Gaming Monitors Impress at Computex 2025

Three gaming monitors unveiled at Computex are shattering refresh rate records. The standout at Taipei's massive computing trade show is the Asus ROG Strix Ace XG248QSG, a 1080p monitor boasting a staggering 610Hz refresh rate. Meanwhile, MSI and Acer have both unveiled 1440p displays with 500Hz refresh rates—a specification so demanding that even an RTX 5090 paired with multi-frame generation would struggle to keep up.

Acer's contender is the Predator X27U F5, which pairs its extreme speed with a QD-OLED panel for outstanding color accuracy. Initially, this model is launching exclusively in Europe and China with a starting price of €899. Acer has confirmed to me that a US release is planned, though pricing details are not yet available. The company cites ongoing tariff negotiations as the reason for the delayed pricing announcement. While Acer will reveal the US cost closer to the retail launch, given current tech pricing trends, expecting an affordable tag might be overly optimistic.

MSI is also entering the high-speed QD-OLED arena with its 27-inch MPG 271QR X50, though pricing remains undisclosed. The most intriguing feature here isn't just the fast, vibrant panel but an intelligent AI function. As reported by PC Gamer after a hands-on demo, the monitor includes a small sensor at the bottom that detects when the user steps away. This data is processed by a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) to automatically power down the display, activating its burn-in protection protocols.

Burn-in protection is a standard feature for OLED displays, particularly vital for gaming monitors which often display static user interface elements for long periods. This technology periodically refreshes pixels to prevent image retention. While an AI-driven approach might seem novel, it offers a practical advantage by preventing the protection cycle from activating during an active gaming session, a common annoyance with traditional methods.

Do Gaming Monitors Need to Be This Fast?

The release of three monitors with such astonishing speeds is remarkable, with the Asus ROG Strix Ace XG248QSG leading the pack. Even at 1080p resolution, a 610Hz refresh rate is extraordinarily fast, surpassing what Nvidia's multi-frame generation can typically deliver. To reach such frame rates in a title like Marvel Rivals, you would likely need an RTX 5090 utilizing frame generation—a technique often avoided in competitive gaming due to the added input latency.

Achieving these ultra-high refresh rates demands more than just a top-tier graphics card; it requires an exceptionally powerful CPU as well. At frame rates approaching 600 fps, the CPU must work tirelessly to supply data to the GPU. Technologies like Nvidia Reflex help reduce system latency, but when targeting such extreme performance, a high-end CPU becomes non-negotiable.

If you could render a game this quickly—preferably without relying on frame generation—the result would be extremely low render latency, a critical advantage in competitive esports. This is precisely why professional Counter-Strike 2 players opt for the lowest graphical settings: higher frames directly translate to reduced input lag, which can decisively impact performance. Whether this edge justifies the undoubtedly premium price for the average gamer, however, is a separate consideration.