The Asus PG27UQ is the culmination of monitor technologies which offers a never before seen 4K 144Hz display and full HDR1000 capabilities. The quantum dot IPS display with 384 individual zone lighting makes all the best eye candy possible, pushing extreme gamers past the current norm. The Asus PG27UQ is finally here, so let’s take a closer look and see what it can do.
Asus PG27UQ Specifications
- Screen Size: 27 Inches
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160 4K UHD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Technology: In-Plane Switching (IPS)
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- Response Time: 4ms
- Contrast Ratio:?
- Brightness: 600cd/m (1000 cd/m² peak)
- Stand: Height – Yes
- Stand: Tilt – Yes
- Stand: Swivel – Yes
- VESA Compatibility: Yes
- Connectivity DisplayPort 1.4 x 1, HDMI 2.0 x 1, USB 3.0 x 2
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 24.96” x 21.93” x 10.55”
- Weight: 20.28lbs
Design and Features
The Asus PG27UQ sports a familiar aesthetic based on the second wave of ROG monitors. However, this top of the line model now includes thicker bezels which are probably necessary for the newer panel tech. The plastic strips shouldn’t bother you during gaming, but they are an eyesore on a monitor that costs over two grand.
The exterior has a grayish-titanium finish with a matted texture and plasma copper details in the right spots. Construction is top-notch while the corners, details, and seams are free of burrs or imperfections. The Asus PG27UQ stands firm and stable on a desk while holding your desired view angle with its firm yet flexible mechanism.
The stand is also nearly identical to what current ROG Swift models have from the helix base all the way to the excellent ergonomics. This mechanism will still be fully removable to reveal VESA holes, but you need to consult the manual because dismantling it can get confusing. You will find an ROG LED projector which glows red at the apex of the tri-pronged helix base for full gamer-centric effect.
One of the key features of the Asus PG27UQ is its Aura Sync LED at the rear of the chassis which is bright enough to be considered a bias light. When turned off, the logo appears like an embossed metallic object, but it looks amazing when switched on. You can change the colors and themes or sync the lighting feature with your compatible gear such as an Asus motherboard.
The Asus PG27UQ is a G-Sync monitor so it includes a limited I/O panel with only two video input slots. You get a DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0b which are capable of accepting 4K HDR signals. Take note that G-Sync and the 144Hz max refresh rate only works on the former. You also get two USB 3.0 ports for accessories such as thumb drives or wireless receivers.
Display and Performance
The Asus PG27UQ sports a 27-inch IPS panel with a 3840 x 2160 resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, and a 4ms response time. The native contrast ratio is still at 1000:1, but Asus claims that it can reach a peak of 50000:1 during HDR scenery. This AUO panel is accompanied by a 600cd/m2 Quantum Dot backlight that can enhance colors and pulse all the way up to 1000cd/m2 for HDR content.
The panel used for the Asus PG27UQ can produce 10-bit (8-bit with FRC) colors for maximum vibrancy and saturation. This model is surprisingly fantastic at producing volumes of tones, scoring up to 149% sRGB or 110% DCI-P3 when set to wide gamut mode. Color accuracy plays between DeltaE .4 to 1.5 for realistic and professional-grade color fidelity.
The Asus PG27UQ is one of the first few monitors to impress us with a panel this rich and eye-popping. The gamma curve sits at a perfect 2.2 while contrast averages at 1100:1 for SDR content. Unfortunately, we did not have a way to measure the limits of the screen when it displays HDR visuals. Games such as Battlefield 1 and Battlefront II appear more convincing with amazing clarity and out of this world light blooms and effects.
The FALD unit on the Asus PG27UQ also feels more responsive than what we’ve seen on the Dell UP2718Q and the Asus PA32UC. The lighting effects from explosions and the in-game environments look spot on with less uncontrolled blooms. Bright and dim elements appear more defined, plus visibility has improved drastically when compared to other HDR monitors we have tested.
Gaming with a 4K UHD monitor at 144Hz monitor is an experience by itself which we cannot define by saying its like a 1440p 144Hz display, but better. Our test system struggled to achieve high frames with this monitor, so we had to tweak in-game settings and lower them to maximize the screen. Remember, you don’t lose the crispness and clean lines even if you drop settings like Anti Aliasing due to the pixel density.
The Asus PG27UQ’s IPS panel has excellent color and brightness uniformity overall. We did not record any brightness variances that exceeded 8% on all quadrants, while it was difficult any unbalanced colors on the screen. However, there is a bit of deviation from the ideal D65 at the bottom, which again, does not affect gaming visuals considerably.
Input lag, on the other hand, is handled differently with the Asus PG27UQ. Latency was measured at 8ms at 144Hz, but it goes down by a millisecond if you limit the screen to 120Hz. The chroma subsampling at the max refresh rate probably has something to do with the difference, which in our opinion, shouldn’t bother all gamers.
Finally, the Asus PG27UQ is a G-Sync HDR monitor which helps to smoothen the screen’s output by synchronizing the refresh rate to the frame rate. The VRR tech is crucial to enjoying this gaming monitor since its 4K 144Hz specification which requires a truckload of GPU power.
Thoughts on the Asus PG27UQ
The Asus PG27UQ is the best gaming monitor you can buy on the planet right now. It’s fantastic color fidelity, responsiveness, and HDR expertise can finally answer the hardcore gamer’s call for a near-perfect HDR monitor. If you have a top-end PC and a 4K HDR console like the PS4 Pro, this is the monitor you should splurge on.
If we had a complaint, it would be the Asus PG27UQ’s bombastic two-grand-plus price tag. The display itself is worth a whole new gaming rig, making it unreachable to the rest of us mortals who have to earn every buck. However, if you have the funds to burn, this monitor is definitely a must buy.
Ryan says
Not including the aesthetics or pricing; how does the Asus PG27UQ compare to the Acer Predator X27?? If you wanted the best of the best for 4K gaming on the market which comes out on top between the two? Thanks!
Paolo Reva says
Hi, Ryan! The Asus PG27UQ has the advantage according to colorimeter measurements, but you’d be hardpressed to notice the difference. Both are excellent options, but if you want the best out of the two, then the PG27UQ should be your pick.
Sebastian says
Hey Guys, off. Release date by end of May 2018..
hope to catch you .
thx
Paolo Reva says
We caught wind that Nvidia expects it anywhere between April and May, but there are no official announcements from the involved parties. We do hope it does come out by then! Thanks for sharing!
Damir says
Hello, some news about date release?
Paolo Reva says
Hello, Damir! Unfortunately, still no word from Asus regarding an actual release date.
Aamir says
How much would it cost approx ?
Paolo Reva says
Hey, Aamir! Originally, pricing was projected at $1600 to $2000. This was speculative and there is no official announcement regarding pricing, so we are still in the dark. Some reviewers are also suggesting that we might see a lower SRP at release since the PG27UQ’s wow factor has somehow passed due to the massive delays.
John says
Will 2 1080 ti be able to handle the full 144Hz?
Paolo Reva says
Hello, John! We can’t comment at the moment since we have not yet tested any 4K 144Hz monitors. You can probably max out the refresh rate if you turn down some settings, otherwise, the 1080Tis in SLI might struggle to even reach 100FPS. If you check out some benchmarks, a single 1080Ti is indeed capable of 60FPS more or less in AAA titles at 4K, but you have to remember the second GPU will scale down to around 75% of its maximum performance.
PP Mguire says
It’s all dependent on what you play and how much CPU you can give the cards. Most reviewers also like to enable AA which is almost useless at 4k unless it’s something like FXAA to smooth out the tiny ripples. Games like Battlefield 1, Overwatch, Destiny 2 are all easily capable of hitting the 144 mark and staying there. For games with Nvidia Lagworks typically if this is disabled your frames won’t tank in certain scenes. Most of the fast paced games that require frames that high are easily pushed with a pair of 1080ti’s or Titan Xp’s. Another thing to remember is this monitor has Gsync so slower games like RPGs don’t exactly need to be over 100fps. I would say the heaviest hitting games I’m playing now are GR Wildlands and Final Fantasy 15, which needs updates to fix performance issues anyways. Battlefield 1, Overwatch, and Rocket League I hang on the frame cap. (I know I can uncap the frames in BF1, I’m too lazy to do so)
As for scaling, again also dependent on CPU and what games you play.
Paolo Reva says
Thank you for sharing Insight, PPMguire! Optimizing the settings and having a powerful CPU to handle the two 1080Tis are indeed the keys to maximizing a 144Hz 4K monitor. We won’t know for sure until we can do a hands-on test. Plus, 1080Tis might not be an ideal basis soon since the 10-series just got phased out officially. We may see a more suitable Ti card from the next-gen family of GPUs soon!
michael says
Morning,
Are we any closer to a UK release date?
Many thanks
M
Paolo Reva says
Hello, Michael! Still no word from Asus, but let’s keep our fingers crossed?!
Hendrick says
Does it support PS4 Pro 4K HDR with HDCP 2.2? Thanks! Becoz I gonna use it for both PC and PS4 Pro. I had a older 4K monitor that doesn’t support PS4 Pro 4K, it has only the HDCP 1.4.
Paolo Reva says
Hello, Hendrick! We are not yet sure because we are still waiting for release, but the spec list suggests that the HDMI connector in this model is version 2.0 and is HDCP 2.2 compliant.
Sascha says
Will this have HDMI 2.0 ?
Paolo Reva says
Hello, Sascha! Yes, the Asus PG27UQ will include HDMI 2.0 or better when it releases.
rippley says
Finally.. A Future proof monitor, that is going to take 2-3 video card generations to max out.
Remember folks. Its not like you replace a monitor every year. And if you do, that old monitor still has value.~~And by the time you know it.. 8K will be here.
Paolo Reva says
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Rippley!
Dooplis says
Was hoping that this monitor would have a faster response time than 4ms.
Paolo Reva says
Take the 4ms with a grain of salt. To actually capture how fast response time or pixel transition time is, you need very special equipment. We will know once we get to test the PG27UQ if its fast enough or if it does produce unwanted ghosting and interlacing.
rex says
is there any other monitor that is IPS, HDR, 4k (60 HZ is fine, no need for 144hz because it is not achievable anyway)?
Paolo Reva says
Hey, Rex! Check out the Dell UP2718Q which is a full HDR monitor equipped with a full-array local dimming backlight by clicking this link. Cheers!
DarthVader says
Who will buy this? Probably no gamers. Everyone knows you aint reaching 144fps with a 1080Ti @4K.
Cmon ASUS, release a 1440p version of this with ALL the same features!
Not rocket science.
JR says
Next gen GPU such as 2080Ti will probably be able to get close to 144fps at 4K if you tone some graphics down. Even now with a 1080Ti I can get 80-90fps with max settings in Rainbow Six Siege. I am certainly going to buy a 144hz 4k monitor when I can.
Paolo Reva says
When you get one JR, please let us know how it goes and what it’s like!
Bootsy says
Man I’m torn between buying this or the 65″ screens that are supposed to come out this year. This monitor will fit on my current desk no big deal as I already have a 27″ monitor. But to have a 65″ screen 120hz 4k hdr and low input lag would be amazing. But then I have to either find a good wireless keyboard and mouse and something to out those on at my recliner. And if the 27″ is going to cost $1500-$2000 what are the 65″ going to cost lmao.
Paolo Reva says
Hey, Bootsy! We agree the BFGDs are quite an exciting concept! But you can expect them to cost over four or five grand, possibly more since they are heavily-armed versions of OLED TVs. If you want to set yourself up for a superb couch gaming experience, the best option right now would be this one. Cheers!
Dooplis says
Believe me, you don’t need a 65″ display
Paolo Reva says
To each his own, Dooplis. Some might like couch gaming better than sitting in front of a desk, an arm’s length away from the display.
Eskers says
Thanks. Look forward to a release date. Do you know if the QD film is cadmium free?
Eli Nolan says
Asus does not have any information on the cadmium in this monitor.
Al says
Panel lottery the sequel here we come.