Record Gaming Monitor Speeds Unveiled at Computex 2025

Computex saw the unveiling of three gaming monitors that are redefining the limits of refresh rates. The standout at Taipei's massive computing trade show was the Asus ROG Strix Ace XG248QSG, a 1080p display boasting a staggering 610Hz refresh rate. Not to be outdone, MSI and Acer both introduced 1440p displays with 500Hz refresh rates—a specification that would challenge even an RTX 5090 with multi-frame generation.

Acer's contender, the Predator X27U F5, isn't just exceptionally fast—it also features a QD-OLED panel, promising exceptional color accuracy. Initially, this monitor will only be available in Europe and China, starting at €899. When contacted, Acer confirmed plans to bring the X27U F5 to the US market, though a specific price was not disclosed. The company cited tariff negotiations as the reason for the delayed pricing, noting it is actively working with retailers to finalize costs. A US price will be announced closer to the launch date, but given the rising cost of tech, we shouldn't expect it to be particularly affordable.

MSI is also entering the QD-OLED arena with its 27-inch MPG 271QR X50 model, though pricing details remain under wraps. Beyond the fast, beautiful display, the monitor includes an innovative AI feature. As reported by PC Gamer, who got hands-on time with it, a small sensor at the bottom detects when the user steps away. This data is sent to a Neural Processing Unit (NPU), automatically turning off the display to activate burn-in protection.

Burn-in protection is a standard feature for OLED displays, especially in gaming monitors where static images are common. These monitors periodically shut off to refresh pixels and prevent permanent image retention. While an AI-based system might sound a bit futuristic, it's certainly more convenient than the protection activating unexpectedly during a crucial gaming moment.

Do Gaming Monitors Need to Be This Fast?

The arrival of three ultra-high refresh rate monitors is impressive, but the Asus ROG Strix Ace XG248QSG clearly stands out. Even at 1080p, a 610Hz display is extraordinarily fast, especially in an era where Nvidia's multi-frame generation pushes frame rates to new heights. To hit such high frame rates in a title like Marvel Rivals, you would likely need an RTX 5090 and multi-frame generation—though the latter is often discouraged in competitive gaming due to added latency.

Achieving these refresh rates demands more than just a powerful graphics card; you'll also need a top-tier CPU. At such extreme frame rates, the CPU must be capable of supplying the GPU with data fast enough. Technologies like Nvidia Reflex and frame generation help to some extent, but once you approach 600 fps, a high-performance CPU becomes non-negotiable.

That said, if you can render games this quickly—especially without relying on frame generation—you'll benefit from extremely low render latency, a critical factor in competitive gaming. This is why many professional Counter-Strike 2 players opt for the lowest settings, despite the game running smoothly on modest hardware: higher frame rates reduce input lag, which can determine victory or defeat. Whether the undoubtedly steep price tag justifies the performance for the average user, however, is another matter entirely.