Computex 2025: Gaming Monitors Now Too Fast

Three new gaming monitors pushing the boundaries of refresh rates were showcased at Computex. Leading the pack is the Asus ROG Strix Ace XG248QSG, a 1080p display boasting an impressive 610Hz refresh rate. Both MSI and Acer have introduced 1440p monitors with 500Hz refresh rates, a specification that's challenging to drive even with an RTX 5090 and multi-frame generation.

Acer's offering, the Predator X27U F5, not only features a high refresh rate but also a QD-OLED display, 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 but has not yet disclosed the pricing due to ongoing tariff negotiations. They aim to announce the US price closer to the X27U F5's retail availability, though the cost may be higher given current market trends.

MSI's 27-inch MPG 271QR X50 also utilizes a QD-OLED panel, but its standout feature is an AI-driven burn-in protection system. This innovative feature uses a sensor to detect when you step away from the monitor, automatically turning it off to protect against burn-in, a common issue with OLED displays, especially in gaming scenarios with static images. While the AI aspect might raise some eyebrows, it's a step forward in user-friendly technology.

Do Gaming Monitors Need to Be This Fast?

The introduction of monitors like the Asus ROG Strix Ace XG248QSG, with its 610Hz refresh rate at 1080p, raises questions about the necessity of such high speeds. Even with Nvidia's multi-frame generation technology enhancing frame rates, achieving 610Hz in demanding games like Marvel Rivals would require an RTX 5090 and possibly compromise on competitive integrity due to added latency.

To fully leverage such high refresh rates, a robust CPU is essential, as it must supply the graphics card with data at a pace that matches the display's capabilities. Technologies like Nvidia Reflex and frame generation can help, but at frame rates approaching 600 fps, a powerful CPU becomes indispensable.

The advantage of such high refresh rates lies in the potential for extremely low render latency, which is crucial in competitive gaming. For example, players of Counter-Strike 2 prioritize the lowest settings to maximize frame rates and minimize input lag, which can be critical in high-stakes situations. Whether the significant investment required for these high-end monitors will be justified for most gamers remains to be seen.