ASUS MG279Q 1440p IPS 144Hz FreeSync Monitor
PRESS RELEASE
Published: 10th May 2015 | Source: ASUS |
ASUS MG279Q 1440p IPS 144Hz FreeSync Monitor
ASUS today announced the MG279Q, a 27-inch 2560 x 1440 resolution widescreen-quad-high-definition (WQHD) display for professional gaming. It features in-plane switching (IPS) technology for wide 178-degree viewing angles; as well as an incredible 144Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync™ technology for smooth, seamless gameplay. The MG279Q has an ergonomic design, and has Ultra-Low Blue Light and Flicker-Free technologies to protect users’ eyes during marathon gaming sessions. ASUS-exclusive gaming enhancements like GamePlus and GameVisual technologies give users an advantage in the gaming arena.
Highly-detailed visuals and accurate color reproduction
The ASUS MG279Q represents a new generation of displays, boasting a WQHD (2560 x 1440) resolution panel with a pixel density of 109 pixels per inch (PPI). The MG279Q provides highly-detailed images and up to 77% more onscreen desktop space than standard Full HD (1920 x 1080 resolution) displays. The MG279Q features IPS technology to provide users with superior images, 100% sRGB color gamut, and wide 178-degree viewing angles with minimal distortion and color shift
Smooth, fast-paced gaming visuals
The MG279Q handles fast-moving visuals with ease thanks to an astonishing 144Hz refresh rate and 4ms gray-to-gray response time. The MG279Q also features AMD FreeSync technology[1] to eliminate screen tearing and motion blur for seamless visuals and smooth gameplay, giving gamers the upper hand in the latest gaming titles.
Designed for comfortable marathon gaming sessions
The MG279Q is specially-designed for marathon gaming sessions. Its slim profile and narrow bezel makes it perfect for almost-seamless multi-display setups. It has an ergonomically-designed stand with full tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustment so gamers can find their preferred comfortable viewing position. The MG279Q can be easily detached from the stand thanks to a quick-release latch, and can be VESA wall-mounted to save on desktop space.
The ASUS Ultra-Low Blue Light technology protects gamers by reducing blue light emissions by up to 70%; with four different blue light filter settings that can be easily accessed through a new onscreen display (OSD) menu. There is also Flicker-Free technology to reduce flicker to ensure a comfortable gaming experience.
Gamer-centric features
The MG279Q features the ASUS GamePlus hotkey with crosshair overlay and timer functions. Gamers can select four different crosshairs to suit the in-game environment; while the onscreen timer can be positioned anywhere along the left edge of the display to help keep track of spawn and build times.
ASUS GameVisual Technology provides six preset display modes (Scenery, Racing, Cinema, RTS/RPG, FPS, sRGB) tailored to suit different types of games. This unique feature can be easily accessed through a hotkey or the OSD settings menu.
Extensive connectivity options and smart cable-management
The MG279Q has DisplayPort 1.2 for native WQHD output for rich, vibrant visuals; there are also HDMI/ MHL and dual USB 3.0 ports for convenient pass-through connectivity.
A cable-management design feature found on the back of the monitor helps organize and hide cables to keep gaming areas tidy and clutter-free.
AVAILABILITY & PRICING
ASUS MG279Q will be available from beginning of May in Europe and Asia, and end of May in North America. Please contact your local ASUS representative for further information.
Our Thoughts
When ASUS first announced the MG279Q Monitor many people pegged it as an ideal gaming monitor, with it's high 1440p resolution and 144Hz refresh rate combined with ultra accurate IPS display with AMD FreeSync support it ticks every box for what many gamers want from a modern gaming monitor, but sadly this does come with a catch.
While this monitor has got the lowest FreeSync limit we have seen yet, 35 FPS, it's upper limit is rather disappointing. For a monitor that is advertised as 144Hz is is very disappointing that when FreeSync is operating this limit is lowered to 90Hz. This Means that the monitor only has a FreeSync Range of 35-90Hz. This is not mentioned anywhere in ASUS' monitor specifications or it's press release.
Here is what an ASUS representative had to say on the Overclockers UK Forums:
"owing to engineering limitations it's not possible to provide FreeSync across the full range of frequencies (as you may have read about), and that's something that all manufacturers are working with. What we determined in testing, and indeed in discussion with AMD, was that the lower boundary was key - with that lower boundary too high, if your fps dropped, you would lose FreeSync capabilities and notice the impact. Therefore, we decided to set the lower boundary at 35 Hz and that required us to bring the higher boundary down to 90 Hz. In testing, the effects of no FreeSync at 35-40 Hz were much more pronounced than they were >90 Hz so this made sense.
On the whole, whilst I can understand that a few might be disappointed, it should provide a great balance of the colour reproduction you expect with IPS, plus tear-free gaming at up to 90 fps / Hz - and you'll likely benefit far more from the lower minimum bound than you would from a higher maximum bound, given that it's effectively a choice between the two.
Hopefully that all makes sense!"
From what is said above it looks like ASUS has decided to create a monitor which supports a lower FreeSync limit, as the affect of adaptive refresh rates are much more noticeable at lower framerates. This limitation is likely due to ASUS' choice of scalar for this monitor, as we know the panel is capable of 144Hz.
Right now FreeSync is in it's infancy, with scalar manufacturers still in the process of creating strong FreeSync compatible monitor scalars, which is one of the reasons why FreeSync monitors have a rather disappointing Adaptive range when compared to G-Sync monitors.
ASUS and FreeSync monitors in general need to better inform their consumers as to the adaptive refresh range of their displays, as right now if you purchase a MG279Q, you are never explicitly told of this monitor's maximum Adaptive refresh (or FreeSync range) in the monitor's specifications, which means that many consumers will buy this monitor thinking they can use FreeSync at 144Hz and will no doubt be disappointed when they find out they can only go up to 90Hz with FreeSync turned on.
You can join the discussion on the ASUS MG279Q 1440p IPS 144z FreeSync Monitor on the OC3D Forums.
The ASUS MG279Q is a 27-inch 1440p IPS gaming monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate, and AMD FreeSync technology, but these...
Posted by OC3D on Sunday, 10 May 2015
ASUS' MG279Q is a 27" 1440p 144Hz IPS FreeSync monitor. Is this to good to be true? http://t.co/y8DKJdwxoM pic.twitter.com/JkuSjtSaEz
— OC3D (@OC3D) May 10, 2015Most Recent Comments
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Originally Posted by frufsa
I'm waiting for the G-Sync verson of this. My dell monitors screems for a upgrade!
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Originally Posted by tolagarf
Well same here. I'm just wondering if there even will be a g-sync version of this monitor. It's such a shame ASUS went with Freesync on this one, as I feel there's a much greater market for g-sync right now, even though the price goes up.
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Originally Posted by Watsyerproblem
The ASUS MG279Q is a 27-inch 1440p IPS gaming monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate, and AMD FreeSync technology, but these specs might are a little to good to be true.
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http://www.sweclockers.com/nyhet/204...ckers-testlabbQuote
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I actually saw this on a local stores website earlier, I can't really recall if it were more expensive or cheaper than the Swift on the site though.
After reading your article though mate, I must say I am disappointed with the whole 144Hz refresh rate and the limitations of FreeSync. I must say that even though the Swift has seemed to have some major balls issues with the screen itself, I am more tempted for that one than this. Mostly due to G-Sync at the moment seems to be like a more appropriate and legit reason to go for. Due to being a dedicated hardware rather than software based.
Overall though, I do really like the IPS panel, especially after watching Hardware canucks short video of it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJAIZmuNt1M
At 1:10, you can clearly see the amazing viewing angles of IPS, my god that looks stunning!