It’s also cheaper than ever, with even high-refresh options dipping below $200.
In that context, the new Asus ROG Strix XG27ACS doesn’t immediately look like a bargain.
For sure, it’s cheaper than the equivalent model from Asus’s premium ROG range.
What’s more, it comes with HDR400 support, and thus can achieve 400 nits peak brightness.
But it’s better than no HDR support at all.
Sure, it’s not the cheapest 1440p panel out there.
But it’s pretty reasonably priced and very promising on paper.
Generally, it looks and feels a cut above more affordable 1440p options.
You get 180Hz refresh, which is plenty for all but the most seriousesportsaddicts, plus 1ms response times.
For tangibly better response, you’d need to speed nearly three times as much on anOLEDmonitor.
As for HDR, there’s DisplayHDR 400 certification, which means 400 nits brightness.
There’s no local dimming, so this isn’t a true HDR display.
Yes, there are higher-specification gaming monitors, including 1440p models.
However, the Asus ROG Strix XG27ACS’s spec ticks all the important boxes for a great gaming experience.
Asus ROG Strix XG27ACS: Performance
This is a beautifully calibrated monitor.
The colors are pitch-perfect and there’s oodles of visual pop.
This is a vibrant, punchy, and accurate display.
If that all applies to the default SDR mode, the HDR mode is even better.
But perhaps not for the reasons you might expect.
As an HDR400 panel with no local dimming, there’s only the most basic HDR support on offer.
But it’s the way SDR content is handled in HDR mode that actually most impresses.
All too often this class of entry-level HDR monitor makes a mess of SDR content in HDR mode.
That means you have to keep jumping back and forth between modes depending on content punch in.
It’s so much simpler.
Another highlight is pixel response.
In truth, even with the overdrive maxed out the overshoot and inverse ghosting are pretty mild.
Even here in 2024, 1440p on a 27-inch makes a lot of sense for mainstream gaming.
You get plenty of image detail but without the debilitating GPU load of 1440p.
So, you don’t need a $1,000 graphics card to get the most out of this display.
But that aside, this is just a really nice gaming panel with great specs for a decent price.
Should you buy the Asus ROG Strix XG27ACS?
It does cost more though, so you’re paying for privilege here.
Read our fullAcer Predator XB3 (XB273K) review
Asus ROG Strix XG27ACS: Report Card
