Introduction, Specifications, and Packaging

We finally have a FreeSync monitor that we can recommend! The new ASUS MG279Q offers the best VRR range yet and combines that with an IPS screen.

AMD fans have been patiently waiting for a proper FreeSync display to be released. The first round of displays using the Adaptive Sync variable refresh rate technology arrived with an ineffective or otherwise disabled overdrive feature, resulting in less than optimal pixel response times and overall visual quality, especially when operating in variable refresh rate modes. Meanwhile G-Sync users had overdrive functionality properly functioning , as well as a recently introduced 1440P IPS panel from Acer. The FreeSync camp was overdue for an IPS 1440P display superior to that first round of releases, hopefully with those overdrive issues corrected. Well it appears that ASUS, the makers of the ROG Swift, have just rectified that situation with a panel we can finally recommend to AMD users:

Before we get into the full review, here is a sampling of our recent display reviews from both sides of the camp:

  • ASUS PG278Q 27in TN 1440P 144Hz G-Sync
  • Acer XB270H 27in TN 1080P 144Hz G-Sync
  • Acer XB280HK 28in TN 4K 60Hz G-Sync
  • Acer XB270HU 27in IPS 1440P 144Hz G-Sync
  • LG 34UM67 34in IPS 25×18 21:9 48-75Hz FreeSync
  • BenQ XL2730Z 27in TN 1440P 40-144Hz FreeSync
  • Acer XG270HU 27in TN 1440P 40-144Hz FreeSync
  • ASUS MG279Q 27in IPS 1440P 144Hz FreeSync(35-90Hz) < You are here

The reason for there being no minimum rating on the G-Sync panels above is explained in our article 'Dissecting G-Sync and FreeSync – How the Technologies Differ', though the short version is that G-Sync can effectively remain in VRR down to <1 FPS regardless of the hardware minimum of the display panel itself.

Specifications:

Display 

Panel Size(diagonal)

27" (68.5mm)Wide Screen (16:9)

 

Display Viewing Area(HxV)

596.74 x 335.66 mm

 

Panel Backlight/ Type

WLED/ In-Plane  Switching technology

 

Display Surface

non-glare

 

Color Saturation

100% sRGB

 

True Resolution

2560 x 1440 up to 144Hz (DP1.2)

 

1920 x 1080 up to 120Hz (HDMI1.4)

 

Pixel Pitch

0.233 mm (109ppi)

 

Brightness

350 cd/m² (typical)

 

Contrast Ratio (Max.)

1000:01

 

ASUS Smart Contrast Ratio(ASCR)

 100,000,000:1

 

Viewing Angle (CR10)

178°(H) /178°(V)

 

Display Colors

16.7 million

 

Response Time

4ms (Gray to Gray)

 

ASUS EyeCare

Yes

 

Video Features

Trace Free Technology

Yes

 

Game Visual

Yes (GameVisual: FPS,RTS/RPG, Racing , sRGB, Cinema, Scenary modes)

 

Skin-Tone Selection

3 modes

 

Speakers

2-Watt x2 , RMS

 

Color Temperature Selection

4 modes

 

GamePlus/Blue Light Filter

Yes (GamePlus/Blue Light Filter)

 

Gaming Hotkeys

5-way Navigation OSD  Joystick

Yes

 

Crosshair / Timer

 

GamePlus hotkey

 

GameVisual

6 modes (Scenery, FPS, RTS/RPG, sRGB, Racing, Cinema)

 

Input/ Output

DisplayPort1.2, mini-DisplayPort1.2, HDMI/MHL2.0 x 2, 'USB 3.0 ports (Upstream x 1, Downstream x 2), Earphone Jack

 

Signal Frequency

Digital Signal Frequency

51.2~221.97KHz(H) / 35~144Hz(V)

 

Power

Power Consumption

<38.7W (Energy star 6.0)

 

Voltage

100–240V, 50 / 60 Hz

 

Mechanical Design

Chassis Colors

Matted black

 

Tilt(angle)

+20° ~ -5°

 

Swivel(angle)

+60° ~ -60°

 

Height Adjustment (mm)

0~150 mm

 

VESA Wall Mounting(mm)

100 x 100 mm

 

Security

Kensington lock

Yes

 

Dimension

Phys. Dimension (WxHxD) with stand

625 x 559 x 238 mm

 

Box Dimension (WxHxD)

625 x 368 x 63 mm

 

Weight

7.3Kg (Net Weight)

 

Accessories

Power Cord, DisplayPort-to-miniDP cable, USB 3.0 cable (optional), MHL cable (optional), DisplayPort cable (optional), HDMI cable (optional), Warranty Card, Quick start guide, Support DVD

 

Regulation Approvals

Energy Star 6.0, UL/cUL, CB, CE, ErP, FCC, CCC, BSMI, CU(EAC), C-Tick, VCCI, J-MOSS, PSE, RoHS, WEEE, Windows 7 / 8.1 WHQL

 
       

 

Packaging:

The MG279Q came well packaged with all necessary cords. One oddity noted was that the DisplayPort cable was actually a DP to Mini-DP cable.

Along with the power, HDMI, and USB cables was an instruction manual and a mystery red clip. More on that and the Mini-DP cable on the next page.

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