Gaming Monitor Roundup 2014

ASUS VG248QE Review

Manufacturer: ASUS
UK price: £269.99 (inc VAT)

Specifications

• Screen size 24in
  
• Resolution 1,920 x 1,080
  
• Refresh rate 144Hz
  
• TFT-panel type TN
  
• 3D support Yes (active)
  
• Overdrive Yes (enabled by default)
  
• Inputs DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort
  
• Audio HDMI audio out, 3.5mm audio in
  
• Extras Speakers
  
• Dimensions (mm) 568 x 231 x 390 (500) (W x D x H)
  
• Portrait mode Yes
  
• Weight 5.64kg
  
• Mount VESA 100mm

Asus’s 24-inch contender carries a somewhat premium price tag, though it's far from the most expensive screen here. The VG248QE lacks a VGA input, an omission we can live with. It does have the requisite dual-link DVI and DisplayPort inputs, as well as HDMI. There are integrated speakers and the stand is height-adjustable, but there are no other frills. The screen is ready for Nvidia 3D Vision 2, but you’ll have to spring for the required kit yourself.


The test results show this screen is intended for one purpose only: FPS gaming. While the maximum brightness is impressively high, the minimum is much less formidable, so blacks aren't as dark as they could be. Nevertheless, the resulting contrast isn’t too shabby at 973:1. The gamma value is reasonable, but the colour temperature is far too high, approaching 8,000K in fact, meaning the displayed images take on a blueish hue. The colour accuracy, well, isn’t. Where this screen really shines is with one thing and one thing only: ultra-fast response times. Out of the box the values are already good, but turn on overdrive and it gets even better. Even though some screens deliver better results still, make no mistake: thanks to the near-absence of overshoot, ASUS combines speed with accuracy, at least when it comes to colour transitions. Power consumption is pretty much on par with the rest too.


In all, the VG248QE is not the best all-round choice nor the cheapest, but it is a superb screen if you’re into FPS gaming and demand both short response times as well as a nigh-absence of overshoot. Also, if you’re into your 3D gaming, this one is worth considering.