Three cutting-edge gaming monitors have been 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. Meanwhile, both MSI and Acer have introduced 1440p monitors with 500Hz refresh rates, a spec that even the formidable RTX 5090 paired with multi-frame generation might struggle to fully leverage.
Acer's Predator X27U F5 stands out with its QD-OLED display, promising exceptional color accuracy. This model is initially launching in Europe and China at a starting price of €899. While Acer plans to bring it to the US, specific pricing remains under wraps due to ongoing tariff negotiations with retailers. Given the rising costs of tech products in the US, affordability may be a concern.
MSI's offering, the 27-inch MPG 271QR X50, also features a QD-OLED panel. However, what sets it apart is its innovative AI-driven feature. As reported by PC Gamer, the monitor includes a sensor that detects when you step away, triggering the display to turn off and engage its burn-in protection. This AI-based approach to burn-in prevention is a novel addition to the typical OLED safeguards, which can sometimes interrupt gameplay.
The question arises: do gaming monitors really need such high refresh rates? The Asus ROG Strix Ace XG248QSG, with its 610Hz at 1080p, showcases the pinnacle of speed. Achieving such frame rates would require not just an RTX 5090 but also multi-frame generation, which can introduce latency—an undesirable trait in competitive gaming. Moreover, a powerful CPU is essential to keep up with these super-high frame rates, as it must continuously feed data to the GPU.
Despite the challenges, the potential for ultra-low render latency is significant, especially in competitive scenarios where every millisecond counts. Games like Counter-Strike 2 illustrate this, with pro players opting for minimal settings to maximize frame rates and minimize input lag. However, whether the high cost of these monitors will be justified for the average gamer remains to be seen.
