Three cutting-edge gaming monitors were unveiled at Computex, each pushing the boundaries of refresh rates. Leading the pack is the Asus ROG Strix Ace XG248QSG, a 1080p display boasting an astonishing 610Hz refresh rate. Not to be outdone, both MSI and Acer introduced 1440p monitors with 500Hz refresh rates, a challenging spec to achieve even with an RTX 5090 and multi-frame generation technology.
Acer's Predator X27U F5 stands out with its QD-OLED panel, promising exceptional color accuracy. Initially launching in Europe and China at a starting price of €899, Acer plans to bring it to the US market, though specifics on pricing remain undisclosed due to ongoing tariff negotiations. The company anticipates announcing US prices closer to the product's availability.
Meanwhile, MSI's 27-inch MPG 271QR X50 also features a QD-OLED panel, but its highlight is an innovative AI-driven feature. Equipped with a sensor at the base of the display, it detects when you step away, sending data to a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) to automatically shut off the monitor. This action triggers the monitor's burn-in protection, a crucial aspect for OLED displays often displaying static images. While the AI aspect may raise some eyebrows, it's a more seamless alternative to traditional OLED protection methods that might interrupt gameplay.
Do Gaming Monitors Need to Be This Fast?
The introduction of monitors with such high refresh rates, particularly the Asus ROG Strix Ace XG248QSG's 610Hz at 1080p, raises questions about necessity. Achieving these frame rates, even in fast-paced games like Marvel Rivals, requires not just a top-tier GPU like the RTX 5090, but also a powerful CPU to maintain data flow to the graphics card. Technologies like Nvidia Reflex and frame generation can help, but at around 600 fps, a robust CPU is non-negotiable.
The advantage of such high refresh rates lies in ultra-low render latency, which is critical in competitive gaming. For instance, players of Counter-Strike 2 opt for minimal settings to maximize frame rates and reduce input lag, a strategy that can be decisive in competitive play. However, the potential high cost of these monitors might make consumers question whether the performance gains justify the expense.
