Three cutting-edge gaming monitors were unveiled at Computex, each pushing the boundaries of refresh rates. The standout is the Asus ROG Strix Ace XG248QSG, a 1080p display boasting an astonishing 610Hz refresh rate. Both MSI and Acer have introduced 1440p monitors with 500Hz refresh rates, challenging even the most powerful GPUs like the RTX 5090, especially when using multi-frame generation technology.
Acer's Predator X27U F5 stands out with its QD-OLED display, promising exceptional color accuracy. Initially launching in Europe and China at a starting price of €899, Acer has confirmed plans to bring the monitor to the US market, though pricing remains undisclosed due to ongoing tariff negotiations. The company plans to reveal US pricing closer to the X27U F5's availability, but given the rising cost of tech products in the US, affordability might be a concern.
MSI's 27-inch MPG 271QR X50 also features a QD-OLED panel, but what sets it apart is its innovative AI feature. According to PC Gamer's hands-on report, the monitor includes a sensor that detects when you move away, triggering the display to turn off and initiate burn-in protection via a Neural Processing Unit (NPU). This AI-driven approach to burn-in prevention is intriguing, though it may raise some privacy concerns. Burn-in protection is crucial for OLED displays, particularly in gaming monitors where static images are common, and this automatic feature could be a game-changer.
Do Gaming Monitors Need to Be This Fast?
The introduction of these ultra-fast monitors raises the question of whether such high refresh rates are necessary. The Asus ROG Strix Ace XG248QSG's 610Hz refresh rate at 1080p is exceptionally fast, even in an era where technologies like Nvidia's multi-frame generation are pushing frame rates to new heights. Achieving these frame rates in games like Marvel Rivals would require an RTX 5090 and multi-frame generation, which is typically not recommended for competitive gaming due to added latency.
To fully leverage these high refresh rates, you'd need not only a powerful GPU but also a robust CPU capable of feeding the graphics card with data. While technologies like Nvidia Reflex and frame generation can help, at frame rates approaching 600 fps, a powerful CPU is essential. The advantage of such high frame rates is the significantly reduced render latency, which is critical in competitive gaming. For instance, competitive Counter-Strike 2 players often opt for the lowest settings to maximize frame rates and minimize input lag, which can be the deciding factor in a match. Whether the potential benefits justify the likely high cost of these monitors remains to be seen.
