1. Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ HDR Gaming Monitor. Please read this manual thoroughly before using the product to ensure correct usage and optimal performance. The ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ is a 27-inch WQHD (2560x1440) IPS display designed for gaming, featuring a 155Hz refresh rate, 1ms MPRT response time, ELMB Sync, G-SYNC Compatible certification, and HDR10 support.
2. Package Contents
Verify that all items are present in your package. If any item is missing or damaged, contact your retailer.
- ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ Monitor
- Power Cable
- Power Adapter
- DisplayPort Cable (optional, may vary by region)
- HDMI Cable (optional, may vary by region)
- Quick Start Guide
- Warranty Card
3. Setup
3.1 Assembling the Stand
- Place the monitor face down on a soft, clean surface to prevent scratches.
- Attach the stand base to the stand neck, ensuring it clicks into place or is secured with the provided screw.
- Attach the assembled stand to the back of the monitor until it locks securely.
Alternatively, the monitor supports VESA wall mounting (100x100mm) for use with compatible wall mounts or monitor arms. Remove the stand before attaching a VESA mount.
3.2 Connecting Cables
Connect the necessary cables to the corresponding ports on the monitor and your computer or other devices.
- Power Cable: Connect the power adapter to the monitor's DC-in port, then plug the power cable into the adapter and a power outlet.
- DisplayPort Cable: For optimal performance and to achieve the maximum refresh rate (165Hz), connect a DisplayPort cable from your graphics card to the monitor's DisplayPort 1.2 input.
- HDMI Cables: Connect up to two HDMI cables (HDMI v2.0) from your devices to the monitor's HDMI inputs. Note that HDMI may support up to 144Hz at WQHD resolution.
Image: Rear view of the monitor displaying the HDMI (v2.0) and DisplayPort 1.2 input ports.
3.3 Initial Power-On
After connecting all cables, press the power button located on the back or bottom of the monitor to turn it on. The monitor will automatically detect the active input.
4. Operating the Monitor
4.1 On-Screen Display (OSD) Menu
The OSD menu allows you to adjust various monitor settings. Access it using the joystick and buttons located on the back of the monitor.
- Joystick: Push the joystick in to open the OSD menu. Move it up/down/left/right to navigate and select options.
- Buttons: Additional buttons may provide quick access to specific functions like input selection or GamePlus features.
4.2 Basic Settings
- Brightness/Contrast: Adjust these settings in the "Image" menu to suit your viewing environment.
- Input Select: Manually switch between DisplayPort and HDMI inputs if auto-detection does not select the correct source.
- Color Settings: Fine-tune color temperature, saturation, and hue in the "Color" menu.
4.3 Setting Refresh Rate
To experience the monitor's high refresh rate, ensure it is configured correctly in your operating system and graphics card control panel.
- Windows: Right-click on the desktop > Display settings > Advanced display settings > Display adapter properties for Display 1 > Monitor tab. Select the desired refresh rate (e.g., 144Hz or 165Hz) from the drop-down menu.
- NVIDIA Control Panel / AMD Radeon Software: Access your graphics card's control panel and navigate to the display settings to set the refresh rate.
5. Key Features
5.1 WQHD IPS Panel with High Refresh Rate
The 27-inch WQHD (2560x1440) IPS panel provides a larger viewing area and sharper images compared to Full HD, with excellent color reproduction and wide viewing angles. The 155Hz (overclockable to 165Hz) refresh rate ensures smooth motion and reduced input lag, crucial for fast-paced gaming. A 1ms Moving Picture Response Time (MPRT) further minimizes motion blur.
Image: Visual comparison demonstrating the difference in motion clarity between 165Hz and 60Hz refresh rates.
5.2 ELMB Sync (Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync)
ELMB Sync technology enables the simultaneous activation of Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) and Adaptive-Sync (G-SYNC Compatible). This feature reduces ghosting and motion blur, providing clearer visuals in fast-moving scenes without the tearing artifacts typically associated with fixed refresh rates.
Image: Diagram illustrating the ELMB Sync feature, showing Adaptive-Sync and ELMB (1ms MPRT) options.
5.3 G-SYNC Compatible / Adaptive-Sync
The monitor is certified as G-SYNC Compatible, ensuring a smooth, tear-free gaming experience by synchronizing the monitor's refresh rate with your GPU's frame rate. This eliminates screen tearing and minimizes stuttering, especially during variable frame rate scenarios.
5.4 HDR10 Support
The VG27AQ supports the industry-standard HDR10 format, offering enhanced color and brightness levels compared to standard monitors. This results in more vibrant colors and better contrast in compatible content.
Image: Side-by-side comparison showing the visual difference with HDR 10 enabled versus disabled.
5.5 Ergonomic Design
The monitor features an ergonomically designed stand that allows for extensive adjustments to optimize your viewing comfort.
- Height Adjustment: 0-130mm range.
- Tilt: +33° to -5° range.
- Swivel (Rotation): +90° to -90° range.
- Pivot: Allows rotating the screen 90 degrees for portrait mode.
Image: Diagram illustrating the ergonomic adjustments available for the monitor stand, including tilt, swivel, and height.
6. Maintenance
Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your monitor.
- Cleaning the Screen: Gently wipe the screen with a soft, lint-free cloth. For stubborn marks, use a monitor-specific cleaning solution applied to the cloth, not directly to the screen.
- Cleaning the Casing: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the monitor casing. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Ventilation: Ensure the monitor's ventilation openings are not blocked to prevent overheating.
- Power Off: Always turn off the monitor and unplug it from the power outlet before cleaning or if it will be unused for an extended period.
7. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your monitor, refer to the following common troubleshooting steps.
| Problem | Possible Solution |
|---|---|
| No image on screen |
|
| Image is blurry or distorted |
|
| Screen flickering |
|
| Dead pixels or stuck pixels | A small number of bright or dark pixels may be present on the screen. This is a characteristic of LCD/LED technology and is generally not considered a defect unless it exceeds manufacturer specifications. Refer to ASUS's pixel policy for more information. |
8. Specifications
Below are the key technical specifications for the ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ monitor.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 27 Inches |
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Resolution | WQHD (2560 x 1440) |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Refresh Rate | 155 Hz (Overclockable to 165 Hz) |
| Response Time | 1 Millisecond (MPRT) |
| Contrast Ratio | 1000:1 |
| Brightness | 350 cd/m² |
| Viewing Angle | 178 Degrees (H/V) |
| Color Gamut | 99% sRGB |
| HDR Support | HDR10 |
| Adaptive Sync Technology | G-SYNC Compatible |
| Video Inputs | 2x HDMI (v2.0), 1x DisplayPort (v1.2) |
| Audio | Built-in Speakers |
| Power Consumption | 27 Watts (Typical) |
| VESA Mounting | 100 x 100 mm |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 62 x 50.7 x 21.1 cm (with stand) |
| Weight | 5.8 Kilograms (with stand) |
9. Warranty and Support
Your ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ monitor comes with a manufacturer's warranty.
- Warranty Period: 2 years manufacturer's warranty.
- Spare Parts Availability: Spare parts are available for 2 years within the EU.
- Warranty Type: Limited Warranty.
- Support: For technical assistance, warranty claims, or further information, please visit the official ASUS support website or contact your local ASUS service center. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty services.