Analysis
ASUS PG27AQN Gaming Monitor Review
A Comprehensive Look at Features and Performance
The ASUS PG27AQN is a gaming monitor with a 27-inch display, 1440p resolution and 360Hz refresh rate. Its IPS technology delivers superior color accuracy, and it features a G-SYNC module for a smooth gaming experience. In addition, the monitor supports DisplayHDR 600 and has a wide 98% DCI-P3 color gamut. In this review, we'll take a closer look at its features and performance to help you decide if it's the right monitor for your gaming needs. The ASUS ROG Swift PG27AQN is a 1440p monitor with a refresh rate of 360Hz, making it a suitable display for those who enjoy competitive and graphically intensive games. The 1440p resolution is ideal for 27-inch screens, providing high image quality comparable to 4K UHD, but with less demand on the graphics card, allowing for higher frame rates. The IPS panel used in this monitor has a wide 98% DCI-P3 color gamut, resulting in vibrant and rich colors. It also features sRGB mode for more accurate colors in SDR content. The monitor is factory calibrated to Delta E <2 for accurate and consistent color output. The static contrast ratio of the IPS panel is 1,000:1, and while it may not have the deep blacks of VA panels, it still provides accurate and consistent color output. The monitor has a specified SDR peak brightness of 400 nits, but can reach up to 500 nits. It supports HDR and has VESA's DisplayHDR 600 certification, but with only 32 edge-lit dimming zones, the true HDR viewing experience may not be achieved.
The ASUS ROG Swift PG27AQN uses an Ultrafast IPS panel from AU Optronics in combination with the new Dual-Layer Voltage Driver to provide a fast pixel response time to keep up with the 360Hz refresh rate. This results in no noticeable lag behind fast-moving objects at 360Hz, and the dedicated G-SYNC module with variable overdrive ensures no overshoot at lower refresh rates, as well as negligible ~1ms input lag and tear-free gameplay up to 360FPS.However, the monitor's HDR mode may not always improve the viewing experience, as it can cause more distraction than enhancement in demanding scenes. The effectiveness of HDR and Local Dimming (Variable Backlight) depends on the content being viewed. Achieving a 360Hz frame rate requires a fast CPU, such as an Intel 12th Gen or Ryzen 5000 series CPU, and a decent GPU. Low/medium settings at 1440p in popular eSports titles are sufficient to achieve high frame rates.
The monitor also supports Adaptive Sync over DisplayPort for those using an AMD GPU. There are four response time overdrive modes to choose from, but the Esports and Extreme modes can cause noticeable inverse ghosting. Therefore, the Normal mode is recommended for the best results, and the Off mode should be used if you are below 100 FPS. Unfortunately, the ASUS PG27AQN does not support Motion Blur Reduction, but its flicker-free backlight and integrated low blue light filter are beneficial features.
