Asus ROG Strix 610Hz Monitor Review: Gaming’s New Frontier

The Asus ROG Strix XG248QSG Ace stands as the undisputed champion of refresh rates, offering an unprecedented 600Hz native speed that can be pushed to 610Hz with overclocking. This 24-inch FHD monitor is engineered specifically for competitive esports, where every millisecond counts. While its premium price tag places it in the same league as high-end OLED displays, its blistering performance makes it the singular choice for gamers determined to achieve frame rates of 500fps or higher.

Specifications reveal a tool built for pure speed. It utilizes a TN panel, widely recognized as the most responsive LCD technology, ensuring minimal input lag. The monitor supports Adaptive-Sync (compatible with both FreeSync and G-Sync), HDR10, and delivers a brightness exceeding 400 nits. A key feature is its advanced motion blur reduction technology, ELMB (Extreme Low Motion Blur), which includes an innovative ELMB Sync mode that works in tandem with variable refresh rates.

The monitor’s color performance is surprisingly robust for a TN panel, covering approximately 92% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, a notable achievement in the ultra-high refresh rate category. It also includes a zone-dimming backlight with eight horizontal segments to enhance contrast. For competitive play, Asus bundles its GamePlus suite, featuring digital crosshairs, a sniper magnification mode, timers, and alignment guides.

Physically, the XG248QSG boasts a sturdy, ergonomic stand offering tilt, swivel, height adjustment, and even a portrait mode. The design is sleek with a minimal bezel and a customizable RGB ROG logo on the back. Connectivity includes two HDMI 2.1 ports and one DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC, alongside a 3.5mm audio jack, though it lacks USB ports and internal speakers.

Navigating the settings is straightforward via a rear joystick or the accompanying DisplayWidget Center software. The on-screen display is packed with options, including the crucial overclocking toggle for that extra 10Hz. The overdrive function provides 20 levels of adjustment for precise tuning. The standout feature remains the ELMB technology. ELMB Sync effectively combats motion blur and screen tearing without the common phasing artifacts, while ELMB 2 offers even more aggressive blur reduction at the potential cost of occasional tearing and reduced brightness.

To truly harness this monitor’s potential, you need a graphics card that can keep pace. Testing with a top-tier GeForce RTX 4090 showed frame rates in demanding titles like Doom Eternal peaking around 525fps, indicating that even the most powerful current hardware may struggle to consistently hit the full 610Hz at maximum settings. The gameplay experience is exceptionally fluid, with the ELMB implementation providing a level of motion clarity that sets a new standard.

However, the trade-off for this speed is the inherent limitation of a 1080p TN panel. While its colors are vibrant, they cannot match the depth, contrast, and saturation of a Quantum Dot OLED display. The pixel density is adequate for general productivity but will feel less sharp to users accustomed to QHD or 4K resolutions.

Ultimately, the Asus ROG Strix XG248QSG Ace is a specialized instrument for a specific audience. It delivers an unrivaled high-frame-rate experience for professional esports athletes and enthusiasts who prioritize raw performance above all else. For the same investment, a QHD or UHD OLED monitor might offer superior overall image quality and a fantastic gaming experience at lower, yet still very high, frame rates. This monitor isn’t for everyone, but for those who need the absolute fastest response, it is currently in a class of its own.

(Source: NewsAPI Gaming Hardware & Accessories)