480hz OLED is amazing, but you probably shouldn't buy it yet....

Summary

The ASUS PG27AQDP is a groundbreaking 480Hz OLED monitor with 1440p resolution, offering unparalleled clarity and smoothness in FPS games. Despite its impressive specs, the monitor presents some challenges, including firmware bugs, occasional input lag with ELMB (Enhanced Low Motion Blur), and incompatibility with certain features. The monitor excels in visual fidelity, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize high refresh rates, color accuracy, and clarity for both esports and single-player games. However, its steep price tag and occasional technical issues might make it a less appealing choice for those not needing the absolute highest specs.

Takeaways

• 😀 The ASUS PG27AQDP monitor is an impressive 480hz OLED with 1440p resolution, offering great clarity and motion smoothness, but comes with some performance and compatibility issues.
• 😀 The 480hz refresh rate is noticeable, especially when upgrading from a 240hz monitor, but the improvement isn't linear, meaning it isn't twice as smooth as 240hz.
• 😀 OLED technology offers incredibly fast pixel response times, reducing ghosting and artifacts, and delivering a clearer image compared to IPS panels.
• 😀 1440p resolution significantly improves visual clarity, especially for FPS games, helping with tracking distant targets and improving aiming accuracy.
• 😀 ELMB (Extreme Low Motion Blur) technology promises smoother motion but introduces issues like added input lag and a drop in brightness, particularly problematic in fast-paced games.
• 😀 Despite the technology's potential, ELMB on OLED panels causes additional challenges such as reduced brightness, lack of VRR and HDR compatibility, and visible screen tearing when FPS drops below 240.
• 😀 For gamers who primarily play below 480fps, the monitor might not be worth the high price due to its occasional glitches, as 240hz and 360hz options offer a similar experience at a lower cost.
• 😀 The monitor’s 27-inch size is not an issue for most users, though it may feel different compared to smaller esports monitors; it can even simulate a 24-inch view with black borders for users who prefer a smaller screen experience.
• 😀 The monitor occasionally experiences serious bugs like inaccessible settings, delayed inputs, and issues with firmware updates, which can cause significant frustration.
• 😀 Despite all the problems, the monitor’s unique combination of high refresh rates, OLED quality, and clarity is unmatched for users seeking both esports performance and good visual fidelity for slower-paced games and daily use.
• 😀 Users considering this monitor should evaluate their needs carefully, as it may be a perfect fit for those who want the best of both worlds (high refresh rate and OLED clarity), but others might find more value in more affordable 240hz or 360hz alternatives.

Q & A

What makes the ASUS PG27AQDP monitor stand out in terms of specifications?

The ASUS PG27AQDP monitor features a 480Hz refresh rate, 1440p resolution, and an OLED panel. This combination of specs is unique and provides a high level of visual performance, making it a significant upgrade over typical monitors.

Can you actually perceive the difference in refresh rate between 240Hz and 480Hz?

Yes, the difference between 240Hz and 480Hz is noticeable. The smoother motion and responsiveness, especially in fast-paced games like CS2, Valorant, and Overwatch 2, provide a tangible upgrade, even if the difference is not exactly double the perceived smoothness.

What advantages does the OLED panel offer over traditional monitors?

OLED panels provide excellent color accuracy and extremely fast pixel response times, eliminating issues like ghosting and artifacts. The result is a sharper, clearer image, particularly beneficial for fast-paced games and general clarity.

Why did the reviewer prefer 1440p over 1080p for gaming on this monitor?

1440p provided a significant clarity boost over 1080p, making it easier to track distant targets and improve aim. The increased pixel density made gameplay feel smoother and sharper, particularly in FPS games.

What is ELMB technology and how does it impact the monitor's performance?

ELMB (Extreme Low Motion Blur) technology reduces motion blur by inserting black frames between each image. This helps improve visual clarity and makes lower refresh rates feel as smooth as higher ones, such as making 240Hz feel like 480Hz. However, this comes with some drawbacks, like additional input lag and reduced brightness.

What issues did the reviewer encounter when using ELMB on the OLED panel?

ELMB on the OLED panel resulted in noticeable input lag (4-5 milliseconds), visible screen tearing if the FPS dipped below 240, reduced screen brightness, and compatibility issues with VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and HDR (High Dynamic Range).

How does the monitor perform in faster-paced games like esports titles?

In esports titles, the monitor shines with its 480Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth, responsive gameplay. However, the reviewer mentions that once the FPS dips below 240, the benefits of ELMB can be overshadowed by issues like screen tearing.

Is the size of the ASUS PG27AQDP monitor an issue for competitive gaming?

The 27-inch size is generally not an issue for esports gaming. While it might feel different initially, the reviewer found it easy to adjust. Additionally, the monitor offers an aspect control feature that allows it to display a 24-inch image for 1:1 pixel scaling if preferred.

What firmware and software issues did the reviewer experience with the monitor?

The reviewer encountered several firmware-related issues, such as 480Hz and 1440p not working together at times, greyed-out options in the on-screen display, and slow alt-tabbing. Additionally, the firmware update tool often failed to detect the monitor, leading to various troubleshooting steps.

Who is the ideal target audience for the ASUS PG27AQDP monitor?

The ideal target audience for this monitor are gamers who prioritize high refresh rates, visual fidelity, and OLED technology, especially those playing fast-paced FPS games or story-driven single-player titles. It’s most suitable for people willing to deal with potential firmware issues and those who plan to upgrade their PC for future performance gains.