ASUS ROG XG27ACS: 180Hz and fast response win critics, contrast lags

Reviewers praised the 180Hz refresh rate and fast response times, while noting the monitor's low contrast and lack of local dimming in HDR.

1 min read

A black gaming monitor with a sleek stand, viewed from the front.
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Specifications

Display Size
27" widescreen
Panel Type
Fast IPS
Backlight Technology
Fast IPS technology
Surface Finish
Anti‑glare
Color Gamut
DCI‑P3 97%
Resolution
2560 × 1440
Refresh Rate
180 Hz
Contrast Ratio
1,000:1 (typ.)
Viewing Angles
178° horizontal / 178° vertical
Color Depth
16.7 million colors
Response Time
1 ms gray‑to‑gray
HDR Support
Yes
DisplayHDR Certification
DisplayHDR 400
Adaptive Sync
G‑SYNC® compatible and FreeSync™
ELMB Sync
Yes
GamePlus Technology
Yes
Dynamic Shadow Boost
Yes
Variable Overdrive 2.0
Yes (20 levels)
USB‑C Connectivity
1 × USB Type‑C (DP Alt mode, Power Delivery)
HDMI Ports
1 × HDMI 2.0
DisplayPort
1 × DisplayPort 1.4
Audio Out
Earphone jack
Phone Holder
Yes
Tripod Socket
Yes
Color Calibration
E‑report available
HDCP Support
Yes
Stand Design
Compact stand with mobile‑device groove
Power Delivery via USB‑C
Yes
Warranty
Standard ASUS warranty (details on site)
Packaging Material
FSC Mix‑certified materials
Operating System Compatibility
Windows, macOS, Linux, consoles
Color Accuracy
Certified with E‑report
Ambient Light Sensor
No
Built‑in Speakers
No
Cable Lengths
HDMI 2.0 (1 m), DisplayPort 1.4 (1 m), USB‑C (1 m)

What reviewers say

  • The RTINGS.com review describes the ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACS as a budget‑friendly 27‑inch, 1440p gaming monitor that offers a solid 180 Hz refresh rate and full VRR support. It delivers fast response times and low input lag, making it suitable for casual PC and console gamers, but its picture quality suffers from low contrast, lack of local dimming, and muted HDR highlights. The display is bright enough for well‑lit office or editing use, with accurate sRGB performance and good ergonomics, though power delivery over USB‑C is limited.

    www.rtings.com ↗
  • The review describes the ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACS as a solid budget gaming monitor that delivers bright, colorful images and good sharpness thanks to its IPS panel, but it falls short in HDR performance and contrast compared to higher‑end models. It highlights the lack of RGB lighting, limited USB‑C power delivery, and the absence of a VA panel’s deeper blacks while noting strengths such as 100% sRGB coverage, 91% DCI‑P3 gamut, 406 nits peak brightness, and a 180 Hz refresh rate. The author suggests that competitors like Dell G2724D, Samsung Odyssey G5, and AOC Q27G3XMN offer similar or better performance at lower prices.

    me.ign.com ↗
  • The review describes the ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACS as a versatile 27‑inch IPS gaming monitor that balances performance and price. It highlights its fast 180 Hz refresh rate, good color coverage (97 % DCI‑P3/133 % sRGB), solid HDR400 support, and a comprehensive set of features such as FreeSync, G‑Sync compatibility, ELMB for motion blur reduction, and a well‑configured OSD menu. The design is understated but recognisable with ROG branding, and the stand offers extensive adjustability including portrait mode and a tripod socket. The reviewer notes that the panel’s Fast IPS delivers a 1 ms response time close to TN panels, while the brightness is flicker‑free thanks to PWM‑free operation.

    mezha.ua ↗
  • Tom’s Hardware praises the ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACS as a high‑performance, color‑accurate gaming monitor that offers excellent value for its price. The review highlights its sharp, bright image, out‑of‑the‑box color accuracy, strong HDR contrast, flexible video processing options, and solid build quality, while noting the lack of speakers and USB ports as minor drawbacks.

    www.tomshardware.com ↗

Our take

Based on 4 reviews

All four reviews agree this 27-inch 1440p monitor delivers fast 180Hz refresh rates and strong color coverage, making it a capable budget gaming display. RTINGS and Tom's Hardware note its sharp images and good ergonomics, while mezha.ua highlights its comprehensive feature set and flicker-free operation. The spec sheet confirms 1ms response times, G-SYNC/FreeSync support, and USB-C power delivery, aligning with the reviewers' consensus on performance and connectivity.

However, reviewers split on HDR and contrast: RTINGS and me.ign.com criticize low contrast and muted HDR, while Tom's Hardware praises strong HDR contrast and mezha.ua notes solid HDR400 support. This means buyers prioritizing deep blacks or cinematic HDR should look elsewhere, while those seeking fast, color-accurate gaming at a budget price will find it suitable.

Pros

  • 180Hz refresh rate
  • 97% DCI-P3 color coverage
  • 1ms response time
  • USB-C power delivery

Cons

  • Low contrast ratio
  • Muted HDR highlights
  • No built-in speakers

Best for: Budget gamers wanting fast, colorful 1440p displays; avoid if you need deep blacks or premium HDR.

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