Subpar TN panels are still used in most gaming monitors, but Asus’ new 27-inch MG279Q uses a 120 Hz IPS panel, which should offer a nice improvement in picture quality over typical gaming monitors.
Asus MG279Q with 120 Hz IPS
Not many IPS-based gaming monitors exist today. Asus is looking to change that with its new MG279Q monitor that uses a fast 120 Hz IPS panel that combines speed with picture quality. It also has a resolution of 2560x1440 pixels.
The monitor has a boring, industrial design with a matte black cabinet, but it does offer extensive ergonomic adjustments, including height, tilt, swivel and pivot. It can be connect to a PC via DisplayPort 1.2a+, mini DisplayPort, and 2xHDMI, and there is also a MHL connect for mobile phones and two USB 3.0 ports. However, for gaming you should prefer DisplayPort.
The monitor is clearly targeted at gaming. Other specifications include 5 ms (g2g) response time, 1000 contrast ratio, and 350 cd/m2. It also supports variable refresh rates even though it is not promoted by either AMD’s FreeSync or Nvidia’s G-Sync.
Asus MG279Q will start shipping in the first quarter of 2015 for $599 dollars. It is expected to hit Europe in the second quarter.
