Three new gaming monitors pushing the boundaries of refresh rates were unveiled at Computex, with the fastest being the Asus ROG Strix Ace XG248QSG. This 1080p display boasts an impressive 610Hz refresh rate. Meanwhile, MSI and Acer have introduced 1440p monitors with 500Hz refresh rates, a specification that even the powerful RTX 5090 struggles to drive, especially without multi-frame generation.
Acer's Predator X27U F5 stands out not only for its speed but also for its QD-OLED display, promising exceptional color accuracy. Initially launching in Europe and China at a starting price of €899, Acer plans to bring the monitor to the US market eventually, though pricing remains undisclosed due to ongoing tariff negotiations with retailers. Given the rising costs of tech products in the US, affordability may be a concern.
MSI's 27-inch MPG 271QR X50 also features a QD-OLED panel, but it's the inclusion of an AI feature that catches attention. Equipped with a sensor at the bottom of the display, the monitor uses an NPU to detect when you move away, automatically turning off to initiate burn-in protection. This is particularly important for OLED displays, which are susceptible to burn-in from static images. While the AI aspect might seem a bit eerie, it's a more seamless solution than traditional OLED protection methods that can interrupt gameplay.
Do Gaming Monitors Need to Be This Fast?
The introduction of these ultra-fast monitors, especially the Asus ROG Strix Ace XG248QSG with its 610Hz refresh rate, raises questions about their necessity. Even at 1080p, achieving such high frame rates requires top-tier hardware like the RTX 5090 and multi-frame generation, which can add latency and is often avoided in competitive gaming.
To fully leverage these high refresh rates, you need not only a powerful GPU but also a robust CPU capable of feeding the graphics card with enough data. Technologies like Nvidia Reflex and frame generation help, but at frame rates approaching 600 fps, a powerful CPU becomes essential.
The advantage of such high refresh rates lies in their potential to deliver incredibly low render latency, which is crucial in competitive gaming. For instance, players of games like Counter-Strike 2 prioritize high frame rates to minimize input lag, which can be the difference between winning and losing. However, the steep price of these monitors may deter many gamers, making the value proposition a significant consideration.
