The Asus ProArt PA279CRV is a reasonably-priced 4K IPS monitor for users who want full and accurate gamut coverage. It also has an upgraded USB-C slot compared to the PA279CV, allowing it to handle powerhouse laptops with a single cable. Let’s take a closer look if the Asus ProArt PA279CRV is a worthy upgrade.
Asus ProArt PA279CRV Specifications
- Screen Size: 27 Inches
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160 4K UHD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Technology: In-Plane Switching (IPS)
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Response Time: 5ms
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 (Static)
- Brightness: 350 cd/m²
- Speakers: Yes (2 x 2 Watts)
- Stand: Height – Yes
- Stand: Tilt – Yes
- Stand: Swivel – Yes
- Stand: Pivot – Yes
- VESA Compatibility: Yes (100 x 100)
- Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.4 x 1, DP 1.4 Out x 1, HDMI 2.0 x 1, USB-C PD96W x 1, USB 3.2 x 3, 3.5mm Jack x 1
- Dimensions with Stand(WxHxD): 24.06” x 16.07” x 8.46″
- Weight: 12.74 lbs
Design and Features
The Asus ProArt PA279CRV only has minor changes from its predecessor, but it still looks clean and sophisticated despite sitting at a lower price point. The monitor has a clean matte black and silver finish, separating it from the boring office variants we see at work. The display has a bezel-free design, but it still has inner borders like any regular monitor.
It’s not gigantic like the other top-end ProArt monitors, so one or two units should be manageable for most that have a standard-sized desk. The base is noticeably smaller than the older model, so it only requires 8.46 inches of depth. The monitor is also considerably lighter at 12.74 pounds, although it doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy like other budget models.
The product’s build quality is excellent even if it seems like it uses more plastics compared to the PA279CV. Its panels and parts feel like they were machined with precision, so there are no cosmetic defects. The included stand is firm and stable, so the screen won’t sag or shake while you its in use.
We like that the Asus ProArt PA279CRV’s joystick is on the front at the bottom bezel. You don’t have to fumble around for it, and it even includes hotkeys for convenient access to its standard settings. Other premium models can include remotes, but those are not necessary for daily operation, especially if they will raise the price.
The stand included in the package offers tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustments for your convenience. Getting a good angle is easy since the monitor’s intended audience will probably use it for several hours. You can also use VESA mounts, but those will only become necessary if you will use the monitor’s daisy-chaining feature.
The Asus ProArt PA279CRV’s connectivity layout is also quite impressive since it gives you more options for your setup. It has DisplayPort 1.4, DP 1.4 Out, an HDMI 2.0 port, and a 96-Watt USB-C slot with DP Alt Mode. You can use it as a dock for modern laptops, and it can connect with another monitor if you want to build a dual-screen setup.
It also has a trio of USB 3.2 slots and a 3.5mm jack for accessories and peripherals. You also get a pair of speakers with it, but they only have 2 Watts of power, so they are not entertainment or gaming-grade. The audio is clear enough, but it lacks bass and can easily be drowned out by other louder sources.
Display and Performance
The Asus ProArt PA279CRV offers a 27-inch IPS panel with a 3840 x 2160 resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, and a 5ms response time. The backlight has a 350 cd/m2 output, while the contrast is listed at 1000:1, like most IPS panels. This model advertises wide gamut coverage and HDR 400 certification, but we know how ineffective the latter is when it comes to true HDR performance.
4K monitors are commonly available in this size, but we’re openly suggesting that 32-inch variants are better when it comes to visibility and legibility. 27-inch UHD monitors are tough on the eyes without scaling, so it can be a struggle to use them for office work or reading. Imaging, on the other hand, flourishes on it since it’s extra sharp and clean-looking versus a 1080p and 1440p variant.
The Asus ProArt PA279CRV covers 100% sRGB, 99% DCI-P3, and 98% Adobe RGB as advertised. It exceeds expectations since you usually only see this from monitors that cost at least a thousand. Its default accuracy isn’t the best, but the deltaE average of 1.31 is fantastic for a wide-gamut display.
Calibrating it reduced that score to a superb 0.77, making it a fantastic choice for editing and content creation. However, you will need a colorimeter to achieve the same results since no amount of copying ICC profiles or RGB settings can guarantee the best possible accuracy for your unit. We only recommend this purchase if absolute color accuracy is necessary for your work.
Its backlight reached 371 cd/m2 at 100%, and it got to 405 cd/m2 peak when its HDR mode is active. However, its contrast didn’t do so great since it only managed to reach 948:1 at 40% brightness. It’s incapable of deep blacks, and we hope the new IPS Black technology found on monitors like the Dell U3224KB will soon creep its way into budget variants like this.
Panel uniformity for the test sample did not have any significant issues, even if there was some variance in the corner quadrants. They are noticeably lighter than the rest when a full black image is displayed, but they don’t affect white backgrounds or full-color images. Note that this can change with every monitor made due to tolerances, so there are better and worse units out there.
Responsiveness isn’t its best attribute, but the Asus ProArt PA279CRV performs quite well in gaming tests. It has a disadvantage since it’s limited to 60Hz, but it does surprisingly well in games. Fast-paced transitions will reveal some trailing and smudges, but they are not bad enough to become a deal-breaker if you want to play on this monitor.
The Asus ProArt PA279CRV supports Adaptive Sync, so it is compatible with FreeSync and G-Sync if you force-activate them. This is essential for gamers, but its main audience will most likely not need it for day-to-day use. Input lag sits at 9ms at 60Hz, so it’s snappy and responsive like any modern monitor.
Thoughts on the Asus ProArt PA279CRV
The Asus ProArt PA279CRV is an excellent choice for professionals who want top shelf performance at a fraction of the cost. Its crisp and vibrant IPS panel offers stunning color quality, plus it is loaded with useful features. It is built well, just like its other ProArt brethren, so you will get your money’s worth out of it.
Its only weakness is its HDR feature which, as expected, is a letdown considering that it doesn’t have the equipment for it. Its contrast is limited, and its peak brightness doesn’t impress, but that’s expected since it’s a cheaper model, to begin with. But overall, it’s a fantastic buy if you need an affordable 4K monitor for work or design use.
Pros:
- Low Price
- Full Gamut Coverage and Great Accuracy
- 96W USB-C Connectivity
Cons:
- Poor Contrast
- Disappointing HDR
About the Author: 
Paolo has been a gaming veteran since the golden days of Doom and Warcraft and has been building gaming systems for family, friends, and colleagues since junior high. High-performance monitors are one of his fixations; he believes that every citizen’s right to enjoy one. He has gone through several pieces of hardware in pursuit of every bit of performance gain, much to the dismay of his wallet. He now works with Monitornerds to scrutinize the latest gear to create reviews that accentuate the seldom explained aspects of a PC monitor.
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