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The ASUS ROG Strix XG438Q is a monster of a screen. Paying over a grand for a monitor sounds expensive, but looking at other 4K monitors with this screen size (of which there aren't that many), it's around what you'd expect. The performance out of the box isn't quite as outstanding as we would have hoped, but its acceptable once you calibrate, so this screen is capable of decent quality if you set it up correctly.
The ASUS OSD as always delivers a fine array of features that will allow the gaming user to tweak the configuration for the style of play desired, including useful options like a hardware FPS counter. There's not that much here if you did want to cross over into work territory, other than the sRGB GameVisual mode. You can have some fun with the light projection system and Aura Sync for a truly blinged-out gaming experience.
We do wonder why there are only two USB ports, although they are usefully placed on the side. But you get a wealth of video connectivity, which points to the direction where this screen is best suited. If you've got consoles, video set-top boxes and a PC all to use through one screen, preferably all in 4K, then the XG438Q is a decent choice. However, it is worth pointing out its HDMI ports are only HDMI 2.0, not HDMI 2.1. This means next-gen consoles won't be able to utilise the 120Hz refresh at 4K, though PC users can of course utilise a DisplayPort connection instead.
You will also need a hefty graphics card to get the most out of the 120Hz ability with the latest AAA PC titles. But if you're serious about your gaming screen size, the ASUS ROG Strix XG438Q is well worth considering.
The ASUS ROG Strix XG438Q is available from Overclockers UK for £1,078.99.
Pros:
- Huge 43in 4K desktop.
- 120Hz refresh.
- AMD FreeSync 2 adaptive sync.
- Reasonable price for a 4K screen this big.
- Plenty of adjustments available in OSD, particularly for gaming.
- Lots of video inputs.
- Aura ROG logo projector included.
- Built-in USB 3.0 hub.
Cons:
- Mediocre colour accuracy before calibration.
- Only two USB ports on hub.
- Almost no ergonomic adjustment.
- Mediocre brightness uniformity.
- HDMI 2.0 ports, not 2.1.
KitGuru says: The ASUS ROG Strix XG438Q is a massive screen in every respect, and will be great if you have multiple 4K gaming and media devices to attach, although good colour accuracy requires careful adjustment.
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