Your Monitor Sucks. (ASUS PG35V Review)
### Article Based on Video Transcription: A Deep Dive into the ASUS ROG Swift PG-35V Ultra Wide Gaming Monitor
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#### **Introduction**
A couple of weeks back, while everyone was in Taiwan for Computex, Kyle tweeted a picture of himself and his wife caught in the rain without umbrellas. My initial reaction was to tweet a snarky reply, given that they should have been well-aware of the need for umbrellas in Taiwan during early June—after all, they’ve been attending Computex for over seven years. Little did I know that this lighthearted exchange would lead me down a path of excitement and envy when Jay, also known as Jay’s Two Cents, responded with his own take on the situation.
Unbeknownst to us at the time, our playful banter was overshadowed by an announcement from ASUS. The brand had sent out a limited number of their new monitor units for review—specifically, the **ASUS ROG Swift PG-35V Ultra Wide Gaming Monitor**. This wasn’t just any monitor; it came with G-Sync Ultimate support and a whopping 200Hz refresh rate. I couldn’t help but let out an exclamation: “Oh my God, this is the brand-new ASUS ROG Swift PG-35V Ultra Wide Gaming Monitor!” My excitement was palpable, and I knew that this monitor was going to set a new standard for gaming monitors.
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#### **The Monitor's Design and Features**
The ASUS ROG Swift PG-35V is an ultra-wide gaming monitor that immediately catches the eye. With its slight curvature (1800R) and 35-inch diagonal display, it offers a near-edge-to-edge viewing experience despite its modest quarter-inch bezel. The monitor’s design is a testament to modern aesthetics, with chrome accents and a sleek stand that includes height, tilt, and swivel adjustments. One unique feature is the downward-projecting RGB ROG logo, which adds a touch of personality to the setup.
The monitor comes with a box full of accessories designed to enhance your gaming experience:
- **Additional Panel**: You can add a second panel to the back for a cleaner look.
- **Paperwork**: Includes confirmation of your VIP status as part of ASUS’s elite community.
- **Stash Bag**: A squishy pouch for storing small items like your mustaches (or other essentials).
- **Color Calibration Report**: Each monitor is individually calibrated, with 1000 nits of brightness and support for 90% DCI-P3 color space.
One thing to note: the monitor’s packaging includes a standard VESA mount, but it requires standoffs if you plan to use a swing arm or wall mount. The external power brick is substantial, but its inclusion allows for easy replacement without needing to replace the entire monitor. Additionally, the monitor features three internal cooling fans designed to maintain optimal temperatures while minimizing noise.
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#### **Performance and Connectivity**
The ASUS ROG Swift PG-35V boasts a resolution of 3440x1440 (WQHD), which strikes a balance between pixel density and performance. This resolution is significantly better than 1080p but still offers higher frame rates compared to 4K, making it ideal for gamers looking for smooth gameplay without compromising on visuals.
Connectivity options are plentiful:
- **HDMI**: Supports up to 100Hz.
- **DisplayPort**: Capable of handling up to 200Hz.
- **USB Hub**: Includes two USB 3.0 ports and an integrated sound card with a headphone amplifier for high-quality audio output.
The monitor’s stand is equipped with cable management features, including ports to keep your setup tidy. However, one minor downside is the positioning of the headphone jack, which is tucked away behind the monitor, making it less accessible when the decorative panel is installed.
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#### **Testing and Comparison**
To evaluate the monitor’s performance, I set it up alongside my LG 34GK950F—a 144Hz monitor with similar dimensions but a different resolution. The ASUS PG-35V proved to be more than a match for its competitor in several key areas:
1. **Refresh Rate and G-Sync Support**:
- The ASUS monitor supports up to 200Hz, while the LG caps at 144Hz.
- Both monitors support FreeSync, but the ASUS unit includes G-Sync Ultimate, which adds HDR compatibility.
2. **Color Accuracy**:
- The ASUS monitor excelled in color reproduction and HDR performance, offering vivid and accurate visuals compared to the LG model.
3. **Input Lag**:
- In a click-to-response test, the LG monitor performed slightly better (80ms vs. 125ms), but this difference is negligible for most gamers.
4. **Ghosting and Haloing**:
- Ghosting was more noticeable on the ASUS monitor during fast-paced gaming sessions compared to the LG model.
- Haloing occurred in high-contrast scenarios, a common issue with VA panels.
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#### **Additional Features**
The ASUS ROG Swift PG-35V includes several features that cater to hardcore gamers:
- **Game Visual Modes**: Options like “Racing Mode” for faster response times.
- **Overdrive Function**: Reduces ghosting but can cause corona effects when set to extreme levels.
- **Variable Backlight**: With 512 zones, it provides excellent local dimming for HDR content.
The monitor’s integrated sound system is a notable perk. While not on par with dedicated audio equipment, the ESS headphone amplifier delivers high-quality audio out of the box. For the best experience, connecting via USB is recommended to fully utilize the sound card’s capabilities.
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#### **Final Thoughts and Value Proposition**
The ASUS ROG Swift PG-35V Ultra Wide Gaming Monitor is a powerhouse for gaming and media consumption. Its combination of ultra-wide display, high refresh rate, G-Sync Ultimate support, and excellent color accuracy makes it a standout choice for enthusiasts willing to invest in premium hardware.
That said, the monitor’s $2500 price tag places it firmly in the luxury category. While it offers unmatched performance, there are areas where ASUS could have trimmed costs without significantly affecting user experience (e.g., reducing the number of RGB features or simplifying the stand design).
For those with deep pockets and a desire for the best gaming monitor on the market, the ASUS ROG Swift PG-35V is an excellent choice. However, casual gamers or those on a budget may want to consider alternatives that offer similar performance at a more accessible price point.
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#### **Conclusion**
In conclusion, the ASUS ROG Swift PG-35V Ultra Wide Gaming Monitor represents the pinnacle of gaming monitor technology. It’s packed with features, offers stunning visuals, and delivers buttery-smooth gameplay. While its drawbacks are minor compared to its strengths, it’s important to weigh its price against your specific needs.
If you’re in the market for a premium gaming monitor and have the budget to match, this ASUS ROG Swift PG-35V is worth every penny. For now, though, I’ll continue to enjoy my own setup while keeping an eye out for future iterations that might make these features more accessible to the broader audience.