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The ASUS ROG Strix XG279Q is a 27-inch 1440p Fast IPS gaming monitor with Adaptive-Sync and a manufacturer-rated maximum refresh rate of 170Hz. Independent testing points to excellent motion response and very low input lag at maximum refresh, but also a significant input-lag increase at 60Hz. Its low contrast and poor black uniformity are drawbacks for dark rooms, while HDR support does not overcome those limitations.
ASUS ROG Strix XG279Q specifications
ASUS’s product page lists the following specifications. These are manufacturer figures, not independent measurements, and may vary by region.
| Feature | ASUS-listed specification |
|---|---|
| Panel and size | 27-inch Fast IPS, 16:9 |
| Resolution | 2560 × 1440 |
| Maximum refresh rate | 170Hz over DisplayPort; HDMI vertical signal frequency listed up to 144Hz |
| Response time | 1ms GTG |
| Typical brightness | 400 cd/m² |
| Typical contrast ratio | 1000:1 |
| Color-space coverage | 95% DCI-P3 and 130% sRGB |
| Color depth | 16.7 million colors |
| Sync and motion features | Adaptive-Sync, ELMB Sync; HDR10 support and VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification |
The listed connections are one DisplayPort 1.2, two HDMI 2.0 ports, and two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A hub ports. ASUS’s US product page also lists a headphone jack. The monitor has two built-in 2W speakers. Check the ASUS specifications page for the version sold in your region.
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RTINGS’ review, published October 8, 2020 and retested February 1, 2022, describes the XG279Q’s response time as remarkable and its input lag at maximum refresh as incredibly low. That makes the monitor’s strongest case PC gaming at high frame rates, where its 170Hz DisplayPort ceiling and Adaptive-Sync can be put to use. RTINGS also reports FreeSync and G-SYNC compatibility through Adaptive-Sync.
#1 Best Overall
- 27-inch 2560 x 1440 HDR gaming monitor with ultrafast 180Hz refresh rate designed for professional gamers and immersive gameplay
- ASUS Fast IPS technology enables a 1ms response time (GTG) for sharp gaming visuals with high frame rates
- ASUS Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync (ELMB SYNC) technology enables ELMB together with variable refresh rate, eliminating ghosting and tearing for sharp gaming visuals with high frame rates.
- DisplayWidget Center enables easy OSD access and monitor settings adjustments with a mouse.
- USB Type-C hub supports video transmission in DisplayPort signal; can serve as a USB hub, meaning that you can connect your device to your wired peripherals with clutter-free set-up
The 60Hz caveat
RTINGS found that input lag increases significantly at 60Hz. That matters if you mainly play at 60 frames per second, connect a device limited to 60Hz, or expect the monitor to feel the same across refresh rates. The review also judged motion exceptionally clear even at 60Hz, but motion clarity and input lag are different measures: clear-looking movement does not cancel out the reported latency increase.
ELMB Sync and motion clarity
ELMB Sync is ASUS’s motion-blur-reduction option that can be used with VRR, according to RTINGS. Tom’s Hardware reported very smooth-looking motion with ELMB engaged, while also observing some ghosting in high-contrast areas even with overdrive disengaged. That is an observation from its test conditions, not a guarantee of how every unit or setting will look. Try it with the games you play and compare the visual trade-off against Adaptive-Sync alone.
Rank #2
- 27-inch 2560 x 1440 HDR gaming monitor with ultrafast 270Hz (OC) refresh rate designed for professional gamers and immersive gameplay
- ASUS Fast IPS technology enables a 1ms response time (GTG) for sharp gaming visuals with high frame rates
- ASUS Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync (ELMB SYNC) technology enables ELMB together with variable refresh rate, eliminating ghosting and tearing for sharp gaming visuals with high frame rates
- 95% DCI-P3 color gamut with ASUS advanced gray-scale tracking technology ensures smoother color gradation delivered and uniformity
- DisplayWidget Center enables easy monitor settings adjustments with a mouse
Image quality, contrast, and dark-room use
The monitor’s main image-quality limitation is its low contrast and poor black uniformity. RTINGS considers it a poor fit for dark-room use: dark scenes can look less deep, and uneven blacks may be noticeable. This is a meaningful compromise for an IPS display intended for gaming, especially if you play atmospheric games or watch films with the lights off.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesASUS’s color-coverage figures are broad manufacturer specifications; they do not establish measured accuracy or guarantee uniformity on an individual unit. If rich blacks in a dim room matter more to you than high refresh, compare tested contrast and black uniformity rather than choosing by resolution or color coverage alone.
Rank #3
- Immersive QHD OLED Display: 26.5-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) glossy WOLED gaming monitor with 240 Hz refresh rate and 0.03 ms response time for immersive gaming
- Advanced Cooling and OLED Protection: Highly efficient custom heatsink, advanced airflow design, and ASUS OLED Care functions to reduce the risk of burn-in
- ROG OLED Anti-flicker Technology: ROG-exclusive OLED Anti-flicker technology helps reduce the flicker during refresh-rate fluctuations
- Third-Generation WOLED Panel: Third-generation WOLED technology provides brighter full white windows, clearer text, and improved motion clarity
- Uniform Brightness Setting: Optional uniform brightness setting ensures consistent luminance levels across the display
What to expect from HDR
ASUS lists HDR10 support and VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification. RTINGS describes the monitor as having a wide color gamut and decent peak brightness in HDR, but also notes low contrast, poor black uniformity, and notably higher input lag in HDR gaming. DisplayHDR 400 is not a promise of deep blacks or high-end HDR impact; consider peak brightness, contrast, local dimming, and HDR input lag separately.
Ports, stand, and setup
Use DisplayPort if you want to reach the listed 170Hz maximum; ASUS lists HDMI signal frequency only up to 144Hz. Confirm that your graphics card, cable, and display settings support the refresh rate you intend to use.
Rank #4
- High-Performance QHD OLED Display: 26.5-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) TrueBlack Glossy WOLED gaming monitor with 240 Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time
- Advanced OLED Protection Technology: ASUS OLED Care Pro functions with Neo Proximity Sensor that precisely detects when the user is away, switching to a black screen to reduce the risk of burn-in
- Exceptional HDR and Color Accuracy: VESA DisplayHDR 400 True Black compliance, 99% DCI-P3 gamut, true 10-bit color, and Delta E < 2 color difference for astonishing HDR performance
- Intuitive Monitor Control Software: Exclusive ASUS DisplayWidget Center application allows users to easily access OLED Care Pro functions and adjust monitor settings using a mouse
- AI-Enhanced Gaming Features: ROG Gaming A.I technology with AI-powered features to enhance users' gaming experience
The stand supports tilt, swivel, pivot, and 0–120mm height adjustment. The display also lists a standard 100 × 100mm VESA mount. ASUS’s Global accessories list includes DisplayPort and HDMI cables, a power adapter and cord, a USB 3.0 cable, documentation, and acrylic LED light covers. ASUS cautions that accessories can vary by region, so check the box contents for your market. Its support page lists manuals, including an English user guide dated September 28, 2023.
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- Consider it for high-refresh PC gaming if you want 1440p, Adaptive-Sync, and a 170Hz maximum over DisplayPort, and you value the strong response and low maximum-refresh input lag reported by RTINGS.
- Be cautious if you mostly play at 60Hz because RTINGS found significantly higher input lag at that refresh rate.
- Look elsewhere if you game in a dark room and prioritize deep, even blacks; low contrast and poor black uniformity are established weaknesses.
- Treat HDR as a supported feature, not a major selling point if you expect strong contrast or low-latency HDR gaming.
- Check local pricing and availability before judging value. Current market prices and stock are not established here, so value depends on the offer in your region.
RTINGS’ review evidence is dated and reflects its test unit and methodology; Tom’s Hardware’s ELMB observation likewise reflects its test conditions. They provide useful guidance, not a guarantee that every unit or configuration will behave identically.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Immersive QHD QD-OLED Display: 26.5-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) QD-OLED gaming monitor with 360 Hz refresh rate and 0.03 ms response time for immersive gaming
- Advanced Cooling and OLED Protection: Highly efficient custom heatsink, advanced airflow design, and ASUS OLED Care+ functions to reduce the risk of burn-in
- ROG-Exclusive Anti-Flicker Technology: ROG-exclusive OLED Anti-flicker technology helps reduce the flicker during refresh-rate fluctuations
- Exceptional HDR and Color Accuracy: VESA DisplayHDR 400 True Black compliance, 99% DCI-P3 gamut, true 10-bit, and Delta E < 2 color difference for astonishing HDR performance
- Convenient Monitor Control Software: DisplayWidget Center software allows users to easily access OLED Care functions and adjust monitor settings using a mouse
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
