ROG Strix & Swift 27-inch Gaming Monitors Show How Overclocking Can Make A Difference

For tech and gaming enthusiasts, overclocking a component in a rig is a familiar practice. It can be a double-edged sword, however – doing so improves performance without needing to upgrade parts, but may potentially shorten a computer’s lifespan if the hardware isn’t right.

Overclocked monitors work in the same way. Built to withstand the stresses of such a process, they come decked out in specialised tech to get the most out of visual immersion. Republic of Gamers (ROG) brings this experience to PC setups with the 27-inch ROG Strix XG279Q, featuring a 2K QHD (2,560 x 1,440) Fast IPS panel and a decent overclocked refresh rate of 170Hz.

Without a basis of comparison, it can be difficult to gauge the differences between native and overclocked performance, which is where the ROG Swift PG27AQN comes into the picture. The S$1,599 monitor pairs a QHD Ultrafast IPS display with a 360Hz refresh rate, but there’s also a more wallet-friendly option available. At S$649, the ROG Strix XG27UCS is ideal for users who prioritise resolution, offering a 4K UHD panel (3,840 x 2,160) and a 160Hz native refresh rate.

The video above shows how these three monitors stack against one another, from display prowess to temperature handling. Here’s a quick look at the numbers:

Do note that the ROG XG279Q is priced lower than the Swift PG27AQN at S$979, so a direct comparison won’t be the fairest nor most accurate indicator of performance. Should the idea of overclocking tech prove convincing, the 24-inch PG248QP looks set to take things up a notch with a whopping 540Hz refresh rate, a lower FHD resolution (1,920 x 1,280), and a S$1,399 price tag.

Si Jia

Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.