Three new gaming monitors, unveiled at Computex, are pushing the boundaries of refresh rates, showcasing the latest in display technology. The fastest among them is the Asus ROG Strix Ace XG248QSG, a 1080p monitor boasting an astonishing 610Hz refresh rate. Both MSI and Acer have introduced 1440p monitors with 500Hz refresh rates, a spec that even the powerful RTX 5090, coupled with multi-frame generation, would struggle to fully utilize.
Acer's offering, the Predator X27U F5, not only features a high refresh rate but also incorporates a QD-OLED display, promising exceptional color accuracy. Initially launching in Europe and China at a starting price of €899, Acer plans to bring this monitor to the US market, though it has not yet disclosed the price due to ongoing negotiations affected by tariffs. As tech products continue to rise in cost, the US price may be a significant investment.
MSI's entry, the 27-inch MPG 271QR X50, also utilizes a QD-OLED panel. Beyond its impressive specs, it introduces an innovative AI feature. As reported by PC Gamer, the monitor includes a sensor that detects when a user moves away, triggering the display to shut off via a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for burn-in protection. This AI-driven approach to preventing OLED burn-in, a common issue with static images on gaming monitors, adds a layer of sophistication to the device.
Do Gaming Monitors Need to Be This Fast?
The introduction of monitors with refresh rates as high as 610Hz, like the Asus ROG Strix Ace XG248QSG, raises questions about the necessity of such speed. Even with Nvidia's multi-frame generation technology, achieving these frame rates in games like Marvel Rivals would require an RTX 5090 and potentially compromise competitive play due to added latency.
Achieving these high frame rates demands not only a powerful graphics card but also a robust CPU capable of feeding the GPU with data efficiently. While technologies like Nvidia Reflex and frame generation can help, at around 600 fps, a high-performance CPU becomes essential.
The benefit of such high refresh rates lies in the potential for extremely low render latency, which is critical in competitive gaming. Players of games like Counter-Strike 2 prioritize frame rate over graphics quality to minimize input lag, which can be decisive in competitive scenarios. However, whether the significant investment required for these ultra-fast monitors is justified for most gamers remains a pertinent question.