Image: PC Welt
At a glance
Expert’s Rating
Pros
Very good gaming performance360Hz maximum frame rateAnti-glare protection on three sidesErgonomic adjustment options
Cons
Slightly high power consumptionExpensive
Our Verdict
The AOC AG254FG is an 1080p monitor built specifically with features for professional gamers and gaming enthusiasts. At 360Hz, the 24.5-inch display has one of the fastest refresh rates you’re likely to see in a modern display.
The gaming performance is excellent and doesn’t present any image errors. As a professional monitor, it comes with all the important ergonomic setting options and useful accessories, such as a mountable three-sided anti-glare shield and a small puck for OSD use. However, this ultra high-level gaming quality doesn’t come cheap and will set you back just under $650 as of the time of writing.
Price When Reviewed
749.99
With the AG254FG, AOC introduces a 1080p screen with a super-fast maximum frame rate of 360Hz. We took a closer look at the fast-paced gaming monitor in a detailed review.
Note: This review is part of our ongoing roundup of the best gaming monitors. Go there to learn more about competing products, what to look for in a gaming monitor, and buying recommendations.
AOC AG254FG: The specs
The AOC AG254FG will primarily appeal to professional gamers, but the fast gaming monitor will also interest hobby gamers who want to tease out noticeable, decisive speed advantages from fast and responsive games. The 24.5-inch device is based on an IPS panel with a short response time of just 1 millisecond (GtG), HDR400 certification, and 1920×1080 resolution.
The integrated G-Sync technology ensures that the frame rates are synchronized with Nvidia graphics cards. Additionally, it also supports ULMB technology (Ultra Low Motion Blur), preventing blurring in moving images. The AOC AG254FG isn’t cheap, and in order to be able to take advantage of the extremely high frame rates, you have to factor in the additional high costs for powerful gaming hardware.
AOC AG254FG: Image quality
In our detailed tests, the AOC AG254FG shows no weaknesses and proves to be a top-class gaming monitor. E-sports games are its bread and butter, but it will handle just fine in more slow-paced games as well. Image errors, such as tearing and motion blur, don’t occur, even at refresh rates well above 300Hz. The fast IPS panel also shows no noticeable input lag.
Various electronic features increase the gaming experience, such as black-value boosting and flicker-free performance. This monitor isn’t just about speed though—the impressive image quality also plays a significant role in how well you will enjoy games during use. In addition to high brightness and rich contrast, the 1080p gaming monitor shows balanced brightness distribution across the screen.
The AOC AG254FG FHD gaming monitor with ultra-fast 360Hz frame rate.
The AOC AG254FG FHD gaming monitor with ultra-fast 360Hz frame rate.
PC Welt
The AOC AG254FG FHD gaming monitor with ultra-fast 360Hz frame rate.
PC Welt
PC Welt
AOC AG254FG: Ports
The AOC AG254FG includes a three-piece anti-glare shield, which can be attached to the side and top of the monitor housing and significantly increases concentration on gaming. The range of interfaces corresponds to modern gaming monitors, with two HDMI ports and one DisplayPort interface.
Cables are included for both inputs. Only the DisplayPort input supports 360Hz, while frame rates of 240Hz are possible via the HDMI connection. In addition, there are speakers with a rather thin sound, four USB 3.0 ports, and jacks for a microphone and headphones.
Ports include HDMI and DP interfaces; an LED light spans the bottom edge.
Ports include HDMI and DP interfaces; an LED light spans the bottom edge.
PC Welt
Ports include HDMI and DP interfaces; an LED light spans the bottom edge.
PC Welt
PC Welt
AOC AG254FG: Features and menu
AOC has equipped the AG254FG with all the ergonomic adjustment options essential for accommodatations on a desktop. You can adjust the 24.5-inch display in height by 5 inches, while you have the options of rotating, tilting, and pivoting into portrait mode. As an extra gaming design feature, there are also LED light strips on the back of the case.
The on-screen menu is clearly laid out in tabular form and offers numerous settings that are especially important for gamers, such as presets, FPS, RTS, crosshairs, racing, and shooter. The OSD is conveniently operated using a five-way joystick or a small puck with several buttons that can be attached to the monitor.
Red accents and LED lights give the back of the monitor some pizzazz.
Red accents and LED lights give the back of the monitor some pizzazz.
PC Welt
Red accents and LED lights give the back of the monitor some pizzazz.
PC Welt
PC Welt
AOC AG254FG: Power consumption
The energy requirement is not too bad at around 37 watts, despite the display’s high maximum brightness. In standby mode, consumption drops to a low 0.5 watts.
Final thoughts
The AOC AG254FG delivers in so many ways that you’ll want to get your games started and play for days on end. The ergonomic adjustments mean you can change the height and position to suit your gaming style, and the menu buttons are easy to access in order to change game modes. Of course, such quality performance comes at a price, and one which is hard to justify for a 24-inch monitor with only 1080p resolution.
Professional gamers will likely jump on this display as it provides them everything they need to perform at their best while playing e-sports, but the masses might not feel the same way. Ultimately if you’re looking for a monitor specific to high-end gaming, this is a great option. But if you need something for more than just gaming purposes, there are better all-around options available at the same price.
This review originally appeared on PC-Welt, PCWorld’s German sister site.
Author: Bernd Weeser-Krell
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