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It’s hard to call any product “the ultimate.” In the world of computer hardware, it’s even more difficult because something better is always just around the corner. Monitors progress at a slower pace though. We saw the first desktop 4K screens in 2013, and eight years later, it is still the highest resolution commonly available. HDR appeared a few years ago, and that too has remained unchanged since inception. Manufacturers have spent their time and resources improving these technologies rather than just replacing them. The Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX represents the next level of evolution in desktop video.
By adding a Mini LED backlight and quantum dot film, the PG32UQX produces the widest color gamut and the best HDR we’ve ever seen. Even the professional PA32UCX can’t quite muster the image we saw during this review. The PA32UQX is truly that good. And with its full array of gaming features, it’s not a stretch to call the PA32UQX the ultimate gaming monitor.
Though there are faster screens available, 144 Hz is the current limit for 4K. There are other FALD monitors available, but only the PA32UQX has Mini LED with 1,152 dimming zones. Its contrast and HDR presentation are second to none. And with over 117% coverage of DCI-P3, no monitor has a greater color volume.
And we can’t wrap up without another mention of LiveDash. It’s the coolest thing we’ve seen added to any computer monitor. The ability to display pertinent information, like refresh rate or timer status, in an always-visible spot below the screen rather than on it is something you currently won't find anywhere else. That, coupled with premium build quality makes the PG32UQX’s price tag a little easier to accept. Though $2,999 is a lot of money for a computer monitor, this one is unique, at least for now. You won’t find its equal in features, performance or image quality in a less expensive display.
But for that money, we expect everything including the kitchen sink. Asus should have included ULMB blur reduction, Dolby Vision and speakers here. A nice soundbar would fit just perfectly under the bezel too. And since the PG32UQX is an otherwise fully capable entertainment display, usable for gaming and movies and TV, it should be able to do everything a television can. Indeed, the cost is a big reason the PG32UQX isn't perfect.
Since we reviewed the very first FALD monitors, Acer’s Predator X27 and Asus’ PG27UQ, we have judged all subsequent HDR displays against them. Some, like the OLED-powered Alienware AW5520QF, which looked amazing but wasn’t bright enough, have come close; but none have equaled or beaten them – until now. The Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX has the best image of any computer display we have ever reviewed.
Christian Eberle is a Contributing Editor for Tom's Hardware US. He's a veteran reviewer of A/V equipment, specializing in monitors. Christian began his obsession with tech when he built his first PC in 1991, a 286 running DOS 3.0 at a blazing 12MHz. In 2006, he undertook training from the Imaging Science Foundation in video calibration and testing and thus started a passion for precise imaging that persists to this day. He is also a professional musician with a degree from the New England Conservatory as a classical bassoonist which he used to good effect as a performer with the West Point Army Band from 1987 to 2013. He enjoys watching movies and listening to high-end audio in his custom-built home theater and can be seen riding trails near his home on a race-ready ICE VTX recumbent trike. Christian enjoys the endless summer in Florida where he lives with his wife and Chihuahua and plays with orchestras around the state.
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Vimto94 Hello,Reply
Can you please talk about Blooming? Have you encountered any issue? Difference between this monitor and the PG27UQ on the blooming?
I want to purchase this monitor, but I read reports the haloing/blooming is bad -
truerock
I think NOT having speakers inside my monitor is an extremely positive thing.Admin said:The Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX is a Mini LED gaming monitor with a tremendous feature list. It may just be the ultimate computer monitor – if you can afford it.
Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX Mini LED Gaming Monitor Review: The Ultimate Computer Monitor? : Read more
This article suggests that it is desirable to have speakers inside your monitor. I strongly disagree.
My preference is to have nothing built into my monitor except the display panel and a USB-C port. -
Makaveli truerock said:I think NOT having speakers inside my monitor is an extremely positive thing.
This article suggests that it is desirable to have speakers inside your monitor. I strongly disagree.
My preference is to have nothing built into my monitor except the display panel and a USB-C port.
Ditto don't need speakers on a monitor for me personally. -
spongiemaster
Agree completely. If you can afford $3000 for a monitor you can absolutely afford some decent headphones or speakers to pair with it. Leave the $2 garbage speakers out of the monitor.truerock said:I think NOT having speakers inside my monitor is an extremely positive thing.
This article suggests that it is desirable to have speakers inside your monitor. I strongly disagree.
My preference is to have nothing built into my monitor except the display panel and a USB-C port. -
ssj3rd 3.000$ and no Dolby Vision Support?Reply
I don’t get it…
Halo infinite will have Dolby Vision, for example.
I’m waiting eagerly for the Test for the PG32UQ, with a price tag 999€ it’s way more realistic and affordable. -
jakjawagon Is it common for monitors to not accept a 24hz signal? Or to display content from a blu-ray player or streaming box at the wrong framerate?Reply
I know a lot of TVs come with 'motion smoothing' on by default, but I didn't think PC monitors did.
I am not a monitor expert, but 'accepting film cadences' doesn't sound like a notable feature. -
hotaru.hino
It's not common because monitors aren't expected to be used like TVs.jakjawagon said:Is it common for monitors to not accept a 24hz signal? Or to display content from a blu-ray player or streaming box at the wrong framerate?
I know a lot of TVs come with 'motion smoothing' on by default, but I didn't think PC monitors did.
I am not a monitor expert, but 'accepting film cadences' doesn't sound like a notable feature. -
Gigahertz20 Uhhhh $3k for this or just pay $1300 or so for the LG CX 4k 48" OLED...hmmm OLED please.Reply -
HyperMatrix This is a garbage monitor made using 3 year old tech. It’s the exact same as the PG27UQ with the exception of the “mini led” backlight system which isn’t that impressive either. Each zone is half the size of those on the PG27UQ. So the bloom zones will be slightly smaller, but still hugely problematic. Secondly...the price is ridiculous. $3000 for garbage. There is nothing new or cutting edge in this monitor. It doesn’t even support HDMI 2.1.Reply -
helper800
Exactly what I did except I got the 55 inch CX. At 3000 dollars I would rather have the LG G1 because its the latest and greatest OLED with as many lighting zones as there are pixels.Gigahertz20 said:Uhhhh $3k for this or just pay $1300 or so for the LG CX 4k 48" OLED...hmmm OLED please.