Overview of the Asus ROG Strix XG27AC Monitor
Gamers in the market for a 27-inch 1440p gaming monitor under $300 are presented with a plethora of options in 2024. Among the notable brands offering such monitors are Acer, Samsung, Dell, LG, AOC, and Gigabyte. Asus, a significant player in the industry, steps up to the plate with its own offering that incorporates proprietary backlight strobing technology for improved motion clarity.
Design of the Asus ROG Strix XG27AC Monitor
The Asus ROG Strix XG27AC follows the design language of its ROG Strix siblings, boasting sturdy charcoal-colored plastics that exude durability. Sporting slim bezels on three sides and a modest chin at the bottom, the monitor’s design strikes a balance between aesthetics and functionality. While lacking RGB LED lighting, it compensates with a thoughtful approach to ergonomics, offering height, tilt, swivel, and pivot adjustments. The inclusion of a smartphone stand in the stand’s trench and a tripod mount further enhance the monitor’s versatility.
Connectivity and Features of the Asus ROG Strix XG27AC
Setting itself apart from the competition, the Asus ROG Strix XG27AC stands out with its USB-C port supporting DisplayPort Alternate Mode alongside DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0 inputs. This expansive connectivity means users have multiple options for connecting their devices, whether laptops, desktop PCs, or gaming consoles. While the USB-C port offers limited power delivery, it still adds value to the monitor’s feature set.
Gaming Image Quality of the Asus ROG Strix XG27AC
Despite modest specifications, the Asus ROG Strix XG27AC delivers commendable color performance, covering up to 100% of sRGB and 91% of DCI-P3 color spaces. This results in vibrant and true-to-life visuals, particularly in bright and saturated scenes. The monitor’s high maximum SDR brightness of 406 nits ensures a vivid display even in well-lit environments. However, users may notice the typical IPS glow issue affecting darker scenes, which might not be ideal for fans of darker games.
HDR Image Quality of the Asus ROG Strix XG27AC
While VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification may hint at decent HDR capabilities, the Asus ROG Strix XG27AC falls short in this regard. The monitor struggles with contrast, resulting in a flat and washed-out appearance in HDR content. While it supports HDR and allows for brightness adjustments, the overall HDR experience leaves much to be desired.
Motion Performance of the Asus ROG Strix XG27AC
The standout feature of the Asus ROG Strix XG27AC is its motion performance, thanks to Asus’ Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) technology. By strobing the backlight at a high frequency, ELMB effectively reduces motion blur, providing exceptional clarity in fast-paced gaming scenarios. This feature, combined with Adaptive Sync support, ensures a smooth and blur-free gaming experience, setting the XG27AC apart from its competitors.
Day-to-Day Use of the Asus ROG Strix XG27AC
Aside from gaming, the Asus ROG Strix XG27AC proves to be a versatile monitor for day-to-day tasks. With adequate brightness and sharpness, it offers a comfortable viewing experience for productivity and casual entertainment. However, content creation enthusiasts may find limitations due to the 1440p resolution, restricting native 4K content viewing and HDR content production.
Competition Analysis
Competing with options from Acer, LG, Samsung, Viewsonic, and Dell, the Asus ROG Strix XG27AC stands out for its motion clarity and feature-rich connectivity. While priced slightly higher than some alternatives, its ELMB technology and USB-C port justify the premium for gamers seeking top-notch performance.