ASUS ROG Strix XG32WCMS 280Hz QHD VA with HDMI 2.1
As an Amazon Associate and Newegg Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases made using the “Buy” button at the bottom of this post. Where possible, you'll be redirected to your nearest store. Further information on supporting our work.The QHD or ‘1440p’ resolution sits as a comfortable middle ground between the lower FHD (‘1080p’) resolution and demanding ‘4K’ UHD resolution. For those seeking immersion over pixel density, ~32″ options with this resolution are a popular choice. The ASUS ROG Strix XG32WCMS provides this experience, with high refresh rate VA panel. Dark matte plastic dominates, with a fairly compact stand base as far as gaming monitors go. There is a red ring surrounding the attachment point between stand base and neck, for a touch of contrast. A ‘slat’ or indentation is included towards the front of the stand which can act as a smartphone holder. The top and side bezels are dual-stage with fairly slim panel border flush with the rest of the screen and thin hard plastic outer part. The OSD (On Screen Display) is controlled by a joystick and buttons facing downwards in the central region of the bottom bezel.
A 31.5″ 2560 x 1440 (QHD or 1440p) VA panel is used with support for a 280Hz refresh rate and VRR via Adaptive-Sync (and possibly HDMI 2.1 VRR). This allows VRR technologies such as AMD FreeSync and Nvidia ‘G-SYNC Compatible’ to be used with 48 – 280Hz VRR range plus LFC. A matte anti-glare screen surface is used, a 1500R (moderate) curve is included and a 4000:1 static contrast ratio, 178°/178° viewing angles and 8-bit colour are specified. A flicker-free WLED backlight provides a 350 cd/m² (400 cd/m² HDR peak) typical maximum luminance and 95% DCI-P3 colour gamut. The monitor responds to HDR10 content in a basic way, at the VESA DisplayHDR 400 level. This doesn’t require high brightness by HDR standards or local dimming to enhance contrast. Though it allows 10-bit colour processing to be used and allows the monitor to put its relatively generous gamut to good use.
Low Blue Light (LBL) settings are included to promote a more relaxing viewing experience. A 1ms grey to grey response time is specified, which as usual you shouldn’t put too much weight on. ‘Variable Overdrive 2.0’ features to help reduce overshoot issues at reduced refresh rates (frame rates reducing under VRR). ELMB Sync is included, a strobe backlight setting which can be used alongside VRR if you wish. The stand attaches centrally and includes tilt, swivel and 110mm (4.33 inches) height adjustment. It can be removed to reveal provision for 100 x 100mm VESA mounting. The ports face downwards and include; a 3.5mm headphone jack, HDMI 2.1, DP 1.4 (with HBR3), USB-C (15W PD, DP Alt Mode) and AC power input (internal power converter). 2-device PiP/PbP is supported.
Further details are available on the manufacturer’s website. Information on price and availability still to come.
