The ROG Swift PG27UQ is finally ready: 4K 144Hz with G-Sync HDR available for pre-order
Ultra HD monitors have typically been limited to a maximum refresh rate of 60Hz, forcing gamers to choose between razor sharp visuals and silky smooth gameplay, but our new ROG Swift PG27UQ gaming monitor brings the best of both worlds by pushing its 4K resolution all the way up to 144Hz. It also uses quantum dots and localized backlight dimming to produce vivid, wide-gamut colors and deep, HDR blacks that make games and other content look more vibrant and lifelike.
We know what you're thinking: "I've heard this before." The PG27UQ was unveiled to much fanfare at CES 2017. It's finally ready for prime time, with pre-orders beginning and the first units slated to hit North America in June. Here's what you need to know.
Stacked specs for high-end gaming
Instead of relying on a single headlining feature, the PG27UQ creates the perfect picture with a cocktail of important ingredients. The 4K buzzword is probably the most familiar; it describes an Ultra HD 3840x2160 resolution that puts over eight million pixels in front of your eyeballs. Spreading that resolution across the 27” panel yields a sharp 163-PPI pixel density capable of displaying richly detailed images and impeccably crisp text.
While the 8.3-megapixel resolution benefits everything from casual surfing to serious photo editing, the 144Hz refresh rate is all about gaming. The panel updates 2.4X faster than typical 60Hz displays, shrinking the time between new frames from 16.7 milliseconds to only 6.9 ms. Movement and animation in games looks much more fluid as a result, especially in fast-paced fare like first-person shooters. Reducing the delay between new frames also lowers input lag, making games feel more immediate and responsive—and giving competitive players an edge over their opponents.
Serious GPU power is required to maintain 144 FPS at 4K with all the details turned up in the latest games. It's OK if performance dips below the maximum refresh rate, though. NVIDIA’s G-Sync technology smooths out performance fluctuations by matching the refresh rate of the display with the frame rate of the GPU. Synchronizing these components reduces stuttering and eliminates visual tears that can distract from your immersion. NVIDIA created a special version of G-Sync optimized for HDR monitors like the new Swift.
Enough colors and contrast for true HDR visuals
High dynamic range describes the ability to produce a broader range of brightness, color, and contrast than typical displays. The PG27UQ is the first gaming monitor with official DisplayHDR 1000 certification and UltraHD Premium certification. The backlight pumps out up to 1000 cd/m² of brightness—around 3X the output of typical gaming monitors. It's divided into 384 distinct zones that can be selectively dimmed to maximize contrast, allowing the monitor to mix piercing whites with bottomless blacks.
Quantum dots deserve some of the credit for the Swift’s high dynamic range. These luminescent nanoparticles help produce a much broader range of colors, resulting in richer shades and smoother transitions between them. The PG27UQ covers an incredible 97% of the DCI-P3 color space commonly used by cinema hardware. This wide-gamut palette has 25% more colors than the sRGB standard commonly used for PCs, and we make sure the colors are accurate by calibrating each panel at the factory to guarantee an average △E < 3.
We didn’t put so much effort into the colors only to have them wash out from askew. IPS technology keeps the panel's colors true over wide viewing angles. Everyone will have a good view when they gather around in awe.
Everything you need in a premium gaming monitor
Aura Sync RGB lighting is integrated into the back. There's also a customizable light signature that shines on your desk and an ROG logo that projects onto the wall behind the display. Connecting multiple machines is easy thanks to dual DisplayPort 1.4 inputs and one HDMI. You can also adjust the monitor’s height, tilt, swivel, and pivot with the fully adjustable stand.
| ROG Swift PG27UQ | |
|---|---|
| Panel | 27" IPS direct-type LED 4K resolution (3840x2160) at 163 PPI |
| Backlight | 384-zone with local dimming |
| HDR | DisplayHDR 1000 certified UltraHD Premium pending |
| Refresh rate | G-Sync HDR up to 144Hz |
| Response time | 4 ms (GTG) |
| Colors | 1.07 billion colors with average △E accuracy < 3 97% DCI-P3/99% Adobe RGB gamut coverage |
| Brightness | 300 cd/m² (typical SDR), 1000 cd/m² (typical HDR) |
| Contrast | 1000:1 (typical SDR), 50,000:1 (typical HDR) |
| Viewing angles | 178°(H) /178°(V) |
| Ports | 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 1 x HDMI 2.0, 3 x USB 3.0 (1 x upstream, 2 x downstream), 1 x 3.5-mm audio |
| Price | $2,000 USD / 2599.99 CAD |
| Pre-order (USA) | Newegg, Micro Center, Velocity Micro, Best Buy |
| Pre-order (Canada) | Canada Computers |
The ROG Swift PG27UQ's high resolution, blazing refresh rate, and phenomenal picture make the monitor versatile enough for hardcore gaming, general entertainment, and even serious content creation. It's available now for pre-order in North America for $2,000 USD, with the first batch scheduled to ship in June. Check with your local ROG rep for details about pricing, availability, and pre-orders in your region.
