The Asus ROG Strix XG27AQMR offers a substantial upgrade over its first iteration via its 300Hz maximum refresh rate. It is also more affordable than its predecessor, despite the 30Hz difference in speed. Let’s take a closer look to know if it’s worth it or if you should just tighten your belt and save up for the venerable PG27AQDM OLED.
Asus ROG Strix XG27AQMR Specifications
- Screen Size: 27 Inches
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440 WQHD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Technology: In-Plane Switching (Fast IPS)
- Refresh Rate: 300Hz
- Response Time: 0.5ms
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
- Brightness: 350 cd/m²
- Built-in 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 2, HDMI 2.0 x 2, USB 3.2 x 3, 3.5mm x 1
- Dimensions With Stand(WxHxD): 24.17″ x 20 ″ x 10.04″
- Weight: 16.12 lbs
Design and Features
The Asus ROG Strix XG27AQMR isn’t aesthetically different from its predecessor, but it loses the ROG eye lighting at the back. The monitor has a matte black finish with futuristic patterns, and that signature helix stand. It’s aggressively designed for gamers, but that bezel-free display still looks quite good.
Its unique design makes it a bit chunkier than its competitors, but it is still within acceptable limits. It does need 10 inches of depth, but the lower profile of the base makes it less intrusive on a tight desk. The device weighs 16.12 pounds, so it’s a bit lighter than the old model.
What doesn’t change with ROG monitors is their outstanding build quality for low to high-end models. The plastics used are thick and sturdy, and there were no cosmetic defects on any of its parts. The included stand is very firm and stable so that the screen won’t sag or wobble on you in the middle of an intense session.
Another constant characteristic here is the presence of a joystick and Asus’ signature hotkeys. The layout is at the back of the display, but they are within reach and very easy to master. Other brands would go as far as adding remotes to their setups, but it is not always necessary for monitors like this.
Its stand offers tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustments for your comfort and convenience. It’s easy to get a good angle for those extended hours of work or play. You can also use VESA mounts, but it is not entirely necessary if it’s the only monitor you are using.
Its connectivity isn’t as equipped as some high-end models, but it still has what you will need to maximize its gaming performance. This model has two slots each for DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0, a USB 3.2 hub with two type A ports, and a 3.5mm jack for headphones. That’s a layout found on Nvidia Reflex monitors, but this model doesn’t have that.
It also has a pair of speakers, but they only have 2 watts of power like most of the brand’s gaming models. We think this aspect deserves an upgrade now, especially if we consider its premium branding. However, it still deserves a well-tuned headset for better immersion and focus.
Display and Performance
The Asus ROG Strix XG27AQMR sports a 27-inch IPS panel with a 2560 x 1440 resolution, a 300Hz refresh rate, and a 0.5ms response time. The backlight has a 350 cd/m2 limit while the contrast is still listed at 1000:1. This model is DisplayHDR 400 certified, but we all know how limited that is when it comes to true HDR performance.
1440p monitors are perfect for almost any type of use, and they are emerging as the preferred format for competitive gaming. They are not as sharp as 4K screens, but your eyes won’t struggle to read letters and numbers. It’s also a fact that it’s easier to get higher framerates with most GPUs with 1440p, so it is not impossible to get to that 300Hz.
The Asus ROG Strix XG27AQMR covers more than 100% sRGB and 95% DCI-P3 for stunning color in games and movies. It’s not the most accurate, with a deltaE average of 2.88, but it’s an improvement over the XG27AQM’s score. Most users won’t need to calibrate if it is dedicated to gaming.
Calibrating it reduced the dE average to 0.51, making it comparable with prosumer monitors. The downside is that you will need a colorimeter to achieve similar results. Each panel has variances that affect color accuracy, so copying settings or ICC profiles cannot guarantee identical results.
The Asus ROG Strix XG27AQMR’s backlight reached 364 cd/m2 at 100% and it peaked at 422 cd/m2 when its HDR mode is active. Its contrast peaked at 1105:1 at 30% brightness, so it’s not capable of true HDR or deep blacks. Its OLED counterpart, the PG27AQDM, will be better in that regard, but it is also way more expensive.
Panel uniformity for the test sample did not have any major issues like backlight leaks or clouding. There were some variances in the backlight’s spread, but they are only noticeable in select instances. Note that this can vary with every monitor made due to tolerances, so there are worse units out there.
One of the strengths of the Asus ROG Strix XG27AQMR is its fantastic pixel response time. Setting its overdrive to its level 4 setting is your best bet since it doesn’t add overshoot while perfecting the monitor’s blur-free performance. It is fantastic for E-Sports use, but you will need a powerful GPU to get consistent framerates.
The Asus ROG Strix XG27AQMR is compatible with FreeSync and G-Sync for tear-free gaming. It is essential to have dual compatibility since AMD and Nvidia have nicely suited options for 1440p at 300Hz. Its input lag sits at 3ms, so it’s one of the fastest 1440p monitors out there.
Thoughts on the Asus ROG Strix XG27AQMR
The Asus ROG Strix XG27AQMR is a fantastic choice for high-end or competitive gaming. Its lightning-fast screen is a welcome upgrade, which isn’t normally available at its price range. Its built and designed like the brand’s most expensive offerings, so you aren’t losing out on durability and reliability.
It’s not perfect, but most of the limitations we highlighted are expected from the panel type and its HDR grade. However, it is priced quite well versus its 360Hz alternatives and against the XV272U. That means that it is an incredible buy since it’s not built like a budget model at all.
Pros:
- Excellent Pricing
- Very Fast and Responsive
- Superb Build Quality
- FreeSyn and G-Sync Compatible
Cons:
- no USB-C
- Limited Contrast
- Poor 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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