor designed to meet the demanding requirements of both professional and casual gamers. Featuring a robust combination of ultrafast refresh rates, 1ms response time, and Adaptive-Sync technology, this monitor delivers smooth, tear-free gameplay.

With advanced features like ASUS’s Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) and Shadow Boost, this monitor enhances your gaming experience in ways that are not only visually impressive but also make it one of the best gaming monitors under $200, thanks to its eye-care technology.

Key Features

• 165Hz Refresh Rate

  Experience ultra-smooth visuals during high-action gaming sequences with a refresh rate of 165Hz, ensuring you never miss a moment.

• 1ms Response Time

  With a 1ms (MPRT) response time, motion blur is significantly reduced, giving you sharper visuals.

• FreeSync Premium

  This feature synchronizes the monitor’s refresh rate with your GPU, reducing screen tearing and stuttering.

• ASUS Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB)

  This technology allows for clearer visuals during fast movements, eliminating ghosting and ensuring sharp images.

• Shadow Boost Technology

  Enhance image details in darker areas without over-exposing the bright parts, improving visibility in games with low-light environments.

• Tilt Adjustable Stand

  Customize your viewing experience with a tilt-adjustable stand, making it easy to find the perfect angle for gaming.

• Eye Care Technology

  Designed with Flicker-Free and Low Blue Light technology to reduce strain during extended gaming sessions.

• HDMI and DisplayPort Connectivity

  Offers multiple connectivity options, including HDMI and DisplayPort, to ensure compatibility with various gaming setups.

• Compatible with Both NVIDIA and AMD Graphics Cards

  This monitor supports Adaptive-Sync with NVIDIA GeForce and FreeSync with AMD Radeon, ensuring smooth gameplay across different systems.

Specifications

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• High 165Hz refresh rate for smooth gaming
• 1ms response time eliminates motion blur
• FreeSync Premium and G-Sync support for tear-free gameplay
• Shadow Boost enhances dark areas without overexposing bright scenes
• Eye Care technology reduces strain during long sessions

Cons:

• TN panel offers limited viewing angles compared to IPS panels
• Limited HDR support
• Glossy screen surface may reflect light in bright environments

Detailed Review

Performance and Gaming Experience

The ASUS TUF Gaming Monitor VG277Q1A excels in delivering a high-performance gaming experience, especially for fast-paced, competitive games. The 165Hz refresh rate ensures smooth and fluid visuals during fast-moving scenes, reducing the likelihood of lag or ghosting. Coupled with the 1ms response time, it gives you the upper hand in action-packed gaming situations where split-second reactions are key.

One standout feature is the FreeSync Premium technology, which synchronizes the monitor’s refresh rate with your GPU’s frame rate, eliminating screen tearing and reducing stuttering for seamless visuals. Whether you’re using an NVIDIA GeForce or an AMD Radeon graphics card, you’ll experience consistent, smooth gameplay, even at higher frame rates.

The Shadow Boost technology is another valuable feature for gamers, especially those who enjoy darker, more atmospheric games. It automatically enhances the visibility of dark areas without overexposing brighter elements, making it easier to spot enemies hiding in the shadows. For gamers who play first-person shooters or adventure games, this feature can be a game-changer.

Eye Comfort and Design

For gamers who spend long hours at their desks, comfort is critical. ASUS’s Eye Care technology includes Flicker-Free and Low Blue Light features to reduce eye strain and fatigue during extended sessions. This makes the ASUS TUF Gaming Monitor VG277Q1A an excellent choice for marathon gaming, offering both performance and eye comfort.

In terms of design, the monitor comes with a tilt-adjustable stand, allowing you to find the perfect viewing angle. However, it lacks the ability to swivel or adjust the height, which might be a drawback for those seeking a fully customizable setup.

Image Quality and Visuals

While the ASUS TUF Gaming Monitor VG277Q1A uses a TN panel, known for its fast response times but limited color accuracy and viewing angles, it still manages to produce decent visuals. The Full HD resolution on a 27-inch screen provides sharp and clear images, though it falls short when compared to higher-resolution QHD or 4K monitors. For casual gamers, this resolution is more than adequate, but professionals looking for stunning graphics might feel the difference.

The glossy screen surface delivers bright and vibrant colors, but it may cause reflection issues, especially in brightly lit rooms. Users may need to adjust their room lighting for the best experience. For those prioritizing speed and responsiveness over color accuracy and viewing angles, this monitor is an ideal choice.

Setup and Connectivity

Setting up the ASUS TUF Gaming Monitor VG277Q1A is straightforward. The monitor includes an HDMI and DisplayPort cable in the box, allowing easy connection to a variety of gaming consoles, PCs, and other devices. It also offers multiple inputs, making it flexible for different gaming setups. However, it lacks USB ports, which could have been a useful addition for gamers who like to connect peripherals directly to their monitor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ASUS TUF Gaming Monitor VG277Q1A is a solid option for gamers looking for a budget-friendly, high-performance display. Its 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time make it perfect for fast-paced gaming, while FreeSync Premium and G-Sync compatibility ensure a smooth, tear-free experience. The inclusion of Shadow Boost and Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) technologies adds to its appeal by providing sharp, clear visuals and enhanced visibility in darker game environments.

However, the TN panel’s limited viewing angles and color reproduction may not be ideal for content creators or those seeking superior image quality. The lack of advanced features like HDR and USB ports are minor setbacks but do not detract from its overall value as a gaming monitor.

For gamers seeking a competitive edge without breaking the bank, the ASUS TUF Gaming Monitor VG277Q1A is definitely worth considering.

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Comparison with Similar Products

ASUS TUF Gaming Monitor VG277Q1A with a few similar monitors in the market to help you understand how it stands up against the competition.

We will consider the following models for comparison:

1. AOC CQ27G3Z
2. MSI Optix MAG272CQR
3. Dell S2721DGF

Comparison Table

Comparison Analysis

The ASUS TUF Gaming Monitor VG277Q1A excels in providing a high refresh rate and low response time, making it a strong contender for competitive gaming. Its 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time are on par with other gaming monitors like the AOC CQ27G3Z, MSI Optix MAG272CQR, and Dell S2721DGF. However, it uses a TN panel, which offers faster response times but generally has poorer color accuracy and viewing angles compared to the IPS and VA panels found in some of the other monitors in this comparison.

The AOC CQ27G3Z and MSI Optix MAG272CQR offer higher QHD resolution (2560×1440) compared to the Full HD resolution of the ASUS monitor. This higher resolution can provide more detailed images and a more immersive gaming experience, though the ASUS TUF Gaming Monitor VG277Q1A compensates with its faster refresh rate and lower response time. Additionally, both the AOC and MSI models come with a curved screen, which can enhance immersion, whereas the ASUS has a flat screen.

The Dell S2721DGF stands out with its IPS panel, which offers better color accuracy and wider viewing angles. It also supports HDR 400, providing improved dynamic range and contrast in supported content. Furthermore, the Dell monitor includes height adjustment options, making it more ergonomic compared to the ASUS, AOC, and MSI models, which do not offer this feature.

In summary, if you prioritize fast performance and responsiveness, the ASUS TUF Gaming Monitor VG277Q1A is a strong choice. If higher resolution, better color accuracy, or ergonomic features are more important to you, consider the AOC CQ27G3Z, MSI Optix MAG272CQR, or Dell S2721DGF. Each monitor has its strengths, and the best choice will depend on your specific gaming needs and preferences.

FAQs

Is the ASUS TUF Gaming Monitor VG277Q1A compatible with both NVIDIA and AMD GPUs?

Yes, the ASUS TUF Gaming Monitor VG277Q1A is fully compatible with both NVIDIA and AMD GPUs, making it a versatile option for gamers using different setups. For NVIDIA users, the monitor supports Adaptive-Sync technology with compatible GeForce graphics cards, including the GTX 10 series, GTX 16 series, RTX 20 series, and newer models.

This ensures that even high-demand games run smoothly without screen tearing or stuttering, regardless of frame rates. On the AMD side, the monitor supports FreeSync Premium, which synchronizes the monitor’s refresh rate with the GPU’s frame rate to deliver a seamless, stutter-free gaming experience.

This cross-compatibility is a great advantage for gamers, especially those who frequently upgrade or switch between GPU brands. Whether you’re running a powerful NVIDIA RTX card or an AMD Radeon GPU, you’ll experience smooth gameplay with reduced input lag and fewer distractions from visual issues like screen tearing. Both G-Sync (via Adaptive-Sync) and FreeSync Premium deliver smoother, more fluid gaming, which is especially important for fast-paced, competitive games.

Does the ASUS TUF Gaming Monitor VG277Q1A have built-in speakers?

No, the ASUS TUF Gaming Monitor VG277Q1A does not come with built-in speakers. However, this is a common feature for many gaming monitors, especially in the budget to mid-range category, as external speakers or dedicated gaming headsets often provide far superior sound quality.

Instead, the monitor offers a 3.5mm audio jack, which allows users to connect external speakers or headphones directly to the monitor. This can be particularly useful if your gaming setup is limited on desk space and you prefer to connect your audio equipment directly to the monitor rather than to your PC or console.

For gamers who are focused on audio quality, the lack of built-in speakers shouldn’t be a major drawback, as most gaming setups tend to use external sound systems or high-quality headsets. While the absence of speakers does mean you need additional equipment, the monitor’s overall performance in terms of visuals and speed far outweighs this minor inconvenience. Plus, using dedicated audio solutions offers a more immersive gaming experience than built-in monitor speakers typically provide.

How does the ASUS TUF Gaming Monitor VG277Q1A handle motion blur?

The ASUS TUF Gaming Monitor VG277Q1A excels at reducing motion blur, thanks to its inclusion of Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) technology. ELMB is specifically designed to minimize motion blur during fast-paced sequences, which is particularly beneficial for competitive gamers.

The 1ms response time further enhances this capability, ensuring that fast-moving objects remain clear and sharp on screen. This is especially important for games like first-person shooters, racing games, or any high-action titles where motion clarity can make a significant difference in performance.

What makes ELMB stand out is its ability to work with FreeSync Premium, which is often not the case in monitors that offer similar motion blur reduction technologies. By combining the benefits of ELMB and FreeSync, the monitor eliminates ghosting, tearing, and motion blur simultaneously. This ensures that gamers experience sharp visuals, even during the most intense gaming moments, without compromising on fluidity or smoothness. As a result, the ASUS TUF Gaming Monitor VG277Q1A offers a superior visual experience for anyone who values performance over aesthetics.

Can I adjust the height of the ASUS TUF Gaming Monitor VG277Q1A?

No, the ASUS TUF Gaming Monitor VG277Q1A does not come with a height-adjustable stand. The stand only supports tilt adjustment, which allows users to adjust the screen’s angle by -5° to 23°.

While this offers some level of ergonomic customization, the inability to adjust the height may be a limitation for those who prefer more flexibility in their setup. However, the monitor is compatible with VESA mounts, which means you can attach it to a third-party monitor arm or stand if you need more adjustability in terms of height, swivel, or rotation.

For users who spend extended periods gaming or working at their desks, having a more adjustable stand might be beneficial for reducing neck or back strain. Investing in a VESA-compatible arm allows you to position the monitor exactly where you need it, providing a more comfortable viewing experience. While the lack of height adjustment is a small downside, the overall value and performance of the monitor still make it a solid option, especially if you’re willing to invest in external mounting solutions.

What is the benefit of Shadow Boost in the ASUS TUF Gaming Monitor VG277Q1A?

Shadow Boost is one of the most notable features of the ASUS TUF Gaming Monitor VG277Q1A, especially for gamers who frequently play titles with dark environments or low-light settings.

This technology is designed to improve visibility in shadowy or dark areas of the screen without overexposing the brighter areas. The result is that you can easily spot hidden enemies or objects in games where lighting conditions often create a disadvantage, especially in competitive or fast-paced titles like first-person shooters or action-adventure games.

The beauty of Shadow Boost lies in its subtlety—it enhances details in the darker parts of the screen without dramatically altering the overall image quality. This feature is particularly useful in games where the balance between light and shadow is critical, as it allows you to maintain visual clarity in dark scenes without sacrificing the dynamic range of brighter areas. For gamers, this can mean the difference between spotting an enemy hiding in the shadows or missing a critical gameplay element entirely, offering a competitive edge without compromising on visual quality.