We review the ROG Strix XG35VQ!

You’ve finally done it. You’ve managed to build a pretty sick gaming PC with not one, but two (even three) top-of-the-line GPUs, and are looking for a way to maximize your rig’s potential. At this point, you have two options: go through the hassle of cobbling multiple displays together (and hope your brain ignores those bezels when you play) or opt to pay even more cash for an ultrawide monitor.

As much as a money sink as getting an ultrawide is, it’s a much better, easier and cleaner way to play games on your PC. And ASUS’ ROG Strix XG35VQ is your best bet if you’re looking for a an ultrawide display made specifically for gaming. It’s a spendy item, but if you’re really serious about getting your game on, it’s a worthwhile purchase.

Clear some desk space, this thing is huge

We’ve tested large monitors from ASUS before, but the ROG Strix XG35VQ is probably the biggest one yet. With a 35-inch curved panel, the monitor occupies a large chunk of our desk space, though that’s to be expected with a monitor this large.

The legs of the ROG Strix XG35VQ is similar to previous ROG monitors: there’s three legs overall (with one shorter than the other two) with a central LED lamp projecting the ROG logo downwards. The controls for the monitor is on the rear, on the right (when you’re facing the display) and is easy to reach and manipulate.

The ROG Strix XG35VQ can be swiveled a total of 50 degrees to the right and left. Its overall height can also be fully adjusted depending on your preference (total of 100mm of adjustment) and you can even tilt it up and down (20 degrees up and -5 degrees down).

Just like ASUS’ other gaming monitors, the ROG Strix XG35VQ is equipped with their Aura lighting system

Huge display is not just for gaming

Once you complete the ROG Strix XG35VQ’s setup, the sheer size of the display starts to sink in. Measuring in at 35-inches diagonally, its one of the biggest monitors out in the market today, gaming or otherwise.

Let’s dive into the numbers: the ROG Strix XG35VQ has a 35-inch display that has a 21:9 aspect ratio and a 1800R curvature. The panel itself is of the VA (vertical alignment) variety. Traditionally gaming monitors are usually made with TN (twisted nematic) panels, though that tech has its fair share of advantages (faster response times overall) and disadvantages (poor viewing angles, bad color reproduction). Monitors with IPS panels have better color accuracy and viewing angles, though generally poorer response times. VA panels are a good compromise between the two, and while traditionally VA response times have been generally poorer compared to TN panels, ASUS has managed to find a way to have a 4ms response time for the ROG Strix XG35VQ.

The native display resolution is 3440 x 1440, which gives you an insane amount of space to work with. People who like to multitask (that’s us) will love the fact that you’re able to write articles, edit photos and even sneak in a YouTube video in your workspace without switching windows.

Gaming bliss for people with rigs that can comfortably run 4K

But the Strix XG35VQ is a gaming monitor first and foremost, and you’ll really be able to squeeze the most out of it if you have a gaming rig that can run 4K smoothly. Thankfully our previously reviewed GTX 1070 Ti was up to the task.

Our GPU use was a little heretical, since the ROG Strix XG35VQ uses AMD’s FreeSync technology instead of NVIDIA’s equivalent, G-Sync. That might be a consideration for many builds if they consider the ROG Strix XG35VQ since it’s much more common to see NVIDIA’s GPUs on high-end builds that necessitates the use of 4K capable ultra-wide monitors.

Playing games on the ROG Strix XG35VQ is pure bliss. You get to see more of the screen overall, which is perfect for people who like playing driving and flying sims. Even regular FPS gaming is improved, though you will have to get used to the wider display. You do get extra FOV, which is useful for FPS games.

As far as performance goes, the ROG Strix XG35VQ performed as well as other monitors in ASUS’ lineup. Response times were quick, colors looked great, and though there was some backlight bleeding, it’s to be expected with any monitor that uses VA tech.

There are a few snags that you’ll run into though, and most of it is related to viewing videos online. Since most videos are optimized for the 16:9 aspect ratio, you’ll get ugly black bars on either side of the display when you’re watching stuff on YouTube, although there are software workarounds if you’re using Chrome.

It’s pretty much the same thing with Netflix, and since we watch Netflix on Microsoft Edge (it’s the only browser to support 4K Netflix streaming) those black bars are there to stay.

Verdict: It’s a great monitor for powerful rigs, but man is it spendy

If you’re looking for a great looking, and performing, monitor to top off your gaming build then you might want to consider the ASUS ROG Strix XG35VQ. There’s really nothing like gaming on an ultrawide, but obviously you have to make sure that your gaming rig is capable of running 4K comfortably to enjoy it.

The downside is that the ROG Strix XG35VQ is expensive. Priced at Php 59,290 it’s easily a PC build onto itself. But then again people who have gaming rigs that can run 4K games at ultra have already spent insane amounts of money on their builds, what’s a few thousand more?