ASUS ROG Strix 24.5" Review

The ASUS ROG Strix XG259CS is a 24.5-inch 1080p gaming monitor built for speed and quality. With a 180Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and exceptional color accuracy, it's a top-tier choice for competitive gamers who also want their games to look vibrant. Its fully adjustable stand and USB-C connectivity round out a compelling package for around $500.

If you're hunting for a 1080p gaming monitor that feels like it's punching above its weight, the ASUS ROG Strix XG259CS deserves a long look. This 24.5-inch Fast IPS panel packs a 180Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time, which are specs that scream 'competitive gaming.' At around $500, it sits in that sweet spot where serious performance starts, but you're not paying for a 4K OLED screen you don't need. It's built for people who want every frame to count, and it backs that up with some of the best color and ergonomics we've seen in this category.

Let's talk numbers. That 180Hz refresh rate lands in the 95th percentile for performance among gaming monitors in our database, which means it's seriously fast. In practice, that means buttery-smooth motion clarity that can give you a tangible edge in fast-paced shooters. The 1ms GTG response time, combined with ASUS's ELMB Sync tech, works to eliminate ghosting and tearing. It's not just about high frame rates, it's about making those frames look clean and sharp. The 400-nit brightness and 95% DCI-P3 color gamut (that's 130% of sRGB) also score in the 98th percentile, so games look vibrant and punchy, not washed out.

Priced at $501, the ROG Strix XG259CS makes a strong argument for itself. You're paying a premium over basic 144Hz 1080p monitors, but you're getting top-tier color, elite ergonomics, and that extra bit of refresh rate headroom. For pure competitive gaming at 1080p, it's hard to find a better-equipped screen in this price bracket. If your budget is tighter, a standard 144Hz monitor will save you money, but you'll lose out on the stand flexibility and the exceptional color this ASUS delivers.

This monitor exists in a different world than the listed competitors like the massive Samsung Odyssey G9 or 4K OLEDs. Those are for immersive, cinematic experiences. The Strix is a focused tool. A more direct competitor would be something like a 240Hz 1080p monitor from Alienware or MSI. The trade-off is often color quality and stand adjustability—you might get slightly higher refresh rates elsewhere, but you'll likely sacrifice the fantastic IPS panel and the full pivot/swivel stand this ASUS has. For most gamers, 180Hz is more than enough, and the overall package here is better balanced.

Skip this monitor if you're a content creator who needs 4K resolution for detailed editing, or if you want an ultra-wide immersive experience for sim racing or RPGs. Its 1080p resolution on a 24.5-inch screen is perfect for gaming performance but isn't the sharpest for productivity. Also, if you need multiple HDMI ports or extensive connectivity, look elsewhere. For those use cases, consider a 1440p high-refresh-rate monitor or a 4K option instead.

So, should you buy it? If your primary goal is competitive gaming at 1080p and you value smooth motion, great colors, and a monitor that can adapt to your posture, this is an easy yes. It's a specialist that excels at its job. The USB-C is a nice modern touch, and the stand is fantastic. Just know what you're getting into: this is not a media consumption powerhouse or a productivity monster. It's a fast, colorful, and highly adjustable gaming monitor that does one thing very, very well.