Asus is taking PC gaming monitors to the next level with a 24-inch display featuring a 500Hz refresh rate. The ROG Swift 500Hz, announced today at Computex by Nvidia and Asus, has been certified as a G-Sync display.
It may sound like overkill, but the ROG Swift 500Hz is designed for esports players looking for an edge in competitive gaming.
You can already find 360Hz monitors on the market. However, Asus was able to push the refresh rate even further by using an upgraded TN panel called Esport TN or E-TN, which is designed to offer 60% better response times over standard TN panels for improved gaming latency.
Nvidia demoed the advantages of the 500Hz refresh rate in a video comparing the technology to existing 240Hz and 144Hz monitors. The clip shows the 500Hz refresh providing smoother animations for easier targeting in a first-person shooter game. Enemy opponents should also appear a bit earlier on the screen, giving the player a better chance to lock on and fire.
The ROG Swift 500Hz also comes with Nvidia’s Reflex Analyze, allowing owners to calibrate the display settings “for the lowest possible input lag, without stuttering or tearing,” Asus said.
“You’ll see every moment as it happens, without waiting for the screen to refresh—allowing you to make your move before your enemy even sees you coming,” the company added.
Of course, to make this all possible, you'll need a PC with a powerful graphics card capable of rendering games at 500 frames per second. You might even need to lower the game's graphics setting to reach the 500Hz barrier.
On the downside, the upcoming product only has a 1080p screen resolution. TN panels are also known for limited viewing angles, making them less ideal for watching movies with a group.
There’s no word on when the ROG Swift 500Hz will launch or how much it’ll cost. Asus will likely share more information in the coming months.