ASUS ROG Strix XG259CMS 24.5" Black 2024

The ASUS ROG Strix XG259CMS is a 310Hz 1080p esports monitor with excellent motion handling and a 1ms response time. Performance is top-tier, but the display quality and resolution are average at best. It's worth it only if you prioritize refresh rate above everything else.

The 310Hz refresh rate puts this monitor in the 91st percentile for performance in our database. That's the absolute best right now for smooth motion. The 1ms GTG response time keeps ghosting to a minimum, and ELMB Sync lets you run blur reduction alongside variable refresh rate, which is a combo a lot of monitors still can't do. The 1080p resolution on a 24.5-inch panel means pixel density is fine for gaming, though text work won't be as crisp as a 1440p or 4K screen. The display itself lands in the 39th percentile overall, which tells you this panel is tuned for speed, not resolution or HDR wow factor.

Stacked against the MSI MAG 271QPX QD-OLED E2 or the Samsung Odyssey G60SD, the XG259CMS wins on pure refresh rate but loses badly on picture quality. Those OLED panels have deeper blacks and better HDR, though they're 1440p and larger. The LG UltraGear 27GX790A-B is another 1440p high-refresh option that gives you more resolution for your dollar. The Dell UltraSharp U4025QW isn't even in the same conversation, it's a productivity ultrawide. If you're dead set on 310Hz and 24.5 inches, this ASUS is a niche pick. If you want better overall image quality, the OLED competitors are more compelling.

Pricing is all over the map depending on where you look. We see it listed around $927 USD, 742 CAD, 565 EUR, and 498 GBP. That's a lot of money for a 1080p monitor, even one with a 310Hz refresh rate. You're paying for the speed and the ROG branding. If you can find it closer to the lower end of those listings, it makes more sense. At the top end, you're getting into OLED territory where you'd get better contrast and color for similar money.

The ASUS ROG Strix XG259CMS is a 24.5-inch 1080p monitor built for one thing: speed. 310Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and FreeSync Premium. If you play competitive shooters and need every frame you can get, this thing is aimed directly at you. The Fast IPS panel keeps colors decent while chasing those high refresh rates, which is a nice bonus.

It's not trying to be a 4K productivity monster or a portable display. It's a desk-bound esports panel with a USB-C port and solid ergonomics. The 400 nits brightness and DisplayHDR 400 certification are fine, but HDR here is more of a checkbox than a selling point.

Skip this if you want a monitor for mixed use, content creation, or immersive single-player games. The 1080p resolution and basic HDR will feel limiting, and at this price you can get a 1440p high-refresh or even an OLED panel with far better image quality. If you need more than one video input for multiple devices, the single HDMI and single DisplayPort will also frustrate you.

Buy this if you're a competitive FPS player who wants maximum refresh rate on a smaller screen and doesn't care about 1440p or 4K. The 310Hz panel and ELMB Sync are genuinely great for motion clarity. Everyone else should probably look at 1440p high-refresh or OLED options, which offer a better balance of speed and image quality for similar or less money.