ASUS XG279Q 170Hz WQHD IPS model
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An ever-expanding range of high refresh rate 2560 x 1440 (WQHD) models are now available, with those using IPS-type panels being a particularly popular choice. The ASUS XG279Q expands the ROG Strix lineup, offering a high refresh rate WQHD IPS-type panel. The monitor takes styling cues from others in the ROG series, with an interestingly shaped stand with a central orange plastic ‘twisted’ element for some visual interest. The bottom bezel is dark grey matte plastic with a combination of brushed and smooth texture. The top and side bezels are dual-stage, with a slender panel border that’s flush with the rest of the screen plus a slim hard plastic outer component. The OSD (On Screen Display) is controlled by a joystick and pressable buttons at the rear of the monitor, towards the bottom right as viewed from in front. A down-firing ROG ‘Light Signature’ projector is included, projecting a red ROG logo or design of your choice onto the desk below.
A 27″ 2560 x 1440 (WQHD) IPS-type (In-Plane Switching or similar) panel is employed, with specified 1000:1 static contrast and 178°/178° horizontal/vertical viewing angles. A light matte anti-glare screen surface is used. A 170Hz refresh rate is supported via internal OSD overclock, combined with Adaptive-Sync. This includes support for AMD FreeSync whilst also being certified as ‘Nvidia G-SYNC Compatible’ on GPUs and systems that support these variable refresh rate technologies. The variable refresh rate is 48 – 170Hz, with LFC or an LFC-like technology supported to keep tearing and stuttering at bay below 48fps as well. 8-bits per subpixel colour is supported and a flicker-free WLED backlight is used, offering a 400 cd/m² typical maximum luminance and 95% DCI-P3 colour space coverage. These capabilities are put to good use for HDR10 content, with the monitor VESA DisplayHDR 400 certified. This is only a basic HDR certification level, without necessitating local dimming and the contrast boost that would provide. Some early user feedback suggested some basic local dimming maybe included, with perhaps 8 dimming zones included. The inclusion of basic local dimming has been confirmed by further testing. Low Blue Light (LBL) settings are also included, to enhance viewing comfort.
A 1ms grey to grey response time is specified (take with salt), whilst ELMB Sync also features. This allows the ELMB (Extreme Low Motion Blur) strobe backlight to be used in conjunction with Adaptive-Sync. The rear of the monitor is matte black plastic for the most part, with an RGB LED ROG logo towards the top left – controllable in the OSD (‘Aura RGB’) or by using software (‘Aura Sync’). The included stand offers full ergonomic flexibility and can be removed and replaced by an alternative 100 x 100mm VESA compatible solution. The ports face downwards and include; DC power input (external ‘power brick’), 2 HDMI 2.0 ports, DP 1.2a, 2 USB 3.0 ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack. 2 x 2W speakers are also included, for basic sound output.
Further details can be found on the manufacturer’s website. The monitor is now available for under $650 (£650) in various regions including the US and UK.
