Three new gaming monitors pushing the boundaries of refresh rates were unveiled at Computex. Leading the pack is the Asus ROG Strix Ace XG248QSG, a 1080p display boasting an unprecedented 610Hz refresh rate. Not far behind, MSI and Acer introduced 1440p monitors with 500Hz refresh rates, a challenging spec even for the formidable RTX 5090 paired with multi-frame generation technology.
Acer's Predator X27U F5 stands out not only for its speed but also for its QD-OLED panel, promising exceptional color accuracy. Initially launching in Europe and China at a starting price of €899, Acer plans to bring it to the US market eventually, though no pricing details have been confirmed yet. The delay in announcing a US price is attributed to ongoing tariff negotiations with retailers. Given the rising cost of tech products in the US, affordability might be a concern.
Similarly, MSI's 27-inch MPG 271QR X50 also features a QD-OLED display but adds an innovative AI-based feature. A small sensor at the bottom of the screen detects when the user moves away, triggering the monitor to turn off and engage its burn-in protection. This AI-driven approach to preventing OLED burn-in is both intriguing and slightly unsettling, though it's a welcome improvement over traditional methods that can interrupt gameplay.
Do Gaming Monitors Need to Be This Fast?
The introduction of monitors with such high refresh rates raises the question of necessity. The Asus ROG Strix Ace XG248QSG, with its 610Hz refresh rate at 1080p, is exceptionally fast, especially in an era where Nvidia's multi-frame generation can push frame rates to new heights. However, achieving such frame rates in demanding games like Marvel Rivals would require not just an RTX 5090, but also multi-frame generation, which is generally avoided in competitive play due to added latency.
To truly leverage these high refresh rates, a powerful CPU is essential. At frame rates approaching 600 fps, the CPU must efficiently feed data to the graphics card. While technologies like Nvidia Reflex and frame generation help, a robust CPU remains critical.
The benefit of such high refresh rates is the potential for incredibly low render latency, crucial in competitive gaming. Games like Counter-Strike 2 are often played on minimal settings to maximize frame rates and reduce input lag, which can be the deciding factor in high-stakes matches. However, the significant investment required for these monitors may not be justified for everyone, given their likely high cost.
