The ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQ is an IPS gaming monitor, which provides you outstanding performances and features, thanks to its premium build.
With a 27-inch screen, you’ll have more than enough screen real estate to maneuver around and have extra windows open, which is very convenient. Along with a fast 170Hz refresh rate, you’ll have the upper hand when it boils down to gaming.
The Asus Strix XG27AQ is a very well-rounded monitor that is not only excellent for your gaming sessions but also everyday uses.
Before purchasing the XG27AQ, let’s hop on its specifications, design, performance, and features.
Specifications
- Screen Size: 27-Inches
- Resolution: 2560×1440
- Refresh Rate: 170Hz
- Response Time: 1ms
- Panel Type: IPS
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
- Brightness: 400 cd/m²
- Screen Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Built-In Speakers: Yes, 2x 2-Watts
- Stand Height, Pivot, Swivel, Tilt: Yes
- VESA Mount: Yes, 100x100mm
- Connectivity: 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x USB 2.0, 1x Audio Jack
- Weight: 17-lbs
Display Design
The ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQ measures 27-inches, along with pleasing aesthetics, thanks to its nice matte-black texture. Along with its premium build, the XG27AQ feels awesome and well-built.
Along with a bezel-free design, the XG27AQ provides you with that immersive experience during your gaming sessions, which is another plus.
You’ll also be able to find the ASUS ROG Strix logo on the right rear of the monitor, along with RGB lighting, which adds to the aesthetic looks.
Also, you’ll find four physical buttons along with a joystick on the left rear side of the display. The physical buttons act as hotkeys, and the joystick is used to navigate through the OSD configurations, which is easy and super convenient.
In addition, the Strix XG27AQ sits on a stable foundation, thanks to its wide v-shaped stand. The base is made up of metal which gives the XG27AQ a great foundation, so the monitor won’t wobble when nudged.
You won’t need to create additional space because the base of the stand is small enough to sit in tight desk space.
The XG27AQ is well ergonomically designed; the monitor can adjust in height, pivot, swivel, and tilt. You’ll be able to change the monitor according to your convenience, making it great to work on different screen positions when needed.
If you’re not entirely on ship with the default stand, you can swap the stand for a 100x100mm VESA mount, allowing the XG27AQ have a more free range of motions.
You’ll find the connectivity on the rear of the display, which consists of one DisplayPort 1.2, two HDMI 2.0, one USB 2.0, and one audio jack. You’ll be able to plug in any gaming consoles that you may have thanks to its HDMI 2.0 ports as well.
Performance and Features
The XG27AQ has a 2560×1440 resolution, a max 170Hz refresh rate, and a quick 1ms response time. Overclocking the display can achieve the 170Hz refresh rate; the native refresh rate sits at 144Hz.
The contrast ratio sits at 1000:1, along with a 400 cd/m² brightness level. The contrasts look nice; you won’t see any greyed-out colors when viewing scenes in dark environments.
Additionally, the viewing angles are excellent, the images and colors remain consistent, which is the power of an IPS.
The response time is incredibly fast, including at its max refresh rate. You’ll have the slight edge when it boils down to competitive gaming.
You’ll also select lots of options in terms of the overdrive settings. The overdrive options consist of Level 0 up to Level 5 being the max. The recommended setting is to leave it at Level 2, providing optimal performances without any overshoots.
Other than Level 2 and beyond overdrive settings, you’ll start noticing more overshoots and graphical artifacts.
The color accuracy is excellent when opening out of the box; you can always adjust the color settings thanks to its color accuracy. Thanks to its excellent color coverage, the XG27AQ is great for creative work and professional projects.
In addition, the XG27AQ does come with FreeSync and is also G-Sync certified, which is another plus. G-Sync only works via DisplayPort. The VRR ranges from 20Hz to 170Hz. And you’ll be able to achieve a max 144Hz refresh rate via HDMI.
HDR 400 performs well and is bright enough. However, it isn’t as great enough compared to other display models. The HDR works well during gaming sessions only due to its high refresh rate and response times. Overall, HDR performs okay due to its low brightness and limited contrast ratio.
Pros
- Quick 170hz refresh rate
- Quick response time
- FreeSync and G-Sync certified
- Great viewing angles
Cons
- Contrasts may appear greyed out
- HDR isn’t outstandingly great
Thoughts and Conclusion
Overall, the ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQ gaming monitor is a beast when it boils down to your gaming sessions; however, the HDR performance isn’t as excellent as it should be.
The viewing angle is superb and is helpful if you’re working on the display from different angles, and the color coverage is truly awesome if you’re looking for life-like colors to play with.
If you have the budget, then by all means, grab the XG27AQ; however, you can always grab other models of the ROG Strix for a lower price and also have the performance.
