Specifications
The second iteration of the original ROG Swift is finally here, promising IPS quality and 165 Hz refresh capability!
It's hard to believe that it has only been 14 months since the release of the first ASUS ROG Swift, the PG278Q, back in August of 2014. It seems like lifetimes have passed, with drama circling around other G-Sync panels, the first release of FreeSync screens, the second geneation of FreeSync panels that greatly improve overdrive. Now, we sit in the middle of the second full wave of G-Sync screens. A lot can happen in this field if you blink.
The PG278Q was easily the best G-Sync monitor on the market for quite a long time. It offered performance, features and quality that very few other monitors could match, and it did it all while including support for NVIDIA's G-Sync variable refresh rate technology. If you are new to VRR tech, and want to learn about G-Sync you can check out our original editorial or an in-depth interview with NVIDIA's Tom Petersen. In short: being able to have a variable refresh rate on a panel match the frame rate of the game prevents Vsync quirks like screen tearing and judder.
But a lot has changed since ASUS released the PG278Q including the release of other higher quality monitors from the likes of Acer, BenQ and others. ASUS showed off some new G-Sync ready displays at CES but that was way back in January of 2015 – more than 10 months ago! The PG279Q was the most interesting to us then and remains that way today. There are some impressive specifications on the table including a 27-in 2560×1440 screen built on IPS technology, to improve color reproduction and view angles, a 165Hz maximum refresh rate and the best build quality we have seen on a gaming monitor to date.
This time ASUS has a lot more competition to deal with but can the ROG Swift PG279Q real ignite ASUS as the best G-Sync monitor provider? What kind of experience do you get for a $799 monitor today?
The specifications on the ASUS ROG Swift PG279Q are impressive; let's ta
- Display
Panel Size: Wide Screen 27.0"(68.6cm) 16:9
Color Saturation : 100%(sRGB)
Panel Backlight / Type : In-Plane Switching
True Resolution : 2560×1440 *
Display Surface Non-glare
Pixel Pitch : 0.233mm
Brightness(Max) : 350 cd/㎡
Contrast Ratio (Max) : 1000:1
Viewing Angle (CR≧10) : 178°(H)/178°(V)
Response Time : 4ms (Gray to Gray)
Display Colors : 16.7M (real 8 bit)
Flicker free - Video Feature
Trace Free Technology : Yes
Color Temperature Selection : 4 Modes
GamePlus(modes) : Yes (Crosshair/Timer/FPS Counter)
Low Blue Light : Yes
HDCP support : Yes
GameVisual :6 Modes(Scenery/Racing/Cinema/RTS/RPG/FPS/sRGB Modes) - Audio Features
Stereo Speakers : 2W x 2 Stereo RMS
- Convenient Hotkey
GamePlus
5-way OSD Navigation Joystick
Turbo key - I/O Ports
Signal Input : HDMI , DisplayPort
Earphone jack : 3.5mm Mini-Jack
USB Port(s) : 3.0×2, 1 x upstream - Signal Frequency
Digital Signal Frequency : Display port 34~209KHz(H)/30~165Hz (V)
- Power Consumption
Power On: <90W*
Power Saving/Off:0.5W
Voltage: 100-240V, 50/60Hz - Mechanical Design
Chassis Colors : Black
Tilt : +20°~-5°
Swivel : Yes
Pivot : Yes
Height Adjustment : Yes
VESA Wall Mounting : 100x100mm
Super Narrow Bezel Design : Yes - Security
Kensington lock
- Dimensions
Phys. Dimension with Stand(WxHxD): 619.77×552.53×237.9 mm
Phys. Dimension without Stand(WxHxD): 619.77×362.96×65.98 mm(For VESA Wall Mount)
Box Dimension (WxHxD): 756x456x300 mm - Weight
Net Weight(Esti.): 7.0kg
Gross Weight(Esti.):10.6kg - Accessories
Power cord
Power adapter
DisplayPort cable
USB 3.0 cable
Quick start guide
HDMI cable
Support CD
Warranty Card - Regulation Approval
Energy Star®, BSMI, CB, CCC, CE, CEL level 1, ErP, FCC, J-MOSS, KCC, PSE, RoHS, UL/cUL, VCCI, WEEE, WHQL (Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7), RCM, TUV Flicker-free , eStandby, TUV Low Blue Light
- Note
1) Refresh Rate
DisplayPort: 2560×1440(up to 165Hz)
HDMI: 2560×1440(60Hz)
2) Signal Frequency
DisplayPort 34~209KHz(H)/30~165Hz(V)
HDMI: 30~140KHz(H)/24~60Hz(V)
I won't walk through every line here but some of the points are more important to the overall experience than others. The screen is an IPS 2560×1440 panel which results in outstanding view angles and color reproduction, even right out of the box when enabling the sRGB profile in the settings. The panel is a matte finish and doesn't reflect lights in the same way those typical glossy panels do – which is great for gamers but can affect color to some degree for professionals.
The 4ms response time is higher than we saw on the PG278Q with a TN panel, but is very typical of modern gaming IPS screens. In my opinion though the response time is well within the range necessary for even the most demanding gamer.
ASUS has again embedded a pair of speakers in the monitor but they aren't worth using really. Any self-respecting user that has a high quality gaming headset or speakers.
There are two inputs on the PG279Q, up from just one on the PG278Q. Only the DisplayPort input can support the extremely high 165Hz refresh rate as well as G-Sync. But thanks to a second generation of G-Sync module, the display can now accept an HDMI input at resolutions as high as 2560×1440 (60Hz) should you need it.
In The Box
Inside the box, ASUS has included the power adapter as well as a handful of cables to help you get setup.
The power adapter on the PG279Q is much larger than the one used on the previous ROG Swift. This is due to the move to an IPS screen as well as the incredible 165Hz refresh rate.
A DisplayPort cable, HDMI cable as well as a USB 3.0 cable to connect your PC to the integrated hub in the monitor.
Now we know that the 34″
Now we know that the 34″ Swift is due early 2016 so is it better to wait for that at 100hz, 3440×1440 and that sexy stand? What are your thoughts?
I am torn between the two
I am torn between the two
When I enable
When I enable overclocking/165hz, all that happens is that the 144 hz option disappears from Windows and the Nvidia control panel. The turbo button just toggles between 60 and 120 hz instead of 60, 120 and 144. I’m using the cable that came with the box, and I have a GTX 780.
Any idea why I can’t get 165 hz to show up?
You have to use a Maxwell
You have to use a Maxwell card, like the 750 or 960+ series. 780 has the Kepler architecture.
Will You have G-sync Dell
Will You have G-sync Dell S2716DG for review any time soon ?
Need your advice. I’ve found
Need your advice. I’ve found the Acer XB270HU for about 180 euros cheaper than the Asus PG979Q (it’s about $200). Hand on heart, which should I buy? I only got a single gtx980ti
Is it possible for you to
Is it possible for you to test what scaling options are available when plugging a console into the HDMI input? ie. Scaled to fit (no aspect change), stretched to fit (aspect changed), or shown at native resolution with unused screen space.
The stretching to fit may only be testable on the X34 Predator when that review drops, but would be very helpful to know!
Hey Ryan and Allyn,
Thanks
Hey Ryan and Allyn,
Thanks for the awesome and thorough review! Needless to say I am incredibly excited at the opportunity to upgrade from 1080p to 1440p, but I’m curious to know if either of you can see any reason to wait until the end of November for the Predator XB 271HU. From what I’ve read, it seems like it will be of a similar build quality to its former iteration (i.e. worse than the Swift), with no other features to really set it apart from the now almost-released Swift. I’m also a bit worried about “1st generation” monitor releases from both of these vendors, as they are often plagued by dirt, dead pixels, etc. Could you comment on any of the above, aka convince me to buy a PG279Q before Fallout 4 comes out?
Much appreciated 🙂
Acer’s XB270HU & XB271HU and
Acer’s XB270HU & XB271HU and this Asus PG279Q all use the same panel, manufactured by AUO (Acer Unipac Optronics; see the connection?). The dirt and dust most probably get inside the panel at the AUO manufacturing facility, when they’re assembling the panels, before they get sent to Acer and Asus for the rest of the monitor components.
On Overclock.net quite a few people including me got a horribly bad XB270HU with dead pixels, dust, and horrible backlight bleed – most probably caused by bad packaging and rough handling, some said theirs diminished after some time, mine didn’t so I returned it – and some other issues, like the whole monitor feeling loose. I had high hopes, but since it’s Acer after all, I wasn’t too surprised by the outcome, but still extremely disappointed after waiting nearly a year after the first rumors came, then seeing that totally messed up monitor that basically wasted a panel that COULD have been excellent if the quality control was better.
But with Asus, I’ve learned they seem to take better care of their QC, so now my hopes really are high. I’m eagerly waiting for them to arrive to the stores here and getting one to check it out.
I at least will order one and see if it’s any better than the Acer! I hope it is, AUO should have gotten better at their QC at these production lines by now, and if not, I’m hoping Asus won’t accept the worst panels from them.
So I’d recommend you to order one too after more reviews are out and checking it out for yourself! Just make sure that IF problems arise, you can return the monitor easily and try a different one, or just get your cash back. PReferably a free return.
I’ve been postponing real gaming since last December because of waiting for first the Acer, then this Asus monitor… Let’s see if Asus lives up to the promise of quality.
Looks great but bring on the
Looks great but bring on the Acer Predator X34 Curved 34in G-Sync IPS Gaming monitor review!
when is the release date I
when is the release date I have pre purchased this on amazon but shipment says unavailable. the price was $799 it is also listed on newegg right now but for a higher price but it shows up as out of stock as well.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236660
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017EVR2VM?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00
Just bought one off Newegg
Just bought one off Newegg
I think it went out of stock
I think it went out of stock at Newegg in a couple of hours last night. You were one of the few lucky ones. 😉
Hey Ryan, thank you for the
Hey Ryan, thank you for the very helpful review. I have a question about G-Sync monitors in general. Do they work with a G-sync-capable laptop?
According to nvidia’s FAQ:
http://www.geforce.com/hardware/technology/g-sync/faq#q7
It appears that a graphics card with a direct DP 1.2 output to the G-Sync monitor is required, which would mean that notebooks would not work with said external monitor. Am I understanding it correctly? I wonder if you have ever tried hooking up, say, your GTX 980 laptop from MSi to the PG279Q and seen if it would work?
Thanks.
Hey Ryan, thank you for the
Hey Ryan, thank you for the very helpful review. I have a question about G-Sync monitors in general. Do they work with a G-sync-capable laptop?
According to nvidia’s FAQ:
http://www.geforce.com/hardware/technology/g-sync/faq#q7
It appears that a graphics card with a direct DP 1.2 output to the G-Sync monitor is required, which would mean that notebooks would not work with said external monitor. Am I understanding it correctly? I wonder if you have ever tried hooking up, say, your GTX 980 laptop from MSi to the PG279Q and seen if it would work?
Thanks.
Noticed this site also lists
Noticed this site also lists it as a 165Hz monitor: http://www.144hzmonitors.com/monitors/asus-pg279q-27-inch-1440p-144hz-ips-g-sync-monitor/
Hi guys,
I see no mention of
Hi guys,
I see no mention of the dreaded IPS glow, how good / bad is it on this display?
Cheers.
This monitor is getting
This monitor is getting horrible quality control reviews at NewEgg with back light bleed, and dead pixels being a huge factor. They are being returned in droves. Did you see any of these issues in your review unit?
Does this monitor allow for
Does this monitor allow for console gaming; ie. an Xbox One or PS4?
waste of your money though,
waste of your money though, they support neither high refresh rates nor variable refresh rates.
Basically, they are crap for
Basically, they are crap for gaming enthusiasts. I’m too old to enjoy 30 fps anymore. Even 60hz panels are starting to make me a bit queasy. The older I get, the more I need truly fluid movement as it is easier on my eyes. I simply won’t play under ~60 fps anymore at all. I have some games I don’t even want to play again until I get a proper 120+ hz panel (one that isn’t defective). I only got a bit into Deus Ex: HR when I tried it at 144hz and it looks drastically better, so there is no way I am going to play the whole game at 60 fps after seeing it at 144 fps.
What graphics card(s) did you
What graphics card(s) did you use to drive this at max?
I have the 1080
I have the 1080
The ASUS ROG Swift PG279Q is
The ASUS ROG Swift PG279Q is the best 144hz monitor in my opnion. But it is still too expensive. Monitornerds have proposed many good alternativ gaming monitors that can compete with this one. I think i will choose one of them instead. Finally the best gaming monitor arives, with 144hz, 1440p and everythin, but too expensive for me 🙁
https://www.monitornerds.com/gaming-monitor
I got this monitor recently
I got this monitor recently but I am having issues setting it up to even 144hz. On either Nvidia or Windows control panels, the highest refresh rate is 120hz. I am using a GTX 680.
Also, as far as the overclocking option, I have put the slider up to 165, but those options are still not appearing. I’d check the box for overclocking and close the menu, but whenever I open it again, the box is unchecked. The turbo option also puts my screen back down to 60hz, I have to restart it in the Nvidia Control Panel to get back to 120hz.
Not sure why any of this is happening
I have been hunting for a new
I have been hunting for a new monitor for my gaming needs, but I was hoping to have two on a two screen setup. Is the asus rog good enough for that? I have GTX 980ti if that makes a difference?
I work from home as a mobile app developer so I need two screens for coding.
eSport source say its probably the best on the market so I really do want one.
Excellent review Ryan, you
Excellent review Ryan, you sold me another piece of hardware. I’ve had my eye on this bad boy for a while now, and am looking forward to many sleepless nights of gaming glory to come. I just have a few questions:
1.About the backlight bleed that seems to randomly plague this model. I’m pretty much expecting a 50/50 chance I’ll have to send it back. Does the model you reviewed have zero backlight bleed, or do you feel there is an ‘acceptable’ level considering the design?
2.How has this monitor faired over time? Have there been any dead pixels/ hardware issues etc?
Anyway, I can’t wait to switch from my generic dell I’ve been playing on since 2010!
P.S. Can you recommend a fairly sturdy monitor arm that is compatible with this monitor? Thanks.
I think this is a great
I think this is a great gaming monitor with gsync and 1440p, but people complain about it alot. I have found this guide that is great to compare different monitors.
https://www.monitornerds.com/