ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QM Review
Two of the most important factors of a gaming monitor are image accuracy and color fidelity. On the other hand, the two factors that may make or break a display’s image quality are contrast and color. Gaming performance is also just as essential. The gaming experience is heavily influenced by how a monitor handles rapid motion. On literally hundreds of displays, fast refresh and FreeSync or G-Sync are available, but those two features alone do not ensure success.
Fast refresh rates have been standard among the best gaming monitors since the Asus VG248QE debuted in 2013. 144 Hz is now considered the minimum standard for gaming displays. Today, we’re looking at the Asus TUF Gaming VG259QM, which has a maximum refresh rate of 280 Hz thanks to an overclock. It’s a 25-inch IPS panel with DisplayHDR 400 certification and Free/G-Sync compatibility. With a price range of approximately $320 – $430 at the time of writing, value is also a highlight.
ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QM Specs
| Screen Size | 24.5-inch |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 (Widescreen) |
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Resolution | 1920×1080 (Full HD) |
| Response Time | 1ms (GtG) |
| Refresh Rate | 240Hz (280Hz OC) |
| Adaptive-Sync | FreeSync (48Hz-280Hz)ELMB-SYNCG-SYNC Compatible |
| Brightness | 400 cd/m2 |
| Ports | DisplayPort 1.2, 2x HDMI 2.0 |
| Other Ports | Headphone Jack |
| Speakers | 2x2W |
| HDR | HDR10, VESA DisplayHDR 400 |
| Contrast Ratio | 1000:1 (static) |
| Colors | 16.7 million (true 8-bit) |
| VESA | Yes (100x100mm) |
Image Quality
The monitor has an AU Optronics AHVA (IPS) screen with 178° broad viewing angles, 1,000:1 contrast, 400-nit peak brightness, 8-bit color depth support, and 99 percent sRGB color gamut.
The image will not change in color, contrast, or brightness when you see it from tilted angles, resulting in precise, consistent, and vibrant colors.
The monitor has a static contrast ratio of 1,000:1 and a peak brightness of 400 nits, making it usable even in brightly lit environments.
The ASUS VG259QM also features a 1920 x 1080 pixel screen resolution, allowing you to effortlessly sustain a high FPS (Frames Per Second) to fully use the monitor’s 280Hz maximum refresh rate.
On 24.5-inch displays, 1080p produces a pixel density of 90 PPI. This means you will have a lot of screen space and text and features that are fairly crisp.
The pixel density of 1080p resolution on 27-inch monitors is 81 PPI, making it seem noticeably more pixelated. That’s why, with the 1080p screen resolution, most users avoid displays bigger than 25 inches.
HDR is also supported on the ASUS VG259QM (High Dynamic Range). Sadly, the HDR content will not appear any better because it is missing local dimming and a wide color gamut.
You can disregard the HDR capability of this monitor since it can just accept and show the HDR10 signal but cannot enhance picture quality.
Obviously, overclocking the display reduces color accuracy and contrast, but this isn’t a problem if you stay within the specs.
Performance
The ASUS VG259QM’s input lag is just 2ms, resulting in an almost unnoticeable delay. Furthermore, with a 1ms GtG (grey to grey) pixel transition, the response time is likewise excellent, eliminating lagging behind fast-moving subjects without generating any pixel overshoot (inverse ghosting).
To get the best performance at 280Hz, set ‘Overdrive‘ to ‘80′ in the OSD (On-Screen Display) menu. Also, reduce the Tracefree level to ’60’ if you’re using FreeSync/G-SYNC and your frame rate is typically around 140FPS since ’80’ is too harsh for smaller refresh rates and causes pixel overshoot.
Next, lower Tracefree to ’40’ at 60Hz/FPS. Technically, you could set Tracefree to ‘100′ to achieve the stated 1ms GtG response time. However, even at 280Hz, this causes too much overshoot. Regardless, ’80’ is fast enough to remove any noticeable ghosting.
The ASUS VG259QM 280 Hz gaming monitor is AMD FreeSync compatible and NVIDIA certified as ‘G-SYNC Compatible. This guarantees a seamless VRR (variable refresh rate) performance of up to 280Hz with no screen tearing or stuttering when utilizing a compatible AMD or NVIDIA graphics card.
The monitor’s ELMB (Extreme Low Motion Blur) technology also enables backlight strobing, which may be used in conjunction with FreeSync/G-SYNC through the ELMB-Sync option.
However, ELMB and ELMB-Sync lock the monitor’s Tracefree option at ’80,’ thus, you’ll see a lot of pixel overshoot unless you can consistently maintain 200 FPS+.
Design and Features
Because the Asus VG259QM and its 144Hz sibling, the VG259Q, are almost identical, it’s easy to mix them up. This model retains Asus’s renowned gaming monitor design, which includes a completely matte black frame that is scratch and smudge-proof. Although the screen does have bezels, the company kept the borders as small as possible to make them less intrusive while gaming.
To be honest, we prefer the Asus VG259QM to the ROG versions since it is simpler to integrate into a customized setup. Also, unlike the PG258Q, which has the helix stand, it appears like any other monitor with a few discreet embellishments and isn’t overly flashy. This means you won’t grow bored with it quickly, and you won’t have to consider the expense of a new display while rebuilding your system.
The Asus VG259QM is also not that much larger than a normal office monitor, so we don’t anticipate any placement problems. With a weight of 11.24 pounds, it’s not too heavy to shatter glass tables. It’s also worth mentioning that this model lacks RGB, although it’s not a deal-breaker because the lights aren’t visible from the back of a display anyway.
The Asus VG259QM’s build quality is outstanding, with the gadget feeling rock-solid and sturdy. The chassis is free of aesthetic flaws, and every line, seam, and the edge is absolutely straight and smooth. The stand is very sturdy, so adjusting it requires two hands, but it does not wobble and maintains the angle you select until you want to alter it again.
The Asus VG259QM and the remainder of the gaming monitor line’s OSD setup, which features a joystick, are another quality of this display that we like. The filters and overlays have shortcut keys, although the majority of the monitor’s capabilities are available with the former. You won’t have to battle with calibration since the monitor’s settings are very simple to adjust.
Tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustments are all included on the Asus VG259QM’s supplied stand, allowing you to effortlessly achieve your favorite viewing angle. It is also helpful that the base has been shrunk so that it doesn’t get in the way of your other accessories. You can also use a VESA mount to replace it, but we only recommend it if you have several monitors or really need to conserve space.
The Asus VG259QM is part of the TUF Gaming series, which falls within the budget to mid-range price range. Because it lacks USB ports and other additions, you won’t be able to use it for a complete range of connectivity options. However, there is a DisplayPort 1.2 port and two HDMI 2.0 ports, which are plenty for your gaming PC and roughly two consoles.
The Asus VG259QM comes with a pair of speakers and a 3.5mm socket, although we expect most competitive gamers to use headsets. Even though the pair lacks sufficient power for entertainment, they are sufficient for simpler activities like conference calls or even background music. We don’t consider this a flaw in the product, but we believe it’s time for manufacturers to improve this feature in future versions.
OSD Features
Those who have used Asus monitors previously will recognize the VG259QM’s OSD. It’s divided into six sub-menus, with gaming at the top of the list. The refresh rate, resolution, HDR status, active input, and picture mode are always visible in the top right area.
The TUF logo, which resembles a bird with the T and F representing the wings, denotes gaming. The overclock, which must be enabled in order to run at 280Hz, is found here. There are also five levels of overdrive, an Adaptive-Sync toggle, ELMB Sync, GamePlus, GameVisual (seven image modes), and Shadow Boost, which does exactly what it says it does by boosting shadow detail by improving black levels.
You may toggle Adaptive-Sync and ELMB as needed after you’ve selected 280 Hz. At the same time, all three will be operational. Overdrive is greyed out when ELMB is active. However, with overdrive, you can still utilize Adaptive-Sync and 280 Hz. When HDR is enabled, though, you can’t utilize ELMB. Our advice is to turn off HDR. The best way to experience the VG259QM is with ELMB and Adaptive-Sync.
Display alignment marks, a frame counter, timers, and aiming points are all included in GamePlus for multi-screen configurations. Sniper mode is also available, which places an aiming point in the middle of the screen and magnifies the central zone (about 1-inch square) 1.5, 1.7, or 2 times. It’s really amazing, and it makes long-range frags a lot simpler.
Luminance settings, as well as VividPixel (edge enhancement) and a blue light filter, are available under the Image menu. With a softer white balance and lower backlight level, switching this on makes reading less tiring. Most controls are greyed out when HDR is enabled. However, two HDR modes, Gaming and Cinema, are available. Their luminance curves are different.
Three color temperature presets, and a user mode with RGB controls make up the calibration controls. With a few tweaks, we were able to get excellent grayscale tracking, but we were missing gamma presets. The default gamma is a touch light, and we wish there was a way to deepen the mid-tones a little more.
Value
Is the ASUS Tuf Gaming VG259QM a good value for money? This is the monitor for you if you want to get the most out of 1080p, but your PC isn’t up to 4K or 1440p. There’s still a lot of technology in this display that’s designed specifically for gamers, not simply an HDMI cord and a thank-you card. It provides ASUS-exclusive GamePlus, GameVisual presets, Shadow Boost technology, as well as low blue light eye care technology and in-game improvements.
Final Thoughts
If you want one of the best gaming monitors available without paying more than $400, the Asus VG259QM is a great option. The monitor handles motion well without depending on its ELMB function, which takes it even further. Color quality and HDR performance aren’t the best, but those factors aren’t as essential for the games most people would play on this display.