Review on ASUS XG27AQ: DisplayPort DisplayHDR 2560X1440 at 170Hz with Height Adjustment, Blue Light Filter, IPS, and HDMI by Kevin Staver

A few notes on advertised features: 270Hz: The monitor flickered a few times, but I think it was due to a problem with the DisplayPort cable. I'm also using a dual monitor setup, one and the other with a real GSYNC module (PG27UQ). When I enabled Adaptive Sync on this monitor before enabling GSYNC in the Nvidia Control Panel, this monitor sometimes went completely black and would not turn on until I restarted the PC. But then again, maybe it could be my dual monitor setup. Now I just enable GSYNC in the Nvidia Control Panel and then enable Adaptive Sync on my monitor. so bent at the entrance. It rises vertically, and if your displayport is too bulky, the wires will actually bend as you insert them. I had to purchase a separate one labeled "DisplayPort 1.4" from the Maxonar store at Revain.- The 270Hz flickering stopped when I got the DisplayPort 1.4 cable. This is another type of screen dimming that occurs without adaptive sync enabled. Note that screen flickering may occur when 270Hz is enabled. But so far I've been using it for 2 months and it hasn't happened for a week. ELMB Sync - I don't use ELMB/GSYNC for competitive gaming, but I can confirm that it works well. Just note that when ELMB sync is enabled, the following happens: - HDR cannot be enabled - Screen brightness is also reduced as a result - Overdrive setting is disabled ONLY when ELMB sync is enabled. In other words, Adaptive Sync is enabled. + ELMB sync off = Overdrive unlocked. Adaptive Sync + ELMB Sync on = Overdrive is disabled and cannot be changed. You can also technically only use ELMB by turning off ELMB Sync + Adaptive Sync. This only makes sense if the game is running at a fixed FPS (120Hz = game runs constantly at 120fps or 240Hz = 240fps). I've noticed some flickering/eyestrain with ELMB Sync, but as with flash-based motion blur reduction, some people can be sensitive to this. The ELMB sync turns itself off if it drops below 80 fps, FYI. It turns back on once it rises. Someone also mentioned increasing the brightness before activating ELMB, but I didn't care. The only things you can change are the levels of Contrast and Shadow Boost if they are on. I used NVIDIA filters to boost the brightness to compensate, but then again, I really only bought this to play competitive games at high refresh rates. I'm switching to my PG27UQ 4K monitor for correct GSYNC/visual fidelity. in games that support it. Just leave HDR disabled in Windows until you're ready to play the game. Windows 11 also changes how HDR looks when it's on by default, so it doesn't look washed out when you're not playing a game. or not play HDR-enabled videos. TL; DR: + Buy it for competitive play, especially if you want ELMB. Buy it if your card can reach 240 fps+. Don't buy it if you want GSYNC compatible features. Most people think that while GSYNC native monitors are expensive, they're worth it if you're into it. Otherwise, you'll know you're getting something 'good', but not as good as the real GSYNC. For GSYNC enthusiasts, look to the PG279QM for a true 1440p 240Hz (not 270Hz) GSYNC monitor with similar features). Note that the PG279QM does NOT have a ULMB, although it does have a built-in GSYNC module. But most reviews seem to be praising it anyway, and it looks good without it. Don't buy that for HDR400. The lowest I recommend is HDR600 for a noticeable difference. It's still better than nothing, but if you can afford to buy better, buy better.