ASUS RoG PG258Q
This one’s got a refresh-rate so high it almost hertz.
ASUS’s RoG PG258Q has a very specific target audience: the hardcore, competitive gaming crowd. Take a quick glance at the core specs and it’s easy to understand why. Packaged in a 24.5-inch form factor, the PG258Q has a 1080p native resolution with a wide-screen 16:9 aspect ratio — the preferred form and pixel count for pro gaming. That isn’t what’ll make the target market drool, however, and neither is it the inclusion of G-Sync. No, it’s the ludicrous 240Hz refresh rate paired with a minimum response time of 1ms. For the twitch-shooter crowd and racing buffs, these two spec details are enviable — although they’ll require significant GPU grunt to reach that desired 240fps.
It presents well with thin panel bezels, unique back panel design elements, a striking three-pronged stand and a customisable projection lighting feature built into the unit’s stand. These ingredients don’t just make for a desirable display from a specifications perspective, but also a visually intriguing setup that’s pleasing both technically and aesthetically.
The panel needs to be fed by a DisplayPort 1.2 connection to reach the impressive refresh rate frequency, with the HDMI 1.4 port restricted to a maximum of 60Hz. It’s important to bear this in mind when considering the supporting hardware to feed this display and how you wish you connect it, as an HDMI setup will leave you spending money for features you can’t use due to HDMI 1.4 bandwidth restrictions.
For users considering this display as an all-rounder, be mindful that the colour reproduction isn’t great. Sure, the display touts 100% sRGB colour gamut coverage, though this is a fairly universal spec in the modern monitor market. Featuring a 6-bit TN panel with frame rate control (FRC), the PG258Q still technically delivers an 8-bit colour range with the 6-bit + FRC combo helping to achieve the performance specs. Also, in terms of colour reproduction, if this matters to you, don’t bother straying from the sRGB preset, as alternate presets like Cinema and FPS, among others, blow out different colour elements such as gamma, contrast and brightness, leading to banding and washed out blacks.
Joining the DisplayPort 1.2 and HDMI 1.4 ports is an integrated USB 3.0 hub with one upstream link and two downstream links. It’s nice to have this level of support; however. functionally there are conflicting design choices in terms of the implementation. The choice to integrate a USB 3.0 hub is a little undermined by the fact that the ports are completely covered by the rear I/O shield and are, therefore, a bother to access — and easy-access is generally what you’re looking for in monitor USB ports. If you’re looking for a user-friendly monitor based USB hub, this display’s implementation will leave you wanting.
Featuring the best OSD navigation on the market paired with a clear and concise OSD layout, switching settings is a breeze. Noting the gamerfocused features in the ‘GamePlus Technology’ suite, such as FPS counter and session timer, the PG258Q is ready to game.
But beware, in this case you’ll certainly be paying to play!