Three cutting-edge gaming monitors were unveiled at Computex, each pushing the boundaries of refresh rates. Leading the pack is the Asus ROG Strix Ace XG248QSG, a 1080p display boasting an astonishing 610Hz refresh rate. Not to be outdone, MSI and Acer have introduced 1440p monitors with a 500Hz refresh rate, a specification that challenges even the most powerful graphics cards like the RTX 5090, especially when relying on multi-frame generation.

Acer's Predator X27U F5 stands out not only for its speed but also for its QD-OLED technology, promising exceptional color accuracy. Initially launching in Europe and China at a starting price of €899, Acer has confirmed plans to bring the monitor to the US, though pricing remains undisclosed due to ongoing tariff negotiations. Given the rising costs of tech products in the US, affordability might be a concern.

MSI's 27-inch MPG 271QR X50 also features a QD-OLED panel, but its unique selling point is an innovative AI feature. According to PC Gamer's hands-on review, the monitor includes a small sensor that detects when you step away, triggering the display to shut off and engage burn-in protection via a Neural Processing Unit (NPU). While AI-driven burn-in protection may seem unsettling, it's a step up from traditional methods that can interrupt gameplay.

Do Gaming Monitors Need to Be This Fast?

The introduction of these ultra-high refresh rate monitors raises the question: do gaming monitors really need to be this fast? The Asus ROG Strix Ace XG248QSG's 610Hz refresh rate is exceptionally high, even in an era where Nvidia's multi-frame generation technology pushes frame rates to new heights. Achieving such a frame rate in games like Marvel Rivals would necessitate an RTX 5090 and possibly multi-frame generation, which is generally discouraged in competitive gaming due to added latency.

To fully leverage these high refresh rates, a powerful CPU is essential alongside a robust graphics card. At frame rates approaching 600 fps, the CPU must efficiently feed data to the GPU. While technologies like Nvidia Reflex and frame generation help, a high-performance CPU remains crucial.

The potential benefit of such high refresh rates lies in significantly reduced render latency, a critical factor in competitive gaming. For example, professional Counter-Strike 2 players often opt for the lowest settings to maximize frame rates and minimize input lag, where even milliseconds can determine the outcome of a match. However, whether the likely high cost of these monitors justifies the performance gain for the average gamer remains to be seen.