CES 2025 is nearing, and while we can anticipate some thrilling new technology revealed at the event, MSI and ASRock appear to be ahead of the curve, already showcasing some of their upcoming offerings. What they have are astonishingly rapid gaming monitors.
ASRock has revealed two 520 Hz IPS gaming monitors, the PG27FFX2A and PG27FFX1B. Additionally, alongside the MPG 272URX (a 27-inch 4K QD-OLED), MSI has introduced a 500 Hz, 27-inch, 1440p OLED monitor, the MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50.
The ASRock Phantom Gaming PG27FFX2A and PG27FFX1B, both boasting 520 Hz refresh rates, are clearly aimed at competitive gamers. They both offer 1080p resolution, yet feature IPS panels, and ASRock highlights that this segment is “dominated by TN and VA panels.”
Generally, IPS panels provide superior color accuracy than TN models and quicker response times than VA ones. In terms of the latter, these new monitors deliver 1 ms GtG response times, with both supporting FreeSync Premium.
The two monitors are quite similar; however, the PG27FFX2A includes height adjustability and houses a Wi-Fi 7 antenna within its stand.
These displays are guaranteed to attract the attention of competitive gamers willing to trade off a higher resolution for a 520 Hz refresh rate. For those desiring the best of both realms—though likely at a higher price—MSI’s MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50 may be a more suitable choice.
The 272QR X50 stands as the globe’s first 500 Hz 1440p OLED monitor. As an OLED, it delivers all the vibrancy and contrast one might desire, combined with incredibly fast response times. Now, it appears, with an impressively high refresh rate as well.
In addition to being remarkably swift for a 1440p OLED, it also boasts a ClearMR 21000 certification, awarded for VESA’s latest and highest motion blur rating, is G-Sync compatible, and supports HDR 500 (none of this basic HDR 400 nonsense). There’s no enhancement in GtG response time compared to the OLEDs we’re accustomed to. But being at 0.03 ms, so, well… yeah, I believe we’re quite good there.
The previous year marked a kind of peak for OLED panels, featuring a myriad of stunning premium options entering the market to create some of the finest gaming monitors, although at similarly high prices. If this MSI monitor is anything to indicate, 2025 might likewise be the year of the OLED. I just hope not all of them are of the premium type, and that more budget-friendly options are introduced as well.
With ASRock’s monitors also being part of the equation, CES and 2025 in general appear to be promising for the monitor sector, particularly in terms of refresh rates. If refresh rates of 500+ Hz become standard, I’ll eat my shoe, but these recent introductions surely suggest that refresh rates may increase across the board.
If that happens, it’s fortunate that we can soon expect some robust new graphics cards that might produce frame rates to match. Bring on CES.