ASUS PG32UQX

Interlace pattern artifacts

On some monitors, particularly but not exclusively those with high refresh rates, interlace patterns can be seen during certain transitions. We refer to these as ‘interlace pattern artifacts’ but some users refer to them as ‘inversion artifacts’ and others as ‘scan lines’. They may appear as an interference pattern, mesh or interlaced lines which break up a given shade into a darker and lighter version of what is intended. They often catch the eye due to their dynamic nature, on models where they manifest themselves in this way. Alternatively, static interlace patterns may be seen with some shades appearing as faint horizontal bands of a slightly lighter and slightly darker version of the intended shade. Some extremely faint dynamic interlace patterns were observed, but these were virtually invisible at any refresh rate. So not something to worry about and just something we’re mentioning for completeness.

Responsiveness

Input lag

A sensitive camera and a utility called SMTT 2.0 was used to analyse the latency of the ASUS PG32UQX. Over 30 repeat readings were taken to help maximise accuracy. Using this method, we calculated 2.57ms (under ½ a frame at 144Hz) of input lag with ‘Variable Backlight’ disabled. With the ‘Variable Backlight’ function active, we recorded a significant increase in input lag to 12.68ms. These figures are influenced by both the element of input lag you ‘see’ (pixel responsiveness) and the main element you ‘feel’ (signal delay). They indicate an exceptionally low signal delay with the ‘Variable Backlight’ setting disabled, which even sensitive users shouldn’t find bothersome. And a reasonable signal delay with the setting enabled that most users won’t take issue with – especially for the more casual gaming this monitor is designed for. Note that we don’t have the means to accurately measure input lag with G-SYNC active in a VRR environment or HDR active in an HDR environment.

Perceived blur (pursuit photography)

Our article on responsiveness explores the important factors surrounding monitor responsiveness. A key concept explored there is ‘perceived blur’, contributed to by both the pixel responses of the monitor and the eyes as you track motion on the screen. Both factors play an important role, but the second factor is usually dominant on modern monitors. A photography technique called ‘pursuit photography’ is also explored. This uses a moving rather than stationary camera to capture motion on a screen that reflects both aspects of perceived blur. Rather than simply reflecting the pixel response element.

The images below are pursuit photographs taken using the UFO Motion Test for ghosting, with the test running at its default speed of 960 pixels per second. This is a good practical speed to take such photographs at and highlights both elements of perceived blur well. The UFOs move across the screen from left to right at a frame rate matching the refresh rate of the display. All three rows of the test are analysed to show a range of pixel transitions. The monitor was tested at 60Hz (directly below), 120Hz and 144Hz using all available ‘OD’ settings; ‘OFF’, ‘Normal’ and ‘Extreme’. The final columns include some reference screens for comparison. The ViewSonic XG270QC, which offers quite typical pixel responsiveness for a high refresh rate VA model. And the ASUS PG27UQ, a fairly aggressively tuned IPS model that the PG32UQX can be considered the successor to.

Note that the ‘Variable Backlight’ feature was disabled for this testing, but having the setting enabled did not affect the pixel response behaviour observed. Any wavy patterns surrounding some UFOs in the background are slight image retention. This was only observed during this test and is something we’ve seen on various monitors before. It disappeared after using the monitor normally for a few minutes.

At 60Hz, above, the UFO appears soft and unfocused without clear internal detailing. This reflects a moderate amount of perceived blur due to eye movement. The ‘Off’ setting shows some ‘powdery’ trailing behind the UFO, particularly for the dark background (top row). This is cut down effectively using the ‘Normal’ setting, with very little of this remaining. Performance here quite in-line with the IPS reference and superior to the VA reference which shows some quite bold trailing. The ‘Extreme’ setting introduces overshoot without offering any real advantage for the transitions shown. The overshoot appears particularly inky behind the UFO cockpit with the dark background. For the medium background (middle row) and bright background (top row) it appears brighter than the background, as ‘halo’ trailing. We consider the ‘Normal’ setting optimal here. Below you can see how things look with refresh rate doubled to 120Hz.

At 120Hz, above, the UFO appears significantly narrower with clearer internal detail. This reflects a significant decrease in perceived blur due to eye movement. The pixel response requirements for optimal performance here are raised substantially. The ‘Off’ setting is again plagued by ‘powdery’ trailing, quite bold in its appearance directly beyond the UFO body for the dark and medium background. Even this is much less bold than the VA reference, however. The ‘Normal’ removes most of this trailing, with a bit remaining for the dark background in particular. A bit of overshoot is also introduced, particularly below the legs of the UFO plus a bit elsewhere for the light background. The IPS reference shows stronger overshoot but doesn’t show any real conventional trailing for these transitions. The ‘Extreme’ setting doesn’t eliminate the trailing for the dark background, whilst it introduces overshoot here and moreover for the medium and light background. This is quite bright and colourful. We again consider the ‘Normal’ setting optimal here. Below you can see how things appear with a slight boost in refresh rate to 144Hz.

At 144Hz, above, the UFO appears very slightly narrower with slightly clearer internal detailing. This reflects a slight reduction in perceived blur to eye movement – with only an extra 24Hz, this difference is not huge. Trailing behaviour is quite comparable to 120Hz. The ‘Normal’ setting cuts out quite a bit of the conventional trailing, although some does still remain. Particularly for the dark background. The overshoot is a bit more pronounced as well, but it’s minor compared to using the ‘Extreme’ setting. The ‘Normal’ setting is again optimal here and this is something we’d certainly agree with based on a broader analysis using a greater variety of pixel transitions. The VA reference shows much clearer weaknesses, with distinct ‘smeary’ trailing for the dark and medium backgrounds. The IPS reference shows less conventional trailing but does have more overshoot in comparison. Particularly behind the UFO body where it has quite an inky look – something we often refer to as ‘shadowy’ overshoot trailing.

Responsiveness in games and movies

The monitor provided a fairly fluid experience on Battlefield V, with the frame rate keeping up with the 144Hz refresh rate. Compared to a 60Hz monitor or running this one at 60Hz, 2.4 times as much visual information is outputted each second. This bolsters the ‘connected feel’, or the precision and fluidity felt when interacting with the game. This is particularly true when coupled with the very low signal delay of this model. The other benefit of the high frame and high refresh rate combination is a significant decreased in perceived blur due to eye movement, something demonstrated earlier using Test UFO. The pixel responses also need to be rapid to make best use of the refresh rate and minimise that side of perceived blur. For most medium to lighter shades, this was the case and pixel responses were quite respectable. Without substantial ‘powdery’ trailing and just a touch of overshoot in places. Nothing that really stood out too much, mainly ‘halo’ trailing that’s just a touch brighter than the object or background shade.

Where darker or very bright shades were involved, though, some clearer weaknesses manifested themselves. This is due to some transitions being significantly slower than optimal and certainly not up there with the strongest IPS-type performers. Some of this sort of behaviour was demonstrated with the dark background of Test UFO. Providing what we’d describe as a ‘heavy powdery’ trailing for some transitions. Where very bright shades such as white or heavily saturated shades moved against a significantly darker background, the weaknesses were even more pronounced. The trailing here was distinct but not as extensive or ‘smeary’ in appearance as the slowest transitions typically performed by high refresh rate VA models. Slim very bright elements sometimes became more colourful during movement, as some shades contained within them (reds for warmer whites, blues and cyans for cooler whites etc.) appeared to leach out. The weaknesses didn’t always manifest as a distinct trailing, they also affected the clarity of dark shadow detailing which are basically dark shades intertwined with lighter ones. We didn’t observe the sort of ‘flickering’ effect common on VA models whereby some shades significantly darken during movement. And then brighten up appropriately when the movement ceases.

We made similar observations on Shadow of the Tomb Raider. The benefits of the high frame rate and high refresh rate experiences could again be seen and felt. And many pixel transitions were performed pretty quickly. There are many very dark and very bright shades on this title, touching on the slowest pixel transitions performed by this model. It’s always going to be subjective, but we didn’t find them distracting on this game. This title has a very different gameplay style and is very much more on the casual than competitive end when compared with the likes of the Battlefield series. This sort of title and gameplay style is really what this monitor is designed for. Some will find it perfectly fine for a bit of competitive play on the side and we’d again stress it’s better in that respect than most high refresh rate VA models.

We also observed video content at a range of frame rates, including ~24-30fps content on platforms such as Netflix and 60fps content on YouTube. For the 60fps content there were slight weaknesses for the troublesome transitions highlighted earlier and also some traces of overshoot in places. The weaknesses from slow pixel responses were less distinct than during the much higher framerate gameplay. The pixel response requirements for good performance are lowered significantly in comparison, so this shouldn’t be too surprising. The majority of pixel responses were performed well and really the overall experience was pretty solid here. For the lower frame rate (24-30fps) content, pixel response requirements are reduced further. There were no significant weaknesses here, nothing that really stood out in terms of overshoot or conventional trailing.

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VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) technology

G-SYNC – the technology and activating it

Nvidia G-SYNC is a variable refresh rate technology that can be activated when a compatible Nvidia GPU is connected to a compatible monitor (such as the ASUS PG32UQX). Our article on the technology explores the principles behind the technology and its benefits, so we won’t be repeating too much of that. Essentially the technology allows the monitor to dynamically adjust its refresh rate to match, where possible, the frame rate outputted by the GPU. When the two are in sync it gets rid of the tearing (VSync off) and stuttering (VSync on) that occurs when the two are desynchronised. An additional benefit for those who hate tearing and usually like to use VSync is a reduction in latency compared to ‘VSync on’ in the variable frame rate environment. Due to the HDR capabilities of the monitor and G-SYNC module used, this model is marketed as a ‘G-SYNC Ultimate’ model.

This monitor supports G-SYNC via DP 1.4 and HDMI, when connected to a compatible Nvidia GPU such as the RTX 3090 used in our test system. Note that HDR can be activated at the same time as G-SYNC. Once connected up, G-SYNC should be automatically configured and ready to use. There’s usually even a little notification icon in the system tray telling you that a G-SYNC capable display is detected. To check everything is configured correctly, open Nvidia Control Panel and navigate to ‘Display – Set Up G-SYNC’. Ensure that the checkbox for ‘Enable G-SYNC’ is checked, then select your preferred operating mode. As the image below shows, this technology works in both ‘Full Screen’ and ‘Window’ modes, provided the correct option is selected for this. If the G-SYNC options seem to be missing from Nvidia Control Panel, this may be remedied by reconnecting the GPU or possibly connecting the monitor to a different DP output if there’s one available. If the options are still missing, reinstalling the GPU driver or updating this is recommended.

Enable G-SYNC

The ASUS supports a variable refresh rate range of 1 – 144Hz (1-120Hz via HDMI at the native resolution). That means that if the game is running up to 144fps, the monitor will adjust its refresh rate to match. When the frame rate rises above 144fps, the monitor will stay at 144Hz and the GPU will respect your VSync in the graphics driver. With ‘VSync on’ the frame rate will not be allowed to rise above 144fps, at which point VSync activates and imposes the usual associated latency penalty. With ‘VSync off’ the frame rate is free to climb as high as the GPU will output (potentially >144fps). Technically it appeared that the monitor stuck to a multiple of the frame rate with its refresh rate if frame rate dipped below 10fps. But this did the trick to remove tearing and stuttering and was essentially seamlessly integrated – we wouldn’t have known it was doing this if not indicated by the ‘FPS Counter’ feature of the display.

VSync behaviour is configured in the ‘Manage 3D settings’ section of Nvidia Control Panel. It’s labelled ‘Vertical sync’ and can be set to one of the following; ‘On’, ‘Use the 3D application setting’, ‘Off’ or ‘Fast’ (GPU dependent). The ‘Use the 3D application setting’ largely works as you’d expect, but the general recommendation is to set VSync in the graphics driver if you wish to use it as in-game implementations can interfere with the smooth operation of G-SYNC. The ‘Fast’ option enables a technology called ‘Fast Sync’, which only applies above the refresh rate and frame rate ceiling (>144Hz / 144fps). Below this G-SYNC operates as normal, whereas above this a special version of VSync called ‘Fast Sync’ is activated. This is a GPU rather than monitor feature so isn’t something we will explain in detail, but it is designed to reduce tearing at frame rates well above the refresh rate of the monitor. If you’re interested in this technology, which may be the case if you play older or less graphically demanding games at very high frame rates, you should watch this section of a video by Tom Petersen.

Set VSync according to preferences

Some users prefer to leave VSync enabled but use a frame rate limiter set a few frames below the maximum supported (e.g. 141fps) instead, avoiding any VSync latency penalty at frame rates near the ceiling of operation or tearing from frame rates rising above the refresh rate. If you activate the ‘FPS Counter’ feature in the ‘GamePlus’ section of the OSD or use the feature with the ‘LiveDash’, this will indicate the frame rate of your content if G-SYNC is active. If G-SYNC isn’t active it will simply show the static refresh rate the monitor is running at. The final point to note is that G-SYNC only removes stuttering or juddering related to mismatches between frame rate and refresh rate. It can’t compensate for other interruptions to smooth game play, for example network latency or insufficient system memory. Some game engines will also show stuttering (or ‘hitching’) for various other reasons which won’t be eliminated by the technology.

G-SYNC – the experience

As usual we tested various games using G-SYNC and found the experience similar in all cases. Any issues affecting one title but not another suggests a game or GPU driver issue rather than a monitor issue. For simplicity we’ll just use Battlefield V as our example in this section. The game offers sufficient flexibility with its graphics options for a broad range of refresh rates to be analysed, even with our RTX 3090. Where the frame rate dipped below 144fps, you’d observe tearing (VSync off) or stuttering (VSync on) without a VRR technology like G-SYNC. With the technology active the refresh rate adjusted appropriately to match the frame rate, so such interruptions were removed. Sensitivity to stuttering and tearing varies, but for people like us sensitive to such things G-SYNC is very much appreciated. The dips in frame rate still negatively affect ‘connected feel’ and increase perceived blur, which VRR technologies like this can’t counteract.

Regardless of how far frame rate dropped, the technology worked as intended to remove tearing and stuttering from the mismatches that would otherwise occur. A key advantage of models like this with the G-SYNC module is that variable overdrive is supported, so the pixel response behaviour was dynamically adjusted as refresh rate dipped. This ensured appropriate acceleration levels were used as refresh rate dipped, avoiding significantly stronger overshoot being introduced. A common issue with models that lack the module and support VRR by alternative means such as Adaptive-Sync. The experience was also seamless throughout the VRR range, rather than there being a defined LFC boundary which you’d get on Adaptive-Sync models. This boundary is typically 48Hz (48fps) and when you pass it in either direction slight momentary stuttering can be observed.

FreeSync

In addition to supporting G-SYNC on compatible Nvidia GPUs, AMD FreeSync can be used. The monitor includes Adaptive-Sync support via both DP and HDMI, which allows compatible GPUs and systems to use FreeSync. To enable FreeSync as a PC user open ‘AMD Radeon Software’. Then click ‘Settings’ (cog icon towards top right) and click on ‘Display’. You should then ensure that the first slider is set to ‘Enabled’. The setting is referred to as ‘Adaptive Sync Compatible’ here, although the exact wording may depend on the driver version you’re using. With our Radeon RX 580, we were able to activate the technology via DP (first image) but not HDMI (second image). According to ASUS the Xbox Series X can use make use of Adaptive-Sync via HDMI for VRR support on this model, however.

The experience was very much the same as it was with G-SYNC. A caveat here being that our RX 580 was limited to 96Hz maximum via DP 1.4 – as the GPU itself lacks the DSC feature of later models. The full features of the G-SYNC module are accessible, with Adaptive-Sync simply being an alternative way to access the module for compatible AMD hardware. This included variable overdrive and seamless operation throughout the very generous VRR range. Our suggestions regarding use of VSync also apply, but you’re using AMD Radeon Software rather than Nvidia Control Panel to control this. Open up AMD Radeon Software and click ‘Settings’ (cog icon towards top right), then ‘Graphics’. The setting is listed as ‘Wait for Vertical Refresh’. This configures it globally, but if you wish to configure it for individual games click ‘Game Graphics’ towards the top right. Above this dropdown list there’s a toggle for ‘Radeon Enhanced Sync’ which is AMD’s version of Nvidia’s ‘Fast Sync’.



Note again that you can activate the ‘FPS Counter’ in the ‘GamePlus’ section of the OSD or use the feature with ‘LiveDash’. This will show the refresh rate of the display and therefore reflect frame rate if Adaptive-Sync is doing its thing. HDR can be used at the same time as Adaptive-Sync, too.

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

The ideal HDR (High Dynamic Range) monitor can simultaneously display very bright light shades and very deep dark shades. Plus an excellent range of shades between these extremes, from very muted shades to eye-catching vibrant shades. Ideally, per-pixel illumination would be used – backlightless technology such as OLED, for example. Failing that, a backlight solution such as FALD (Full Array Local Dimming) with a great number of dimming zones is desirable. This allows some areas of the screen to display very deep dark shades whilst other areas display brilliant bright shades. Colour reproduction is also an important part of HDR. The long-term goal is support for a huge colour gamut, Rec. 2020. A more achievable near-term goal is coverage of at least 90% DCI-P3 (Digital Cinema Initiatives standard colour space). Finally, HDR makes use of at least 10-bit precision per colour channel, so its desirable that the monitor supports at least 10-bits per subpixel.

The most widely supported HDR standard for games and movies is HDR10, and that’s what’s supported here. For most games and other full screen applications that support HDR, the ASUS automatically switches into its HDR operating mode when an HDR signal is detected. As of the latest Windows 10 update, relevant HDR settings in Windows are found in ‘Windows HD Color settings’ which can be accessed via ‘Display settings’ (right click the desktop). Most game titles will activate HDR correctly when the appropriate in-game setting and monitor setting is selected. A minority of game titles that support HDR will only run in HDR if the setting is active in Windows as well. Specifically, the toggle which says ‘Play HDR games and apps’. If you want to view HDR movies on a compatible web browser, for example, you’d also need to activate the ‘Stream HDR Video’ setting. These settings are shown below. Also note that there’s a slider that allows you to adjust the overall balance of SDR content if HDR is active in Windows. This is really just a digital brightness slider, so you lose contrast by adjusting it. The balance of the image was better than some screens whilst displaying SDR content with HDR enabled. But you lose adjustment to settings such as gamma and brightness. We’d recommend only activating HDR in Windows if you’re about to specifically use an HDR application that requires it, and have it deactivated when viewing normal SDR content on the monitor.

For simplicity we’ll focus on our two key test titles for this section; Battlefield V and Shadow of the Tomb Raider. We’ve tested a large number of HDR monitors with these titles and know they’re good at highlighting strengths and weaknesses in HDR performance. With the monitor and its capabilities being the limiting factor. Our testing here is focused on HDR PC gaming using DisplayPort, but we made similar observations when viewing HDR video content on the Netflix app. There are some additional points to bear in mind if you wish to view such content. We made similar observations using HDMI, which would be used when viewing HDR content on an HDR compatible games console for example. Testing on both our Nvidia and AMD GPUs confirmed that the HDR implementation was similar in both cases, too. Under HDR you can’t change presets or adjust things like gamma or brightness – which is locked at ‘Peak White (nits) 1400’. You can adjust the colour channels, however. Unlike some implementations, the HDR on this model has good neutral sharpness – with the high pixel density providing a naturally strong performance there without an artificially oversharpened look.

The ASUS PG32UQX is VESA DisplayHDR 1400 certified. This is the highest VESA DisplayHDR certification level currently offered. Focusing first on the colour gamut, this certification level requires a minimum 95% DCI-P3 coverage. In this case we recorded 97% DCI-P3 with significant extension beyond DCI-P3 in some regions. With such generous DCI-P3 coverage and a good push towards the longer-term Rec. 2020 target for some shades, the monitor presented strong vibrancy where the developers intended it to be. There were some very lush and deep-looking green shades well beyond the boundaries of sRGB (and indeed DCI-P3 in some cases). Whilst more muted shades appeared in-place and natural, without the somewhat neon appearance observed using the native gamut under SDR. On both Battlefield V and Shadow of the Tomb Raider there were some really nice licks of vibrancy. This included very rich orange flames, some intensely vivid red painted objects and some rather striking purple and blue flowers. Meanwhile, skin tones plus earthy and woody browns appeared appropriately neutral without the red push observed under SDR. The enhanced dimming precision, which we’ll come onto shortly, also helped invite good levels of depth to many shades.

Colour gamut 'Test Settings'