Skip to main content

Asus’ new 4K HDMI 2.1 gaming monitor looks like another beast

Now that GPU prices are actually affordable again, those with powerful GPUs have another monitor to consider. Asus has officially introduced the ROG Strix XG32UQ (via NotebookCheck), a 32-inch 4K gaming monitor with many of the bells and whistles gamers expect of a high-end monitor, including those who own an Xbox Series X or PS5.

Starting off, the panel itself is, of course, a 4K IPS screen offering a 160Hz refresh rate for fluid movement and a 1ms response time for twitchy in-game actions.

The new Asus 4K HDMI 2.1 monitor against a black background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The XG32UQ covers 96% of the DCI-P3 color gamut which should offer brilliant colors both for viewing content and creating it. It has a peak brightness of 600 nits which should be plenty bright for most people.

Those with either Nvidia or AMD graphics cards are both taken care of as this new Asus monitor has both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro. While the maximum refresh rate is 160 Hz, only those using DisplayPort will be able to use it. Gamers using HDMI will be limited to 144 Hz, which is still plenty fast for all but the most competitive esports players. Console owners will also be able to take advantage of variable refresh rate (VRR) thanks to the HDMI 2.1 spec.

Speaking of ports, there are two HDMI 2.1 ports, one DisplayPort 1.4, a single 3.5mm headphone jack, and a built-in USB hub complete with two USB-A 3.2 Gen1 ports. The stand features tilt, swivel, and height adjustment, which is welcome for those who need maximum flexibility. Streamers and those working from home will also enjoy the built-in tripod socket to mount a camera or ring light to enhance video presence.

Asus ROG Strix XG32UG gaming monitor hero shot.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Obviously, gaming at 4K requires a beefy graphics card, and those prices have largely returned to normal. However, those hoping for a cheap Nvidia mid-range card may still be paying higher than MSRP. It’s still a welcome change of pace after having to deal with astronomical graphics card prices for two years.

Fortunately, Nvidia is likely gearing up to release their 40-series cards (although it may just be one this year). That, combined with cryptocurrency falling, has led to GPU prices finally being within reach of most potential customers.

As far as the Asus XG32UQ gaming monitor, the company hasn’t released pricing information but did confirm that the gaming monitor will release in Q3 2022.

Editors' Recommendations

David Matthews
David is a freelance journalist based just outside of Washington D.C. specializing in consumer technology and gaming. He has…
Why new OLED gaming monitors still can’t beat the best from last year
alienware 34 qd oled aw3423dw review 4

OLED gaming monitors are all the rage this year. I've reviewed nearly all the best of them, and although we're getting more, I have a pretty good idea about what 2023 holds in this developing space.

And yet, I still haven't found a display that trounces last year's Alienware 34 QD-OLED. I'm not going to pretend it's perfect -- I've complained about its insistent burn-in prompts in the past, for example. But it's the gold standard, and as I'll explain, its strengths go beyond what you can see on a spec sheet.
It's not a TV, it's a monitor

Read more
I love my OLED gaming monitor, but I feel like it’s gaslighting me
Desktop background on the Alienware 34 QD-OLED.

Most lists that count down the best gaming monitors produce a common result at the top: Alienware's 34 QD-OLED. Even after almost a year on the market, it remains the reigning champ in the world of gaming displays, so much so that I bought one a few months ago to upgrade my own personal setup.

And I love it. There's really only one problem that I've encountered: the incessant nagging to refresh the panel to prevent OLED burn-in.

Read more
Gaming monitors have been lying to us, and it’s time they stopped
A gaming monitor playing Forza Horizon 5.

Gaming monitors are lying to us, and they have been for many years. Informed buyers know the tricks that brands play to sell the best gaming monitors, and they've learned to navigate the deceptive marketing. But these ploys persist, and 2023 is the year when monitors need to get a little more transparent.

Some of the key areas where gaming monitors mislead buyers have been running rampant for years, while others are fairly new. As we start a new year and look onto next-gen displays, consider this buying advice for picking up your next gaming display, as well as a call to arms to demand manufacturers do better.
HDR

Read more