Photo overview
The Monitor
We received this PG27UQ series monitor merely a week or so ago. You can spot them in retail at 2000 USD and in the EMEA at a staggering 2600~2700 Euros. Yes, compared to ACER a notch more expensive. Asus prices an often a notch higher, the PG27UQ has some extra LEDs and projection at various places in the housing, which need to be paid for. But what do you get when you spend two- to two and a half grand?
The PG27UQ series offers a comfortable size 27" display and is among the first of its kind to feature support for G-SYNC refresh rate technology in combination with HDR, 144Hz and all at 144 Hz. The IPS panel used originates from AU Optronics with full array local dimming backlight with 384 zones, and the latest iteration of the G-sync scaler from Nvidia. IPS is also known as AHVA. Short for advanced hyper viewing angle and therefore has nothing to do with the VA technology.
The panel is capable of recreating colors across over 99% an Adobe RGB gamut and 97% DCI-P (the color gamut the film industry uses these days). We'll test that later in the article.
- Size: 27in
- Resolution: 3840x2160
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- Panel: IPS
- Response time: 4ms
- DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0
- Rated Brightness: 600 cd/m² typical - 1000 cd/m² HDR peak brightness
- Contrast Ratio (static): 1000:1
- Power Consumption: 180W (HDR on)
That power consumption value is indeed a bit alarming for something with a 27" panel. We'll check that out more in-depth in our testing as really, it isn't that bad at all.
Quick note; if you're thinking of purchasing a G-Sync monitor then obviously make sure your GeForce graphics card is compatible, basically you want performance to match the resolution, GTX 1080 or faster card would be recommended. For this to work, obviously an a GeForce card will be mandatory, you cannot drive G-Sync with a Radeon graphics card. HDR by itself should work with supported Radeon cards, just not G-Sync. We do assume you've got the proper gear already. The monitor arrives in a large, full-color box. Included are cables (HDMI/DP/USB) and a manual.
So, an IPS screen might not be the favorite type of panel for some, others love it. However one cannot deny the fact that this one is capable of 144Hz, HDR and is Ultra HD, the advantages are clear, especially with G-Sync in mind.
The monitor has an acclaimed 4ms response time. Built with ABS plastic, the characteristic identity that ASUS offers means a trendy foot adorns this monitor. The display makes use of a ROG design and feel that clearly appeals to the target audience, PC gamers. There is a fairly large and thick plastic bezel though. The monitor includes HDMI 2.0 and a DisplayPort 1.4 connector as well as a USB 3.0 hub.
This is the foot, flipped around. Extremely handy and it brings very minimalistic looks to the monitor. The monitor can be adjusted to different positions, that is a refined monitor arm that can easily move the screen without moving the foot. The screen is very easy to position in the ideal position. It has a few secrets hidden in there though.
