ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQM-G 27" Black 2022

The ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQM-G is a 27-inch 1440p gaming monitor built for competitive players who want 270Hz speed and a 0.5ms response time. It's one of the fastest IPS monitors we've tested, with solid color coverage and G-Sync Compatible support. The high price and weak HDR make it a niche pick, but for esports-focused gamers, it's a top performer.

The XG27AQM-G lands in the 95th percentile for performance in our database, which puts it among the absolute best gaming monitors we've tested. The 270Hz refresh rate (via overclocking) combined with that 0.5ms GTG response time means motion clarity is exceptional. Fast-moving targets in shooters stay sharp instead of smearing across the screen. ASUS's ELMB Sync technology lets you run blur reduction alongside variable refresh rate, which is a nice trick most monitors can't pull off.

The 350 nits brightness is fine for indoor gaming, though the DisplayHDR 400 certification is more of a checkbox than a real HDR experience. Don't expect OLED-level contrast here. The 8-bit panel with 97% DCI-P3 coverage gives you solid color for an IPS, but this monitor is built for speed first and color second. In practice, you'll notice the smoothness in fast-paced games way more than any color limitations.

Stacked against the Samsung Odyssey G60SD, the XG27AQM-G wins on raw refresh rate but loses on contrast and HDR punch. The G60SD's OLED panel delivers true blacks and better HDR, while the ASUS counters with that 270Hz speed and no burn-in worries. The MSI MAG 271QPX QD-OLED E2 is another strong alternative, offering quantum dot OLED colors that make the ASUS look a bit flat in comparison.

The Gigabyte MO27U2 brings 4K resolution to the table, which is a different trade-off entirely. You get sharper text and more detail, but you'll need a monster GPU to push high frame rates at 4K. The Apple Studio Display XDR isn't really a gaming monitor at all, it's for creative pros who want color accuracy and macOS integration. For pure competitive gaming, the ASUS holds its own against all of these, but the OLED options are tempting if you care about image quality.

At $1,968 USD, the XG27AQM-G is asking a lot for an IPS monitor, even one this fast. You're paying a premium for the EVA Edition branding and the 270Hz refresh rate. The LG UltraGear 45GX950A-B and Samsung Odyssey G60SD offer OLED panels with better contrast and HDR performance, though they may not match this exact refresh rate. If you're purely chasing frames per second in competitive shooters, this ASUS makes sense. If you want better image quality for mixed use, an OLED alternative might serve you better for similar money.

The ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQM-G is a 27-inch 1440p gaming monitor aimed squarely at competitive players who want speed above all else. It's the EVA Edition, so it's got that Evangelion-inspired color scheme and some RGB flair if you're into that. At around $1,968 USD or $2,899 CAD, this thing sits in premium territory, but the spec sheet backs up the price tag with a 270Hz refresh rate and a 0.5ms response time.

Is the ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQM-G good for competitive gaming? That's the whole point of this monitor. The Fast IPS panel keeps colors looking decent while pushing frame rates that would make a 60Hz display cry. It's G-Sync Compatible, so NVIDIA users get tear-free gaming without paying the full G-Sync module tax. The 97% DCI-P3 coverage means it's not just a speed demon, it can actually show off some color too.

For console players, the XG27AQM-G handles PS5 at 1080p 120Hz or 1440p 60Hz, and Xbox Series X/S gets 1440p at 120Hz with VRR. Not the full 270Hz experience on consoles, but still smooth. The stand is fully adjustable with height, tilt, swivel, and pivot, plus VESA mounting if you'd rather use an arm.

Skip the XG27AQM-G if you're not a competitive gamer. The 270Hz refresh rate is overkill for single-player games, and you're paying a premium for speed you won't notice in slower titles. If you do photo or video work, the 8-bit panel and weak HDR won't satisfy color-critical needs, something like the Apple Studio Display XDR or a good OLED would serve you better. Console-only players should also look elsewhere, since the HDMI 2.0 ports limit you to 120Hz at 1440p, and you can't use the full 270Hz anyway. And if you're on a budget, there are plenty of 1440p 165Hz monitors that cost half as much and still feel great.

Should you buy the ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQM-G? If you're a competitive gamer who wants the highest refresh rate possible on a 1440p IPS panel, this is one of the best options out there. The 270Hz refresh rate and 0.5ms response time are top-tier, and the G-Sync Compatible support means smooth gameplay on NVIDIA cards. The color performance is solid for an IPS, even if it can't match OLED contrast.

But if you're not playing fast-paced shooters or esports titles, you're paying for speed you won't fully use. The DisplayHDR 400 certification is weak, and the price puts you in OLED territory where image quality is dramatically better. For mixed use or single-player gaming, an OLED alternative makes more sense. For pure competitive play, this ASUS delivers exactly what it promises.