Gaming Monitors Hit Record Speeds at Computex 2025

Three cutting-edge gaming monitors were unveiled at Computex, each pushing the boundaries of refresh rates. Leading the pack is the Asus ROG Strix Ace XG248QSG, a 1080p display boasting an unprecedented 610Hz refresh rate. Not to be outdone, both MSI and Acer have introduced 1440p monitors with 500Hz refresh rates, a challenging spec even for top-tier hardware like the RTX 5090 combined with multi-frame generation.

Acer's Predator X27U F5 stands out with its 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, though pricing remains undisclosed due to ongoing negotiations affected by tariffs. Given the rising costs of tech products in the US, affordability may be a concern.

Meanwhile, MSI's 27-inch MPG 271QR X50 also features a QD-OLED panel and introduces an innovative AI feature. According to PC Gamer's hands-on review, this monitor includes a sensor that detects when you step away, triggering the display to turn off and activate burn-in protection via a Neural Processing Unit (NPU). This AI-driven approach to preventing OLED burn-in, while slightly unnerving, is a step up from traditional methods that might interrupt gameplay.

Do Gaming Monitors Need to Be This Fast?

The introduction of monitors like the Asus ROG Strix Ace XG248QSG, with its 610Hz refresh rate, raises the question of whether such speeds are necessary. Even at 1080p, achieving this frame rate requires formidable hardware, like the RTX 5090, and likely multi-frame generation—a feature often avoided in competitive gaming due to added latency.

Moreover, achieving these high frame rates demands not just a powerful GPU but also a robust CPU to ensure a steady data feed. Technologies such as Nvidia Reflex and frame generation can help, but at frame rates nearing 600 fps, a powerful CPU is indispensable.

The advantage of such high refresh rates lies in their potential to deliver incredibly low render latency, which is crucial in competitive gaming. For instance, professional players of games like Counter-Strike 2 often opt for the lowest settings to maximize frame rates and minimize input lag—a strategy that can make all the difference in high-stakes matches. Whether the premium price for these cutting-edge monitors will be justified for the average gamer remains to be seen.