Please note this information is provided to the best of our knowledge and subject to change without notice. 

For further FAQ and information, please refer to the FAQ section in the support area of the product page.

General Questions

What are the PG278Q full specifications?

• Display: 27-inch (16:9) wide screen
• Resolution: WQHD 2560 × 1440
• Pixel Pitch: 0.233mm / 109 PPI
• Brightness: 350cd/m²
• Display Colors: 16.7M (8-bit)
• Max Refresh Rate: 144 Hz* (AMD Radeon graphics cards are currently driver limited to 120Hz)
• Response Time: 1 ms (GTG)
• Connectivity: DisplayPort, 2 x USB 3.0 ports (downstream x 2, upstream x 1)
• Bezel Size: 6mm
• Adjustments: Ergonomic tilt (+20° ~ -5°), swivel (+60° ~ -60°), pivot (90° clockwise), height adjustment (0 ~ 120mm)
• Wall Mountable: VESA (100 × 100mm)

Unique ROG designed features:

• Unique ROG styling
• ASUS GamePlus 
• Color-changing LED signifying current LCD operation mode
• 5-way OSD navigation joystick
• ASUS TURBO Key (60-120-144Hz switch)

 

What is Nvidia G-Sync technology?

NVIDIA G-Sync technology synchronizes the monitor’s refresh to the GPU’s render rate to provide stunning smoothness and ultra-fast response for the next generation of gaming. See the Nvidia website for more details.

 

What is TURBO Key?

This is one click refresh rate overclocking to switch between 60-120-144Hz. This removes any fiddling in the graphics driver control panel settings or digging through the LCD’s OSD settings.

Please Note: Some PC game titles might not support in-game refresh rate switching.

Please Note: The display must be 'active' to switch, such as in-game or with the mouse moving, not a static window.

 

What is ASUS GamePlus?

ASUS-exclusive GamePlus features crosshair and timer functions, conveniently accessible via OSD. Gamers can select from four different crosshair types to suit the gaming environment. With the timer function, players can track elapsed time in real-time strategy games.

 

What is the 5-way OSD navigation joystick?

On the right-hand side of the monitor, a tiny joystick with 5-way movement is used to control the OSD. This makes any monitor adjustments extremely easy and quick - massively improving the user experience.

 

What is the warranty?

3-year system and panel warranty.

 

What is provided in the box?

• 1x high quality DisplayPort cable.
• 1 x USB3.0 cable
• 90 Watt power adapter
• Power cord  (in some regions)
• Quick Start Guide
• Support CD (including user manual and PG278Q driver to enable G-SYNC feature)
• Warranty Card

 

Technical Questions

The monitor LED changes color – what do the different modes mean?

• White – normal ‘fast’ gaming (up to 144Hz)
• Green –Nvidia Stereoscopic 3D hardware plugged into the PC and 3D Vision enabled
• Red – G-Sync enabled
• Yellow –  Ultra Low Motion Blur
• Orange - Standby

 

How do I enable G-Sync?

It will be automatically enabled by the Nvidia drivers, should a compatible graphics card be already installed. Or, it can be manually enabled via the Nvidia driver control panel under the G-Sync menu option.

If G-Sync menu option isn’t present then please check the installed Nvidia graphics card is compatible (GTX 650 Ti Boost or higher spec) and the drivers are installed correctly.

 

What happens if I plug the PG278Q into a non-Nvidia GPU?

It will act as a fast gaming monitor* supporting WQHD resolution up to 144Hz with 1ms (GTG) response time – just without the G-Sync ability.

*A graphics card with DP 1.2 support are required to select refresh rates above 60Hz.

 

What games are supported?

All PC games are supported, on condition:

• The game runs in full screen as G-Sync can only vary the refresh rate of the entire display (windowed mode not supported).
• They do not force V-Sync on, or lock the frame rate.

 

How do I know if G-Sync is running in game?

1. The monitor power LED light will turn red indicating G-Sync is on.  V-Sync needs to be disabled in the PC game settings and G-Sync enabled in the Nvidia control panel. Then the game must be run in full screen.  
2. Typically scenes that go quickly from high to low frame-rate (or vice-versa) pronounce the G-Sync effect more strongly, allowing the user to notice its inherent effect on game play smoothness.

 

What graphics card is recommended to take advantage of WQHD resolution up to 144FPS [144Hz]?

Generally to push such high resolution and large frame rate you need a top-end GPU with plenty of memory; however it entirely depends on the type of game and the in-game settings applied. Lower graphics settings in-game will reduce the load on the graphics card, boosting FPS. G-Sync is designed to smoothly accommodate all FPS between 30-144Hz, greatly improving the full gaming experience.

 

Can I upgrade my current monitor to enable this technology?

Existing monitors will not be G-Sync upgradable with this technology as it requires new internal hardware. A bespoke G-Sync monitor like the PG278Q must be purchased, as G-Sync requires professional installation, calibration and qualification for the best quality results. ROG has worked extensively with Nvidia to launch the highest spec G-Sync monitor on the market with WQHD resolution at 144Hz with 1ms response.

 

What display connectors does it have?

It has 1x DisplayPort 1.2 connector.

 

Why does PG278Q only have 1x DisplayPort connection?

Nvidia’s G-Sync input currently requires DisplayPort in order to function, so this is the only input available. All ASUS GTX 650 Ti Boost or higher spec graphics cards have a compatible DisplayPort output.

 

Which DisplayPort version does it have?

DisplayPort 1.2 is required for native WQHD@144Hz support. All (GTX 650 Ti Boost or higher spec) ASUS GTX graphics cards offer this output.

 

How do I setup Surround Gaming [for 3x PG278Q in triple monitor setup]?

• At least one GTX 980 card with three DisplayPort connectors and 344-series drivers or above is required to run triple monitor Surround G-Sync. 

 

Can DVI/HDMI be converted to DP via adapter?

• DVI-DL does not have the bandwidth to support 2560 x 1440 at 144 Hz.
• We do not recommend using an HDMI to DP adapter as this is not qualified or supported in Nvidia drivers.

 

3D: Is PG278Q Nvidia 3D Vision Ready?

3D: Does PG278Q come with Nvidia 3D glasses/IR emitter/kit?

The PG278Q supports 3D Vision (‘3D Vision compatible’) but it does not come with 3D Vision glasses and IR emitter (3D Vision Ready). There is no 3D Vision IR emitter built into the monitor. A 3D Vision kit must be purchased separately.

 

3D: Does PG278Q have LightBoost?

Yes it does have LightBoost – if you plug in the 3D Vision IR emitter the Nvidia drivers will detect the PG278Q and offer the function. When the 3D is enabled the monitor LED turns green.

The highest 3D mode supported is 120Hz to match the active display glasses.

 

What does each button do?

There are 5 buttons on the display, from the top:

1. 5-way OSD navigation joystick  (press down for menu)
2. Exit
3. GamePlus feature (Crosshair/Timer selection)
4. TURBO key (60/120/144Hz quick switch)
5. Power On/Off

(Not shown: underneath – power LED)

 

Menu: How do I enable/cancel the GamePlus Crosshair/Timer?

Enable: Press the third button (GamePlus) then use the top 5-way joystick to select between Crosshair and Timer on the screen.

Cancel: Pressthe Exit (second) button twice.

 

Menu: What is ULMB?

Ultra Low Motion Blur - this is backlight strobing to reduce motion blur. It is available on the [85-100] 120Hz option (not 60Hz or 144Hz) and it is incompatible with G-Sync. When G-Sync is enabled ULMB is disabled. The yellow power LED light indicates the ULMB is on.

 

Menu: What is OD?

OD = Overdrive. It overdrives the pixel response rate and can be Off, Normal or Extreme.

• It cannot be used in conjunction with ULMB
• It can be used in conjunction with G-Sync

 

Menu: What is Light-In-Motion? [Can I turn off the red light at the base?]

Light In Motion represents the red LED in the base of the display. It can be turned on or off. The monitor must also be power cycled via the power button for the lighting to change effect.

 

Which is better ULMB or G-Sync?

G-Sync is generally better because it completely eliminates tearing, adding to the overall smoothness and immersiveness of gameplay.

For fast action or competitive gaming where everything is moving so fast to notice tearing, ULMB is a better option to enhance accuracy by minimizing blur.

 

What is the input lag?

It has virtually zero input lag due to the native design of the G-Sync module.

 

Why doesn’t the LCD go right to the edge of the visual panel?

This is present on every LCD panel due to the slight variations of panel fixture in mass production. There are ‘extra’ pixels manufactured on each edge but as each LCD is tested during manufacturing only the most ‘central’ range are enabled to create a perfect display. In most LCDs due to the fact the panel sits within the bezel you don’t see this effect but it’s present on every LCD. On the PG the panel sits flush so it’s easily seen.

When ASUS describes the PG278Q as “27 inch” it references the diagonal size of active pixels in the display, not any black area or bezel. It is impossible to have a display of this size roll right to the edge due to the current limitations in mass production techniques.

 

Is the USB 3.0 host powered?

Yes, the USB 3.0 is powered by the monitor’s internal power. When you turn on the monitor or it is in standby, you can use it to charge your smartphone/tablet (up to 1.2A). But when you turn off the monitor, the USB power will also be shutdown.