When it comes to gaming monitors, ASUS has long been a name associated with quality, performance, and innovation. The ASUS TUF Gaming 27 inch 1440P HDR Monitor is no exception. Packed with features designed to enhance both gaming and productivity, this monitor strikes a balance that appeals to a broad range of users. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer, a creative professional, or simply someone who enjoys high-quality visuals, this monitor promises to deliver. But does it live up to the hype? In this detailed review, we’ll explore the key aspects of this monitor, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses.
Design and Build Quality
The first thing you’ll notice about the ASUS TUF Gaming 27 inch monitor is its robust and sleek design. The monitor boasts a sturdy build, with a matte black finish that exudes a premium feel. The stand is ergonomic, offering a full range of adjustments including tilt, swivel, pivot, and height. This ensures that users can find the perfect viewing angle, which is crucial for long gaming sessions or extended work periods.
The monitor’s thin bezels are another noteworthy feature, especially for those who prefer a multi-monitor setup. The thin bezels help to create a more immersive experience by minimizing distractions, allowing you to focus on the action.
Display Quality
The ASUS TUF Gaming 27 inch monitor features a 27-inch WQHD (2560×1440) display, which is a sweet spot for many gamers and professionals alike. The 1440p resolution provides sharp and detailed visuals without the demanding system requirements of a 4K display. This resolution is ideal for those who want to enjoy crisp images while maintaining high frame rates.
One of the standout features of this monitor is its HDR10 support. While it may not offer the same level of HDR performance as some higher-end monitors, the HDR10 does enhance the overall image quality by improving contrast and color accuracy. This is particularly beneficial for games and movies that support HDR content, delivering a more vibrant and dynamic visual experience.
The monitor also covers 99% of the sRGB color gamut, making it suitable for tasks that require color accuracy, such as photo and video editing. While it may not be the first choice for professional color grading, it’s more than capable for most creative tasks.
Performance and Features
For gamers, performance is where the ASUS TUF Gaming 27 inch monitor truly shines. With a 165Hz refresh rate and a 1ms (MPRT) response time, this monitor is designed to handle fast-paced action with ease. The high refresh rate ensures smooth and fluid gameplay, while the fast response time minimizes motion blur, which is crucial for competitive gaming.
The monitor also supports Adaptive-Sync (FreeSync Premium), which helps to eliminate screen tearing and stuttering by synchronizing the monitor’s refresh rate with your GPU. This feature is a must-have for anyone serious about gaming, as it provides a smoother and more enjoyable experience.
Another feature worth mentioning is ASUS’s ELMB (Extreme Low Motion Blur) technology. This feature works by inserting a black frame between each frame, further reducing motion blur and making fast-moving objects appear sharper. While this feature is impressive, it’s worth noting that it cannot be used simultaneously with Adaptive-Sync, so users will need to choose which feature best suits their needs.
Connectivity
The ASUS TUF Gaming 27 inch monitor comes with a decent selection of ports, including two HDMI 2.0 ports, a DisplayPort 1.2, and a 3.5mm audio jack. This range of connectivity options allows users to easily connect multiple devices, such as gaming consoles, PCs, and laptops. However, it’s worth mentioning that the monitor lacks USB-C connectivity, which may be a drawback for some users who prefer to connect their devices via a single cable.
Pros
- High Refresh Rate (165Hz): The 165Hz refresh rate ensures smooth and fluid gameplay, making it an excellent choice for gamers who demand performance.
- Fast Response Time (1ms): The fast response time reduces motion blur, providing a sharper and more immersive gaming experience.
- HDR10 Support: While not top-tier HDR, the HDR10 support enhances contrast and color accuracy, improving the overall visual experience for games and movies.
- Ergonomic Design: The fully adjustable stand allows users to find the perfect viewing angle, reducing strain during long sessions.
- Thin Bezels: Ideal for multi-monitor setups, the thin bezels create a more immersive viewing experience.
- Adaptive-Sync (FreeSync Premium): This feature reduces screen tearing and stuttering, providing a smoother gaming experience.
- ELMB Technology: Further reduces motion blur, making fast-moving objects appear sharper.
- Color Accuracy: Covers 99% of the sRGB color gamut, making it suitable for creative tasks such as photo and video editing.
Cons
- Limited HDR Performance: While HDR10 support is a nice addition, the HDR performance is not as robust as that found on higher-end monitors.
- No USB-C Port: The lack of USB-C connectivity might be a dealbreaker for users who prefer a single-cable connection for their devices.
- ELMB and Adaptive-Sync Cannot Be Used Simultaneously: Users must choose between reduced motion blur or tear-free gameplay, which can be inconvenient.
- Speakers: The built-in speakers are average at best and may not suffice for users who care about audio quality.
- Price: While the monitor offers great features, it is priced higher than some competitors, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.
Conclusion
The ASUS TUF Gaming 27 inch 1440P HDR Monitor is a well-rounded display that offers a compelling mix of features for gamers, creatives, and everyday users. Its high refresh rate, fast response time, and support for Adaptive-Sync make it a top choice for gamers looking for a competitive edge. The inclusion of HDR10 support and accurate color reproduction also makes it a viable option for creative professionals.
However, the monitor is not without its drawbacks. The limited HDR performance and the inability to use ELMB and Adaptive-Sync simultaneously might be concerns for some users. Additionally, the lack of USB-C connectivity could be a downside for those who prefer a more streamlined setup.
In conclusion, the ASUS TUF Gaming 27 inch monitor offers excellent performance and versatility, making it a strong contender in the crowded gaming monitor market. While it may not be the perfect monitor for everyone, it’s certainly a solid choice for those who value a balance between gaming prowess and everyday usability.
