What we liked
- The colors and contrast
- The responsiveness and 240Hz
- The precision of the QD-OLED panel
- The DisplayPort 2.1a
- The lower power consumption
We would have liked
- To have been able to use a longer DisplayPort cable (max. 1m)
Our expert’s opinion
With its ultra-high definition and high refresh rate, the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM is aimed at gamers equipped with a recent high-performance gaming PC. It could also be a purchase made for the future, as DisplayPort 2.1a is a real asset and guarantees compatibility with recent and future graphics cards. However, it’s also an excellent choice for enjoying the wide range of content available in 4K UHD.
The first 27″ monitor to offer 4K UHD definition, the Asus ROG Swift PG27UCDM gaming monitor puts the manufacturer ahead of the game. Equipped with a new QD-OLED panel clocked at 240Hz, this latest-generation gaming display promises uncompromising gaming sessions. Is it a publicity stunt or a stroke of genius from Asus, which is offering this screen at €1,190?
Included accessories
Like the rest of the Republic of Gamer range, the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM monitor comes with a host of accessories. HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 2.1 (DP80), USB-C, USB-A to USB-B and power cables are all available for immediate use. A quick-start guide, warranty card, calibration report, ROG sticker sheet and microfiber cloth are also included. In addition to the stand, a VESA mounting kit is also supplied for installation on a monitor arm or wall.
Presentation
The first 26.5″ (67.3cm) monitor to offer 4K UHD definition with a 240Hz refresh rate, the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM gaming screen is built for the future. In fact, to achieve this uncompromising performance, this gamer display features DisplayPort 2.1a, capable of delivering bandwidth of up to 80 Gb/s. This is good news, as it means recent graphics cards, notably Nvidia’s RTX 5000 models, are compatible. However, the 2.1a standard only allows cables of up to one meter in length, a parameter to be taken into account when installing this monitor on a desk. What’s more, it’s also equipped with two HDMI 2.1 ports suitable for next-generation consoles, as well as a USB-C (DP Alt Mode) port for connecting a laptop.
Like its larger sibling, the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM, which we also tested, this monitor is equipped with a QD-OLED panel. However, this is the fourth generation, practically halving its power consumption compared with the 32″ model. A negative aspect we raised in our previous review, now corrected thanks to this new technology. Pixel density has also been increased, with a pixel pitch of 0.15525 mm. The result is a slightly finer, more detailed picture, perfect for 4K UHD.
This panel also offers a contrast ratio of 1.5M:1 and brightness of 450 cd/m² (with peaks of 1000 cd/m² in HDR). In addition to HDR10, the monitor supports Dolby Vision, a technology mainly useful for films and series, as it is only used in a few games, and only on PC and Xbox Series.
The display also features a KVM switch for controlling multiple devices with a single keyboard and mouse. It supports PiP and PbP modes, enabling multiple sources to be displayed simultaneously. In fact, this Asus PC display has a USB hub, offering three USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports, ideal for connecting peripherals with fast transfers. Last but not least, a mini-jack socket lets you connect a pair of headphones.
For video, the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM is equipped with two HDMI 2.1 ports that are ideally suited to next-generation game consoles and enable gaming in 4K UHD at 120Hz. For gaming PCs, this monitor features a DisplayPort 2.1a UHBR20, considerably improving bandwidth and enabling 4K UHD at 240Hz, without compression. This specification that looks to the future, as the first graphics cards to support this standard have been available since the end of January 2025 (RTX 5xxx and RX9xxx in particular).
In concrete terms, this PG27UCDM model makes the compromise of a more reasonable size compared to the PG32UCDM, while introducing new technologies, both in terms of display and connectivity. It’s aimed above all at competitive gamers, but doesn’t forget fans of beautiful graphics and movie lovers.
Key specifications
- QD-OLED panel, 26.5″ (67.3cm)
- UHD 4K 3840 x 2160p (16:9)
- 240Hz refresh rate
- 0.03 ms response time
- 99% DCI-P3 color space
- FreeSync Premium Pro and G-Sync Compatible
- HDR10 and Dolby Vision support
- DisplayPort 2.1a UHBR20 connectors
Installing the monitor
As usual, Asus has thought of everything, and mounting the monitor on its stand is very simple. In just a few minutes, it’s up and running, aided by the many included accessories. A pouch contains all the cables required for proper operation. Set-up is quick, and the monitor is immediately recognized by the computer and console.
Mounting the monitor on its stand is easy and intuitive. The screen is simply clipped on, with no real need to read the instructions. For our review, we connected it to a PlayStation 5 and a PC equipped with an RTX 4060 graphics card and an Intel Core i7 processor. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to exploit the display’s full potential, especially the DisplayPort 2.1a, as we’re not yet equipped with the latest graphics cards.
To discover the range of possibilities offered by the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM gaming monitor, we played Senua’s Saga Hellblade II, No Man’s Sky, Cyberpunk 2077, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Minecraft and Mass Effect: Andromeda. This diverse set of games enabled us to put the screen’s HDR, Dolby Vision and color reproduction, as well its performance and responsiveness, to the test.
Our impressions
A high-contrast, detailed image
Like the 32″ (81cm) model, the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM gaming display delivers high-contrast images. The qualities of QD-OLED technology are undeniable, and the new version of the panel makes it possible to distinguish very fine details. Several HDR modes are available, to adapt to different content and sources. Gaming, Cinema, Console, DisplayHDR 400 True Black and Dolby Vision modes can be selected.
With games that are rather dark, such as Senua’s Saga Hellblade II, this monitor is capable of revealing many details, such as the textures on the rocks at the start of the game. Enhanved by the HDR Gaming mode, the lighting effects really do justice to this work of art. This is one of the strengths of QD-OLED, which will delight fans of horror games set in the dark. This is also an advantage in competitive titles, where visibility is always essential, whatever the exposure of the scene.
Cyberpunk 2077 is the perfect choice for 4K gaming in detailed environments. At 60 fps without ray tracing, the precision of the panel manages to highlight all the objects scattered around the streets of Nightcity. So much so, in fact, that the imperfections of the DLSS become even more visible. Designed for discerning gamers, this monitor needs to be paired with a powerful setup to get the most out of it.
Space exploration in No Man’s Sky is also enhanced by the remarkable qualities of the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM monitor’s QD-OLED panel. The colors of the different biomes of the planets we explored add greatly to immersion. Very contemplative, this title really takes advantage of the screen’s capabilities, revealing, here too, subtle details of the procedurally generated vegetation. Even after many hours already spent playing this game, we truly rediscovered it with this monitor.
To put Dolby Vision to the test, we used the Mass Effect: Andromeda game to exploit the possibilities of this QD-OLED panel. Exploring the Starship Tempest brings out new subtleties in the image. Lighting effects really benefit from this technology. Dark areas also offer more detail, going further than conventional HDR. However, Dolby Vision-supported games are still rare, but it does allow you to enjoy films and series in excellent conditions. For the record, Unreal Engine is capable of supporting Dolby Vision via a plugin, but game publishers don’t seem too keen on shelling out.
Smooth, responsive performance
To exploit the monitor’s fluidity and responsiveness, we played Minecraft at a high refresh rate. Once again, the ultra-fast response time of the QD-OLED panel worked wonders. The image is always sharp, even with exaggerated camera movements. Although this title doesn’t always need to be responsive, it’s a good way to test smoothness, without bringing the graphics card to its knees.
In 1080p and by paring down the graphics in Shadow of the Tomb Raider, we were also able to put the panel’s smoothness and responsiveness to the test in more complex environments. Again, the screen responds perfectly to interactions, with no image persistence. Although we weren’t able to push the screen to its limits, due to our hardware limitations, beyond 120 fps it already shows many qualities. It is therefore perfectly suited to competitive games such as Valorant or CS2, and is capable of going quite far in the competition.
Of course, the screen supports AdaptiveSync, FreeSync Premium Pro and G-Sync. These tried-and-tested technologies eliminate image tearing in games. By integrating all these solutions, the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM monitor leaves no gamer behind, whether they’re equipped with a console, or a Nvidia or AMD graphics card.
The fluidity of the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM screen also contributes to the comfort of everyday use. The 120Hz Windows desktop drastically reduces visual fatigue, helped by Flicker-free technology and the Low Blue Light mode. Moving windows becomes more pleasant, since ghosting effects are also a thing of the past. Although not primarily intended for office use, it is perfectly suited to all everyday tasks.
Tools to combat burn-in
When it comes to OLED panels, the elephant in the room is screen burn-in. This was a concern in the early models, which tended to show signs of burn-in over the years. Today, this phenomenon is well known by manufacturers, who now offer solutions. Whether it’s automatic standby when you’re no longer facing the screen, or detection of logos and in-game interfaces, all the necessary measures are taken to avoid this problem. What’s more, fourth-generation QD-OLED panels boast a longer lifespan than the previous generation.
To reassure potential buyers, Asus guarantees its screens for three years. Numerous tools are also available via the OSD or with the DisplayWidget Center software, which offers a whole range of options for avoiding burn-in and ensuring pixel maintenance. What’s more, with practices such as the use of a slideshow as wallpaper and a taskbar that is automatically hidden, the risks of screen marking remain limited. The Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM gaming monitor is designed for entertainment, be it video games, movies or series. With normal use, it will last for many years.
Last but not least, during our previous test of the 32″ model, this was a screen that had already been loaned out to a number of press organizations. Despite the transport, constant unpacking, assembly, disassembly and intensive use, we didn’t notice any marks on the screen.
Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM vs Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 – G80SD 32″ – G80SD
Although the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM monitor stands alone in the 27″ UHD 4K segment, it is possible to turn to a 32″ panel, such as the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 – G80SD. Also capable of 240Hz, it uses DSC (Display Stream Compression) due to the limitations of its DisplayPort 1.4. Dolby Vision is absent, in favor of HDR10+, which seems to be more attractive to the video-game industry, since it is royalty-free. It also integrates SmartTV functionalities for versatile use. Compared to the PG27UCDM, it loses the image quality provided by DisplayPort 2.1a and the precision of the QD-OLED panel.
Who is the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM intended for?
The Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM monitor targets discerning gamers. With its 240Hz refresh rate and 27″ size, it’s particularly suited to competitive video game enthusiasts. Its 4K UHD resolution, as well as its excellent contrast ratio, also make it an ally of choice for all forms of entertainment. What’s more, Dolby Vision support means you can enjoy movies, series and the Xbox Series in the best possible conditions. PlayStation 5 gamers haven’t been left out, as VRR support and the HDR Console mode ensure perfect compatibility with Sony’s machine.
