A well spec’d and designed monitor is one of the most important peripherals for gamers. Gaming monitors are meant to be fast, responsive, and provide the clearest images to gamers so that they can react to the world around them. Today I’m going to review the ASUS TUF VG30VQL1A gaming monitor. I’ll discuss its set-up, design, performance, and of course sharing my final thoughts.
ASUS TUF VG30VQL1A specs
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Unboxing and setting up the ASUS TUF VG30QL1A
The unboxing and set-up process for the ASUS TUF VG30QL1A is straightforward. Inside the box you will find the monitor, base, power supply, 1x HDMI cable, and 1x display port cable.
After removing the packaging, setting up the monitor is surprisingly simple. In my test unit the monitor arm was already attached to the back of the monitor, all I needed to do was connect the base. What I really appreciated in ASUS’s design is that assembly doesn’t require any additional tools. The base is connected to the monitor arm using 2x pre-installed thumb screws. Once you tighten both screws the base is securely attached.
Overall the set-up process is quick and simple, you can have the monitor on your desk and ready to use in less than 5 minutes.
ASUS TUF VG30VQL1A monitor ergonomics and adjustments
Something that’s often overlooked is the quality and design of a monitor stand. In the case of the ASUS TUF VG30VQL1A, this monitor has a well designed stand with plenty of adjustments. Fine tuning is simple and the stand allows you to adjust the monitor height, tilt, and swivel. The stand also allows you to pivot the monitor 90 degrees from landscape to portrait mode.
Plentiful connectivity on the ASUS TUF VG30VQL1A
Connectivity is plentiful on the ASUS TUF VG30VQL1A. For video input there are 2x HDMI 2.0 ports and 1x Display port. There’s also 2x USB-A 3.0 ports for users to connect peripherals. Given that USB-C is becoming the new standard for many devices it would’ve been nice to see ASUS include a thunderbolt port for audio/video or at least a regular USB-C port to connect peripherals.
A monitor designed for gamers in mind
The ASUS TUF VG30QL1A sports a 30 inch VA panel with a resolution of 2560 x 1080. ASUS’s decision to use a VA panel reflects their target demographic of gamers. VA panels provide faster refresh rates, higher brightness, and better viewing angles. Gamers that need a fast monitor will definitely appreciate the ASUS’s 200Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time.
The ASUS TUF VG30VQL1A also comes with Freesync premium ensuring that the monitor will match the frames per second (FPS) produced by your graphics card. Adding to this the monitor also comes enabled with Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) which is meant to eliminate ghosting of on screen images. With these features gamers should experience near flawless images while playing any games.
The ASUS TUF VG30VQL1A also has a 1500R curve. Given how wide the monitor is I like the decision to make the screen curved. The curve adds more immersion to your games giving you easy visibility to the corners of your monitor without having to turn your head.
Gaming and media performance of ASUS TUF VG30VQL1A
In my testing with the ASUS TUF VG30VQL1A I played some of my favourite games including Call of Duty and Tomb Raider. The monitor is HDR-10 compatible and looks amazing while playing games and watching movies, the colors are punchy, the contrast provides deep blacks in dark areas, and the image is sharp.
The high refresh rate of the monitor and ELMB really came through while playing both games. I’m able to clearly see what was happening during fast action sequences and the ELMB ensures that I’m not distracted by ghosting.
What I’ve really come to love with the ASUS TUF VG30VQL1A is the ultra wide curved panel. Having an ultra wide panel gives you a wider field of view allowing you to see more of the game in your peripherals. When you add the curved nature of the screen it greatly improves your immersion, spatial awareness, and allows you to react more quickly to the environment.
Watching movies is equally enjoyable on this monitor. On traditional monitors with 4:3 or 16:9 aspect ratios, when watching movies you will see black bars on the top and bottom of the screen. However, with the ASUS TUF VG30VQL1A the 21:9 aspect ratio means that when watching movies the image fills up the entire screen.
Average built-in speakers
I’m surprised to see that ASUS TUF VG30VQL1A also comes with built-in speakers. These speakers are on the average side, they have a slightly hollow sound and lack bass. If your computer doesn’t have speakers then the ASUS VG1A’s speakers will do in a pinch.
When comparing the ASUS TUF VG30VQL1A speaker quality to my 2019 MacBook Air, the MacBook speakers are superior. The MacBook speakers produced clearer sound, more rich audio, and stronger bass.
Overall, the built in speakers of the ASUS TUF VG30VQL1A will be adequate for general use. Hardcore gamers and movie enthusiasts will want to use dedicated headphones or external speakers to better enjoy their content.
ASUS TUF VG30VQL1A and productivity
The ASUS TUF VG30VQL1A performs equally as well when it comes to day-to-day productivity. As someone who’s working on multiple spreadsheets, video calls, and building PowerPoints throughout my day I can’t say enough good things about this monitor. The wide viewing angles, curved screen and adjustable stand make it easy for me to swap between applications, and comfortably multitask. I find portrait mode is most helpful when working on vertical designs or reading long documents.
Overall, the ASUS TUF VG30VQL1A brings a lot of comforts and features that productivity professionals would like in their day to day workflow.
Easy to use controls
Using the ASUS VG1A’s controls is simple and easy to use. On the back right hand side of the monitor you will find 4x buttons and a navigation joystick. While this is a standard layout ASUS made two key design decisions that made this style of navigation more user friendly. The first change is that the buttons are much larger than other computer monitor buttons. Secondly, ASUS staggered the buttons which improves the tactile feel and prevents accidental presses.
Aside from the standard computer monitor options the ASUS TUF VG30VQL1A offers some gamer centric features. For example the shortcut menu allows users to select game specific presets including racing, real time strategy, and first person shooters. Another feature that’s offered is the ability to enable a frames per second counter and the ability to have an on screen crosshairs for first person shooter games.
Overall, I found the controls on the ASUS TUF VG30VQL1A to be easy to use, navigate, and offer helpful features for gamers.
Final thoughts on the ASUS TUF VG30VQL1A
The ASUS TUF VG30VQL1A is a great monitor for gaming, media, and productivity. I love the flexibility of the monitor stand, the 1500R curve, its fast 200Hz refresh rate, and the 1ms response time. These features add up to a fantastic monitor that will satisfy even the most hardcore gamers. The only disadvantage I can find with the ASUS TUF VG30VQL1A is it’s average speaker. This is a minor complaint in an otherwise feature rich and quality monitor.
If you’re in the market for a new monitor I strongly suggest checking out the ASUS TUF VG30VQL1A. If you’d like to see what other gaming accessories are made by ASUS you can check them out here.
Wow portrait mode is very interesting I could see that being very useful under a variety of circumstances so great to have that option.
The 1500R curved VA Panel stands out to me.
The feature I like is that the screen is curved . With this I think I will get better viewing angles.
The Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) feature stands out to me cause I don’t recall seeing it on other monitors
Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB); I won’t miss out on any details!
I love the 200Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time for gaming.
I have a lot of devices that I would like to use the monitor for, so all of the input options would be a hugely important feature for me!
I love the curved screen and that it rotates to portrait
for me it’s def its aggressive design, looks amazing!
The 1ms response time for a smooth and fast gameplay!
I like that the screen is curved . With this I think I will get better viewing angles.
Being able to go into portrait mode will be very helpful with work, but it will be interesting how that would work on a curved screen
It has wide display and adjustable view to your preference.
pivot the monitor 90 degrees from landscape to portrait mode.
Document typing.
provides ample screen for spreadsheets, word documents
I like being able to adjust the monitor height, direction etc.
The most interesting feature for me is the curved monitor. I’ve never used a curved monitor and I would how it would look.
I really like the large size of the monitor, and that it’s curved.
The average built in speakers
Most interesting feature is the curved monitor as I’ve never used one
the VA Panel with Faster Refresh Rates is a must for serious gamers.
Low motion bmur, 200hz and 1ms response are all a dream for my next monitor!
ease of use controls because I am not good with controls
The low blur feature. Thats amazing. Also, the curved part of it. I’ve never used a curved monitor and the idea of it males so much sense
For me it’s gotta be the refresh rate again I’m using a mo it or that’s a decade old with a vga port in it the upgrade would be grand
I think the freesync premium feature that ensures that the monitor will match the FPS produced is awesome! No more lag!
The most interesting feature that stands out to me is the curved monitor. I’ve never used a curved monitor.
Among others, the ergonomics and adjustments, curved screen, HDR-10 compatibility, the 200Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, and the many connectivity ports makes this monitor a winner !
The best feature for me is the curved monitor that simulates a 3D feel for me.
The easy to use controls because that works for me.
The 200Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time stand out which are perfect for gaming
I really like that this monitor is so easy to adjust/tilt/swivel. That’s important when you work from home/are online a lot.
My favorite feature is the Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) for clear, crisp images.
Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) for clear, crisp images.
I love the adjustability options. My current monitor is so limited in adjustability.
I love the pivoting feature as well as the easy to set up install in less than five minutes…many installs are far to complicated and many require buying something else, thanks ASUS for thinking of us.
Favourite feature is the curved screen
This monitor’s ergonomics and many adjustments are most interesting to me as I like different positioning depending if I’m sitting or standing.
Definitely the wide curved display stands out. It’s very unique to what we usually see in a monitor. I think it would be really cool to have such a wide display.
Freesync Premium and Extreme Low Motion Blur are some really cool features for gamers and something that sounds really interesting!
I love the idea of built-in speakers, get some of that stuff off your desk.
I really like that it has multiple connectivity ports, that’s so important!
The feature of this monitor that stands out for me as the most interesting is the 1500R curve because it will give me a more immersed feeling in whatever I am watching and I will be able to see with my peripheral vision without having to turn my head.
I really like the curve of the monitor as it takes up your entire field of view.
Pretty awesome you can pivot the monitor 90 degrees from landscape to portrait mode.
I like that the screen is curved . With this I think I will get better viewing angles.
I really like the curved screen and I think this would make viewing all angles much better!
I love this “Extreme Low Motion Blur” AND also the 1 ms response time. For whatever reason, my eyes are fairly sensitive to these things…and really bug me. So I LOVE when I can see and experience the smoothest visuals possible. This would be GREAT!!! Thannk you so much for the chance to win 🙂 Good luck to all!
How it provides ample screen for spreadsheets will be so helpful
fast 200Hz refresh rate
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