Is Your ASUS VG27AQ Running at 165Hz? Here’s How to Check and Boost Your Refresh Rate

The ASUS VG27AQ is a fantastic monitor known for its smooth, responsive gameplay. But to truly experience its full potential, you need to unlock its maximum refresh rate of 165Hz. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to ensure your VG27AQ is running at its peak performance, delivering a buttery-smooth gaming experience.

Step 1: Verify Your Hardware Capabilities

Before diving into the settings, make sure your PC can handle the demands of 165Hz. Here’s a quick check:

• Graphics Card: Your graphics card needs to be powerful enough to render games at high frame rates. A modern mid-range or high-end card like an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 or AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT should be sufficient.
• Display Port Cable: Use a DisplayPort cable, as it’s the only cable capable of transmitting the high refresh rate signal. HDMI cables, even those with “Ultra High Speed” branding, might not be able to handle 165Hz at full resolution.
• Monitor Settings: Check the monitor’s OSD (On-Screen Display) to confirm it’s set to 165Hz. Navigate to the “Overdrive” or “Response Time” settings and ensure it’s enabled.

Step 2: Configure Your Graphics Card Settings

The next step is to configure your graphics card settings to match the monitor’s capabilities. Here’s how to do it for both NVIDIA and AMD cards:
NVIDIA Control Panel:
1. Right-click on your desktop and select “NVIDIA Control Panel.”
2. Go to “Manage 3D Settings.”
3. Under “Program Settings,” select the game you want to configure.
4. In the “Preferred refresh rate” dropdown, choose “Highest available.”
5. Under “Maximum pre-rendered frames,” select “1.”
6. Click “Apply.”
AMD Radeon Software:
1. Open the AMD Radeon Software.
2. Go to “Settings” and then “System.”
3. Under “Display,” ensure the “Refresh Rate” is set to “165Hz.”
4. In the “Global Graphics Settings,” set “Wait for Vertical Refresh” to “Off.”
5. Click “Apply.”

Step 3: Enable G-SYNC or FreeSync

For a truly seamless and tear-free experience, enable G-SYNC or FreeSync on your monitor.
G-SYNC:
1. Make sure you have an NVIDIA graphics card.
2. In the NVIDIA Control Panel, go to “Manage 3D Settings.”
3. Under “Program Settings,” select your game.
4. Check the box next to “Enable G-SYNC.”
FreeSync:
1. Make sure you have an AMD graphics card.
2. In the AMD Radeon Software, go to “Settings” and then “Display.”
3. Enable “FreeSync.”
4. In the “Global Graphics Settings,” set “Wait for Vertical Refresh” to “Off.”

Step 4: Adjust In-Game Settings

The final step is to optimize your in-game settings for the best performance.

• Resolution: Set your game’s resolution to match your monitor’s native resolution (1920×1080).
• Graphics Settings: Adjust the graphics settings to achieve a balance between visual quality and frame rate. Experiment with different settings to find the sweet spot where you get a smooth 165Hz experience without sacrificing too much visual fidelity.
• V-Sync: Disable V-Sync in your game settings. It can cause input lag and reduce your frame rate.

Step 5: Troubleshooting Tips

If you’re still struggling to achieve 165Hz, try these troubleshooting steps:

• Update Drivers: Make sure your graphics card drivers are up to date.
• Monitor Connection: Ensure your monitor is connected using a DisplayPort cable.
• Power Settings: Check your power settings and make sure they are set to “High Performance.”
• Background Processes: Close any unnecessary programs or background processes that might be consuming resources.
• Overclocking: If you’re comfortable with overclocking, you can try overclocking your graphics card to boost its performance.

The Final Stretch: Enjoy the Smoothness!

After following these steps, you should be able to enjoy the full 165Hz refresh rate of your ASUS VG27AQ. The difference in smoothness and responsiveness is truly remarkable. You’ll notice a significant reduction in screen tearing and stuttering, making your gaming experience more immersive and enjoyable.

The Ultimate Gaming Experience: Beyond 165Hz

While achieving 165Hz is a significant step, there are even more ways to enhance your gaming experience. Consider these additional tips:

• Response Time: Experiment with the monitor’s “Response Time” settings. Lower response times can reduce motion blur, making fast-paced games feel even smoother.
• Adaptive Sync: Ensure G-SYNC or FreeSync is enabled to eliminate screen tearing and ensure a consistent frame rate.
• Calibration: Calibrate your monitor to achieve accurate colors and contrast. This can significantly improve the visual quality of your games.

Common Questions and Answers

Q1: Can I use HDMI to get 165Hz on my ASUS VG27AQ?
A1: No, HDMI cables, even those with “Ultra High Speed” branding, are not guaranteed to support 165Hz at 1080p resolution. You need a DisplayPort cable for optimal performance.
Q2: What is the best way to test if my monitor is running at 165Hz?
A2: You can use a tool like “GPU-Z” or “MSI Afterburner” to check your monitor’s current refresh rate. Alternatively, you can use a website like “testufo.com” to run a refresh rate test.
Q3: My monitor is still stuck at 144Hz. What should I do?
A3: Double-check your graphics card settings and ensure that the monitor is set to 165Hz in the OSD menu. Also, make sure your monitor is connected using a DisplayPort cable. If you’re still experiencing issues, try updating your graphics card drivers.
Q4: Why is my 165Hz monitor not working with my older graphics card?
A4: Older graphics cards might not support 165Hz refresh rates. You’ll need a modern mid-range or high-end graphics card to fully utilize the VG27AQ’s capabilities.
Q5: Can I use the ASUS VG27AQ for other purposes besides gaming?
A5: Absolutely! The VG27AQ is a great monitor for all types of content, including movies, web browsing, and productivity tasks. Its fast refresh rate and low response time can even improve your workflow in applications that require smooth scrolling and responsiveness.