XG27AQM vs. PG279QM

[StarWarsCoffee]

I purchased the XG27AQM then cancelled my order shortly after second guessing myself. I'm stuck between these two monitors. I think it basically comes down to the fact that XG27AQM does not have a native G-Sync module and therefore does not have a variable overdrive, but it does have 30hz more headroom.

About me: I play a variety of games throughout the year from competitive FPS, non-competitive FPS, RPG, RTS, MMO's, etc. Right now I'm into Apex Legends, but the next game I might jump back into could FFXIV or Witcher 3. I only use one monitor in my setup (tried going back to dual 1080p but I just like the simplicity of a single monitor).

I don't mind the price difference, I just want to know I'm getting the best single monitor for my use-case. Was I right in going with the XG27AQM or should I spring for the PG279QM?

I'd like to make this purchase ASAP and be done with my monitor hunt!

[jorimt]

To my knowledge, both models have the latest 1440p 240Hz AUO Quantum Dot "Fast" IPS-type panels. I purchased the PG279QM late last year to replace my daily driver (5 year-old 165Hz XB271HU IPS), and all's good so far.

The PG279QM is the best overall out-of-the-box and general use experience due to the G-SYNC module, which as you say, allows variable overdrive, but it doesn't have any form of strobing, whereas the XG27AQM has ELMB. So that, the difference in refresh rate (the extra 30Hz is welcome, but may not be too impactful at this Hz range), and the price point should be your deciding factors.

Oh, and the PG279QM has a more complete sRGB clamp that doesn't lock down any of the picture settings, if that at all matters to you (it was one of the key things for me).

Otherwise they're pretty much the same.

Finally, a reddit user has a longer-form version of my breakdown if you want to take a look there as well:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Monitors/comme ... &context=3

[StarWarsCoffee]

To my knowledge, both models have the latest 1440p 240Hz AUO Quantum Dot "Fast" IPS-type panels. I purchased the PG279QM late last year to replace my daily driver (5 year-old 165Hz XB271HU IPS), and all's good so far.

The PG279QM is the best out-of-box experience due to the G-SYNC module, which as you say, allows variable overdrive, but it doesn't have any form of strobing, whereas the XG27AQM has ELMB. So that, the difference in refresh rate (the extra 30Hz is welcome, but may not be too impactful at this Hz range), and the price point should be your deciding factors.

Otherwise they're pretty much the same.

Finally, a reddit user has a longer-form version of my breakdown if you want to take a look there as well:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Monitors/comme ... &context=3

I can't use strobing because it gives me noticeable eye fatigue and headaches (I've tried it on 4 different monitors at this point). So it sounds like it comes down to G-Sync module and better out of the box experience vs. 30hz more and $200 lower price.

Does the variable overdrive make a noticeable difference versus the XG27AQM just left at, say, OD 3 for all Hz or something?

[jorimt]

Does the variable overdrive make a noticeable difference versus the XG27AQM just left at, say, OD 3 for all Hz or something?

I haven't seen the XG27AQM in person, but without variable overdrive and framerates below 240Hz in VRR mode, there will unquestionably be visible overdrive performance compromises on the XG27AQM. By how much and whether it bothers you over the PG279QM, I can't say.

You'd have to try both in like-for-like scenarios to know for sure.

[StarWarsCoffee]

Does the variable overdrive make a noticeable difference versus the XG27AQM just left at, say, OD 3 for all Hz or something?

I haven't seen the XG27AQM in person, but without variable overdrive and framerates below 240Hz in VRR mode, there will unquestionably be visible overdrive performance compromises on the XG27AQM. By how much and whether it bothers you over the PG279QM, I can't say.

You'd have to try both in like-for-like scenarios to know for sure.

So does this only matter if one is using G-Sync then? If I didn’t use G-Sync then I’m assuming there’s no variable OD for the PG279QM either? Without G-Sync though would it be a noticeably blurrier experience for both of them? I don’t think I would use it without G-Sync given that it’s 1440p and even with a 3080ti there are very demanding games out there at this resolution.

[jorimt]

So does this only matter if one is using G-Sync then?

Yes, variable OD only applies to G-SYNC. If you're playing with a fixed refresh rate, variable OD support won't matter on either display, and it wouldn't make OD performance worse or better with G-SYNC off (since it wouldn't apply).

[StarWarsCoffee]

So does this only matter if one is using G-Sync then?

Yes, variable OD only applies to G-SYNC. If you're playing with a fixed refresh rate, variable OD support won't matter on either display, and it wouldn't make OD performance worse or better with G-SYNC off (since it wouldn't apply).

Ok, interesting. I think I am leaning PG then as I don’t see why I wouldn’t use G-Sync all the time regardless of the game I’m playing, unless it’s a super low resource FPS like CS:GO or Valorant I suppose but even then I don’t see why I’d bother turning it off.

[Discorz]

Oh, you're really worried about this. Don't be. Its only differences in very small details that you're paying with PG. In that case why not go with AW2721D instead since it can be found much cheaper.

[StarWarsCoffee]

Oh, you're really worried about this. Don't be. Its only differences in very small details that you're paying with PG. In that case why not go with AW2721D instead since it can be found much cheaper.

I don't love the white on the AW and also don't love that it has a physical fan for the G-Sync module. Seems like just a potential point of mechanical failure down the road.

That said, I'm just trying to figure out what "very small details" are in day-to-day. Will I really not notice the difference in the PG's variable overdrive and the XG's standard overdrive, regardless of game type?

[StarWarsCoffee]

Oh, you're really worried about this. Don't be. Its only differences in very small details that you're paying with PG. In that case why not go with AW2721D instead since it can be found much cheaper.

Also, I read some conversation where someone was saying that G-Sync compatible has much worse frame sync timing than true G-Sync module monitors. Is that also true or just a load of crap and another thing you wouldn’t notice in real world gaming?