ASUS ROG Swift PG278Q G-SYNC Monitor Review
by Chris Heinonen & Jarred Walton on February 13, 2015 10:00 AM ESTDisplay Uniformity
The ASUS ROG display is a bit dim at the top of the display. Overall light levels fall close to 20% compared to the center of the screen. The lower-right corner also has as issue here, as light output falls up to 16% compared to the center. The center of the display is very good overall for light output, just the top 20% and the lower-right corner are dim.
Thankfully the black uniformity shows the same issues here, with drops in black level in the same areas that white level falls. This will provide blacker-blacks here, but more importantly it keeps the contrast ratios similar across the screen. Blacker-blacks are always good, but it could lead to a bit of shadow crush if the backlight is too low for the gamma curve and black floor.
Contrast uniformity is very even across the display. The lowest contrast ratio is 777:1 and the maximum is 947:1 with a median value of 865:1. This is very close to the center measurement so while parts of the screen have an issue with the backlight not being bright enough, overall the uniformity between black and white is good.
The biggest issue is with color uniformity. Since the dE2000 reading takes into account the luminance level of the color, this light fall-off causes the error levels to rise around the screen. The center of the screen is very good, but the top and lower-right cause the median dE2000 error to rise up to 1.65 with an overall average error of 2.15. This certainly isn’t up to the levels of a professional display, but is in line with a gaming display right now. Again, fine for gaming but not for photos.
The ASUS ROG has some definite issues with backlight uniformity that manifest themselves through being too dim at the top and lower-right. This causes a rise in the dE2000 errors for colors as the luminance is too low. The center of the screen, where you’ll look most, is nice and uniform but overall the display is just fair here.
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Socius - Monday, February 16, 2015 - link
For the overclockable displays, "80-90Hz" isn't often achievable. The models that can be overclocked, are guaranteed to hit at least 105Hz, and 99% will hit 110Hz and above. And it's important to note that monitors like the Qnix that you mentioned, cost just $300 with free shipping, and are PLS (Samsung version of LG's IPS tech).You also made no mention of the fact that this supposed gaming enthusiast monitor has a fairly aggressive anti-glare coating on it which further deteriorates image quality, on top of it being a TN display.
This "article" seems like a last attempt paid sales pitch from ASUS before the new Acer XB270HU comes out and dominates it with superior image quality and a lower price point. This is what I was afraid would happen to AnandTech when they announced being bought out.
3DVagabond - Tuesday, February 17, 2015 - link
Can you please clarify? Are you saying that you notice flickering when below 40fps with this monitor?
cars10 - Tuesday, February 17, 2015 - link
for a long time my trust has dwindled in Anandtech. Now I have finally lost all value in your reviews.Seriously, this review is pathetic!
Did you actually do what this monitor was meant to do, and actually PLAY A GAME? Or did you just measure color values? Else you would surely notice and advise your loyal readers accordingly!
How much money has Asus PAID YOU to cover up the HUGE, gaping FLAW this monitor has?
The pixel inversion that affects the ENTIRE series is very significant and there are hundreds of posts on the Asus forum about it.
Shame on you, Anandtech.
Hxx - Sunday, February 22, 2015 - link
This is at the end of the day someone's opinion. He pointed out what he thought is important. Get over it.Zak - Tuesday, February 17, 2015 - link
I play games and edit photos (not professionally, just a hobby). I have no space for two 27" monitors. So I'm disappointed with this display, hoping the future will bring something better.Zak - Tuesday, March 17, 2015 - link
I pulled the trigger on this monitor after all. For gaming it's absolutely awesome, you've got to see it to believe, not so good for everything else. Although I'm getting another computer for my photo editing so that's why I decided to get this one after all.Sancus - Tuesday, February 24, 2015 - link
I like anandtech but come on.. this is an embarrassingly bad and shallow review. No mention of ULMB AT ALL when it's one of the core features of the monitor? No input lag tests? No image blur tests?Sorry but this type of review may be sufficient for your typical, run of the mill 60hz IPS panel, but it completely misses the point of the entire purpose of this display.
TFTCentral's review is what you should read if you're considering this monitor.
Subyman - Tuesday, February 24, 2015 - link
I've been using this monitor with 2x970's for a few months. I came from high end 27" IPS monitors and have been stunned by the performance. Sure the colors aren't as deep, but the game in motion completely makes up for it. Playing Mordor at 110fps with Gsync and high settings was a treat. I never knew what tearing and hitching did to the experience, but I could never go back to non-gsync monitors (or a similar technology.) Definitely worth it if you can afford it. I lucked out and got a perfect unit from newegg open box for only $599 :)Ubercake - Wednesday, March 11, 2015 - link
I have one purpose in mind with my gaming rig: gaming. I don't need 100% color accuracy to shoot enemies - or die - in BF4.For many years, I've gone with ATX builds in full tower cases and ran with 2 or 3 video cards to keep framerates up to make tearing less noticeable which also eliminates my need for V-sync and the associated input lag.
With this Asus monitor and a single flagship video card (GTX 980), I get a smooth tear-free lag-free video experience at full details and ultra video settings. I've noticed that if the frame rates stay in the high 20s or above (which they do 100% with most titles), the video stays smooth.
Because of the G-sync tech, my next gaming build will be with be a micro ATX or mini ITX scale build with my single 980 and whatever high-end enthusiast or high-end mainstream processor is out at the time. I no longer need a giant case with a ton of fans in it to get a high-end gaming experience. I no longer need more than one video card.
I can't wait until free sync monitors start hitting the market more as this competition should reduce the prices of monitors with dynamic sync technologies.
MyNuts - Sunday, July 19, 2015 - link
I own this monitor. Its perfect for my 980ti sli setup. Again like with my 670 OC GTX setup I will enjoy future like performance before it can be had single card style. My 670 GTX was compairable to a 980 GTX. Sometime you cant thave all the features you want from the product right away and its a trade off to wait and see like everyone says. But if you have the money and are willing to upgrade on a cycle this setup would be perfect for you.