Computex 2025: Gaming Monitors Push Speed Limits

Three major gaming monitor announcements at Computex are pushing refresh rate boundaries to new extremes. Leading the charge is the Asus ROG Strix Ace XG248QSG, a 1080p display boasting a staggering 610Hz refresh rate, showcased at the Taipei tech expo. Not far behind, MSI and Acer have unveiled 1440p panels with 500Hz refresh rates—a specification so demanding that even a future RTX 5090 with multi-frame generation would struggle to consistently drive it.

Acer's contender is the Predator X27U F5, which pairs its blistering speed with a QD-OLED panel for exceptional color fidelity. Initially, this monitor is slated for release only in Europe and China, starting at €899. According to Acer, a US launch is planned, though the company has not yet finalized a stateside price. The delay is attributed to ongoing tariff assessments and negotiations with retailers. Acer will announce US pricing closer to the product's arrival on shelves, but given current market trends, a budget-friendly tag seems unlikely.

MSI is also entering the high-speed QD-OLED arena with its 27-inch MPG 271QRX50, though pricing remains undisclosed. Beyond its fast, vibrant display, the monitor features an intriguing AI capability. As reported by PC Gamer after a hands-on demo, a small sensor at the bottom detects when the user steps away. This data is processed by a dedicated NPU (Neural Processing Unit) to automatically power down the screen, activating burn-in protection protocols.

Burn-in safeguards are standard for OLED technology, especially in gaming monitors where static interface elements remain on-screen for long periods. These systems periodically refresh pixels to prevent image retention. While an AI-driven approach may seem unusual, it offers a more seamless experience than having a protection cycle interrupt an active gaming session.

Do Gaming Monitors Need to Be This Fast?

The arrival of three ultra-high-refresh-rate monitors is remarkable, with the Asus ROG Strix Ace XG248QSG standing out. Even at 1080p resolution, a 610Hz refresh rate is extraordinarily fast, surpassing what's needed even with Nvidia's frame-boosting technologies. To approach such frame rates in a title like Marvel Rivals would likely require an RTX 5090 utilizing multi-frame generation—a feature competitive gamers often avoid due to the added input latency.

Achieving these astronomical refresh rates demands more than just a top-tier graphics card; it requires an exceptionally powerful CPU as well. At frame rates exceeding 600 fps, the CPU must work relentlessly to supply the GPU with data. Technologies like Nvidia Reflex help, but the core computational burden remains immense.

If you could render a game this quickly without relying on frame generation, the resulting reduction in render latency would be a significant competitive edge. This is precisely why professional Counter-Strike 2 players opt for the lowest visual settings—higher frames mean lower input lag, which can determine victory. Whether the undeniable performance benefit justifies the expected high cost for the average gamer, however, is a separate consideration altogether.