ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ 27" QHD 165Hz
Overclockable to 165Hz, IPS panel, G-Sync Compatible. Hard to beat at its price.
- IPS panel with 165Hz overclock capability from a 144Hz native panel
- ELMB Sync enables extreme low motion blur alongside G-Sync
- Shadow Boost enhances visibility in dark game areas without overexposure
Best For / Not For
Best for
- PC gamers who want 1440p IPS quality without paying a Nano IPS premium
Not for
- Color professionals -- the IPS coverage is good but not as wide as the LG Nano IPS
Key Details
ELMB Sync and Motion Clarity
ASUS's ELMB Sync (Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync) is the standout technical feature. Most monitors require you to choose between motion blur reduction (backlight strobing) and variable refresh rate (G-Sync/FreeSync). ELMB Sync enables both simultaneously, which results in notably cleaner motion in fast-paced games.
The 165Hz overclock from 144Hz native is standard practice in this monitor tier and functions reliably. The response time at 1ms MPRT (moving picture response time) is a backlight strobe measurement rather than GtG, but in practice motion clarity at 165Hz is excellent.
Why It Beats the LG on Value
For a pure gaming monitor, the VG27AQ and LG 27GP850-B are closer than the price gap suggests. Both are 1440p IPS panels at 165Hz. The LG has wider color gamut via Nano IPS and slightly faster GtG response. The ASUS has ELMB Sync. For most gamers, the VG27AQ's performance difference from the LG is invisible in-game.
If you are buying purely for gaming and will not use the monitor for color-sensitive creative work, the ASUS saves meaningful money for equivalent gaming performance. If wide color accuracy matters, pay for the LG.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 4.6-star Amazon rating matches the LG benchmark at a lower price
- ELMB Sync is unique -- combines motion blur reduction with variable refresh simultaneously
- Shadow Boost feature is genuinely useful in dark game environments
Cons
- 165Hz is an overclock from 144Hz native -- factory warranty covers the OC but it is worth knowing
- Stand does not include swivel adjustment
Bottom Line
The ASUS TUF VG27AQ is the best value gaming monitor at 1440p. It matches the LG 27GP850-B on gaming performance metrics that matter in practice -- 165Hz, IPS panel, variable refresh -- while saving money. Buy the LG if wide color accuracy for creative work is important; buy the ASUS if gaming performance per dollar is the priority.
Check current price on Amazon
