From Left to Right: Asus ROG Strix XG258Q, Asus ROG Strix XG27VQ, and Asus ROG Strix XG32VQ
The onslaught of new and cutting-edge gaming does not stop with the 200Hz HDR G-Sync ultrawide Asus PG35VQ which will open a new frontier for gaming monitors. But it’s awesome that the company’s grand reveal for this year’s Computex did not leave out the red team. Along with the new G-Sync monitors, Asus is scheduled to release a slew of newer and better FreeSync monitors under the ROG Strix series which is to offer top ranking performance at a friendlier price, similar to what the MG series provided during its time.
Asus ROG Strix XG258Q
The Asus ROG Swift PG258Q experienced fantastic success when it exploded into the market, and we even consider it as one of Editor’s Choices here at Monitornerds. It is currently the fastest monitor we have tested, but its G-Sync module limits its application to Nvidia GPU users. For AMD card owners, the Asus ROG Strix XG258Q is the answer to your demands for an AMD based, 240Hz gaming monitor from the number one company in this category.
The Asus XG258Q will sport a 25-inch 1080p TN panel with a 240Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time and frame smoothening support from AMD FreeSync. We’re sure that this is the same module found on the Asus PG258Q, and our review proved it had excellent color vibrancy and accuracy for a TN panel, plus it is seriously fast in response time with an input lag lower than 4ms. 240Hz screens are still under scrutiny from critics, but in our humble opinion, you have to see what it brings to the table before deciding against it.
Judging from preliminary images, the Asus ROG Strix XG258Q looks better than its ROG Swift sibling thanks to its matte black finish all over. The ROG signature helix stand is also in play, but it now sports a graphite black scheme with red accents and the ROG LED projector below. It will offer height, tilt, swivel and pivot adjustments, so a comfortable angle is within reach while you game competitively.
Asus ROG Strix XG27VQ
The Asus ROG Strix XG27VQ is the FreeSync variant alongside the upcoming Asus ROG Swift PG27VQ we previewed earlier, which by our estimates, is scheduled to replace the current Asus PG278QR which is our best Overall Monitor. Judging from the genes of its predecessors, these new products will be consistent chart toppers in next year’s articles on the best of the best displays.
The biggest change to this segment of gaming monitors from the company is that the Asus ROG Strix XG27VQ will now come with an 1800r curvature for immersive feel. The TN panel goes up to 144Hz, and we are expecting this new model to be lightning fast. One downside to this new offering is unlike the PG27VQ; this device will only come with a 1920 x 1080 full HD resolution which will result in reduced pixel density but should be friendlier on AMD’s middling graphics cards.
Once the XG27VQ pops out of the market, it would be hard to ignore the gorgeous design of the new chassis. Unlike the plain jane MG monitors, this new 27-incher will have the robotic pattern of the ROG treatment embedded into the graphite black back panel. The Removable helix stand features an RGB LED module around the attachment area, which will work with Asus’ Aura RGB environment. Like the XG258Q above, this model will be flexible with height, tilt, swivel and pivot adjustments for comfortable gaming and viewing.
Asus ROG Strix XG32VQ
The Asus ROG Strix XG32VQ is the absolute behemoth of the trio, coming it a whopping 32-inches while sporting an 1800r curvature. This monitor is the only one to have a 2560 x 1440 resolution putting it in a similar group with the fantastic HP Omen 32. Gaming on a 32-inch 2K display isn’t overly bad by any means because the lower pixel pitch is somehow negated by the higher count, so images will still be sharp and crisp.
While it is still unknown if the XG32VQ will sport a TN or a VA panel, the module inside will have a refresh rate of 144Hz to complement the resolution. At 1440p, most AMD cards will start to struggle especially on more demanding titles which deserve to be enjoyed on an excellent gaming monitor, so thankfully, FreeSync will solve the stuttering issues. Just looking at the XG32VQ is drool worthy, because let’s face it, who wouldn’t want a 32-inch display that performs admirably, and looking good while doing it.
Like the rest of the gang, this monumental FreeSync beast will be supported by the helix stand from the second generation of the ROG aesthetic treatment. Despite being so huge, our experience with the mechanics of Asus’ design adds confidence that the cabinet will be stable despite the heft. As icing on the cake, the Asus Aura RGB lighting feature can be found at the back, and it will work with existing Aura compatible components inside your PC.
Thoughts
While it’s exciting we are getting new FreeSync monitors from Asus; we feel that their reveal left a lot of questions for enthusiasts. For starts, where is the FreeSync counterpart to the G-Sync HDR-equipped Asus PG35VQ, the ultrawide model which has captured the hearts and interests of PC gamers and reviewers everywhere? Also, the Asus XG258Q is a befitting product for competitive AMD gamers out there, but the XG27VQ leaves something to be desired because of its low resolution.
Most of these products are also using TN panels which can understand on the Asus XG258Q, but we’d like to think that the majority of buyers going for the bigger models would want the benefits of VA or IPS for their visual experiences. (There are no available 240Hz IPS modules from OEM companies at this time)
But if you think about it, this is a typical release pattern for Asus, similar to their introduction of the Asus PG278Q which was shortly followed by the IPS-equipped Asus PG279Q. If priced right, these products should sell like hotcakes despite our misgivings, but exercising patience is a good idea if you want to wait for more advanced models. Whatever you decide on, one thing is for sure, the second half of 2017 is an exciting time for monitor enthusiasts. If you want to hop on the Asus ROG Strix monitor train, start saving up because these excellent products will release just in time for Christmas.
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