"Gaming Monitors Outpace Expectations at Computex 2025"

Three cutting-edge gaming monitors were showcased at Computex, each pushing the boundaries of refresh rates. The standout is the Asus ROG Strix Ace XG248QSG, a 1080p display boasting an astonishing 610Hz refresh rate. Both MSI and Acer have introduced 1440p monitors with 500Hz refresh rates, a specification that even the powerful RTX 5090 with multi-frame generation struggles to fully utilize.

Acer's offering, the Predator X27U F5, not only features a high refresh rate but also incorporates a QD-OLED display for exceptional color accuracy. Initially launching in Europe and China at €899, Acer plans to bring it to the US market, though pricing remains undecided due to tariff negotiations. The company will disclose the US price closer to the product's availability, but considering the rising costs of tech products in the US, affordability may be a concern.

MSI's 27-inch MPG 271QR X50 also employs a QD-OLED panel, though pricing details were not disclosed. A unique feature of this monitor is its AI-driven burn-in protection. Equipped with a sensor at the base, the monitor detects when you step away and uses an NPU (Neural Processing Unit) to automatically shut off, initiating burn-in prevention. This is particularly important for gaming monitors, which often display static images that can lead to burn-in. While the AI aspect might raise some eyebrows, it's a step up from traditional OLED protection that might interrupt gameplay.

Do Gaming Monitors Need to Be This Fast?

The introduction of three monitors with such high refresh rates, particularly the Asus ROG Strix Ace XG248QSG at 610Hz, is remarkable. Even at 1080p, achieving this frame rate in demanding games like Marvel Rivals would necessitate an RTX 5090 and multi-frame generation, which can introduce latency and is typically avoided in competitive gaming.

To fully leverage these high refresh rates, a robust CPU is essential alongside a powerful GPU. At frame rates nearing 600 fps, the CPU must efficiently supply the GPU with data, despite technologies like Nvidia Reflex and frame generation that help mitigate some of the load.

The advantage of such high frame rates lies in the potential for extremely low render latency, crucial for competitive gaming. In games like Counter-Strike 2, where every millisecond counts, maximizing frame rates can significantly reduce input lag, potentially deciding the outcome of matches. However, whether the substantial cost of these monitors justifies the performance benefits remains a question for many gamers.