- Chelsea Tang
When Gaming Comes to 540Hz: Asus ROG Swift Pro PG248QP Review
Updated: Dec 17, 2023
The Asus ROG Swift Pro PG248QP is one of the fastest gaming monitors on the market, with its blazing fast 540Hz refresh rate. This tops all other gaming displays I’ve seen so far, so it immediately caught my attention.
Right out of the box, the first notable feature is the 24.1-inch 1080p TN panel. Branded as an "E-sport TN" panel by Asus, it's specifically designed for competitive gamers with an exceptional 0.2ms gray-to-gray response time. However, the color balance of the display leaves something to be desired, exhibiting typical viewing angle quirks, and the 1080p resolution may fall short for users craving higher pixel density.
The real star of the show is the 540Hz refresh rate, setting a new standard in gaming monitors. It outperforms its 144Hz and 240Hz counterparts, especially in fast-paced FPS games like Valorant and CS2. The in-game actions are displayed faster, providing a slight yet noticeable advantage in responsiveness against opponents. The overall experience is characterized by a remarkable sense of speed and smoothness, extending even to simple cursor movements. For those considering an upgrade from a 144Hz or 240Hz monitor, the transition to the PG248QP is crystal clear and undeniably worth it. However, when compared to a 360Hz monitor, the discernible difference becomes less apparent.
The PG248QP is equipped with the ULMB2 (Ultra Low Motion Blur 2) feature, enhancing image clarity in fast-paced games like Overwatch 2 and Apex Legends. This functionality is exclusive to Nvidia graphics card users. However, enabling this feature doesn't significantly alter the gaming experience in a notably positive manner, as the viewing experience is already solid even without it.
In terms of physical design and ergonomics, the matte black aesthetic on a versatile stand is a strong point. The adjustable stand, in particular, adds flexibility and aids in optimizing desk space. Connectivity options are standard, including DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0, two USB 3.2 Type-A ports, and a headphone jack.
Ultimately, while not perfect for all uses, the PG248QP delivers unrivalled, speedy performance that serious esports athletes will appreciate. However, at US$899 MSRP it remains a niche product. Gamers on a budget have more well-rounded options, but none can currently match this monitor in outright refresh rates.