FreeSync gaming and general usage
The combination of a 144Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, 1440p resolution and FreeSync support is clearly a comprehensive gamer-orientated package meaning the MG278Q is heavily geared towards a gaming audience. The experience with the MG278Q isn't overwhelmingly different to other FreeSync monitors of a similar calibre - gameplay is delightfully smooth, with it being tear- and lag-free when inside the supported range. In essence the FreeSync experience is akin to a balancing act, because gamers must tweak and tune in-game settings to appropriately match the capabilities of the system's graphics performance to ensure that FreeSync is used.
The 40-144Hz range is wide enough to sit comfortably inside for prolonged gaming sessions with most mid-range to high-end AMD GPUs, meaning the R9 285/380 and upwards. AMD's recent driver release, Catalyst 15.7 WHQL, ensures CrossFire is now supported with FreeSync enabled making it even easier to push towards that upper end of 144Hz at 1440p with ultra-level settings. It is still a little disappointing to see the lower end so high, 40Hz versus the 9Hz promised by AMD, but such a limitation is of the current panel scalars rather than the particular implementation Asus has used in the MG278Q.
One area where the MG278Q does stand out from the competition is with regards to ghosting since the company has implemented a fully-functional Overdrive system that works in harmony with FreeSync. At the factory settings, the MG278Q comes with 60 per cent "TraceFree", the ASUS Overdrive system, and exhibits only minor ghosting (pictured left). Cranking the Overdrive up to 100 per cent flips the trend and starts to exhibit a slight amount of reverse ghosting (pictured right). Panel responsiveness is ever so slightly better than other FreeSync TN panels we have tested here at HEXUS, as well.
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Ghosting with default Overdrive settings (left) and Max Overdrive (right)
Outside of a gaming environment the MG278Q is a pleasant monitor to use, with the panel offering a crisp and vibrant image. The multi-adjustment stand allows for optimal viewing angles to be found and backlight bleed is barely noticeable with a touch of IPS-like glow in the corners. 1440p more generally continues to offer the best balance between pixel density, usable workspace, price and graphics-card requirements. PC owners seeking an upgrade from 1080p may find 1440p a more pleasant upgrade rather than taking the plunge with an equivalently-sized 2160p 4K monitor that still doesn't handle Windows scaling perfectly.
