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My experience with the ASUS TUF 34’ 4K 100Hz Curved HDR Monitor (2024)
Introduction
A couple months ago I bought the ASUS TUF 34” Curved HDR Monitor (4K, 100hz) - a great monitor not just for gaming also for work. The high resolution makes everything sharp whilst the high refresh rate makes everything smooth - not just gaming but also e.g. scrolling webpages. In the evening I like to game and during the day I read literature and do empirical research crunching numbers - both for which the monitor is great. Below I further elaborate on the monitor.
Specifications
| Property | Value | Property | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 34 Inches | Display Resolution Maximum | 3440 x 1440 Pixels |
| Brand | ASUS | Special Feature | Flicker-Free |
| Refresh Rate | 100 Hz |
Prices
Check prices of the ASUS TUF 34’ Curved HDR Monitor on:
Photos
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First Impressions and Design Aesthetics
The ASUS TUF 34” Curved HDR Monitor looks as a blend of a gaming and minimalist monitor. Some of my initial impressions:
Build Quality: The monitor feels reasonably well-built, without any apparent creaks or cheap materials, which is a pleasant surprise at this price point.
Stand Design: Although quite sturdy, the stand eats up a considerable amount of desk space, so that’s something to bear in mind.
Curvature: The 1500R curvature felt like a natural fit as it wasn’t too aggressive yet provided that immersive experience I was hoping for.
Visual Impact: With the UWQHD resolution, games and media had an added depth and vibrancy that my old monitor just couldn’t match.
Integrated Features: While the built-in speakers are a thoughtful inclusion, they don’t quite impress, something not uncommon in monitor speakers.
On the topic of the monitor’s facade, the bezels are reasonably slim on three sides, further enhancing that immersive experience. The bottom one is a tad thicker, but it smartly balances the overall look, carrying the TUF branding without overdoing it.
And while we’re on the subject of aesthetics, let’s talk lighting. There isn’t any RGB flair here, which might be a downside for those used to having their setup resemble a gaming spaceship. However, I found the lack of RGB to be a classy restraint – it says “I mean business” whether that business is gaming or productivity.
But let’s not forget the monitor’s OSD (On-Screen Display). The navigation is intuitive, making it a breeze to tweak settings to match my preferences. And while I’m not usually one for software utilities, ASUS DisplayWidget Lite adds a bit of convenience for quick adjustments and can be a nice touch for those who like to frequently tweak their settings.
In terms of drawbacks, while the inclusion of a USB hub is commendable, the fact that it doesn’t power devices when the monitor is off can be mildly infuriating for charging purposes. And regarding the stand, while I generally find the ergonomics suitable, it lacks that extra height adjustment some users may need.
Overall, the ASUS TUF Gaming Monitor checks many boxes on the design front when looking for that perfect balance of form and function. It’s not without its flaws, but for those stepping into the realm of curved gaming monitors, this could be the gateway to an emphatically more enveloping gaming experience.
Performance and Gaming Experience
When it comes to gaming monitors, it can sometimes feel like you have to choose between performance and aesthetics. But with the ASUS TUF 34” Curved HDR Monitor, I feel like I’m getting a sweet spot of both. Here’s my take on its performance and gaming experience:
Refresh Rate: With a 100Hz refresh rate, this screen is a significant step up from the standard 60Hz monitors. It’s smooth, and the difference is noticeable when gaming or even during fast-paced movies.
Response Time: The advertised 1ms (MPRT) response time keeps up with the high refresh rate, making everything from first-person shooters to strategy games feel more responsive.
Color and Brightness: HDR10 compatibility and the 125% sRGB gamut provide vibrant colors and solid contrasts, although it might not be the brightest when it comes to HDR content compared to more expensive options.
Gaming Technologies: AMD FreeSync™ and NVIDIA G-SYNC compatibility is a huge plus, reducing tearing and making for a smoother gaming experience regardless of GPU.
But it’s not perfect. While the VA panel offers good contrast and decent color representation, it does come with some drawbacks. There can be noticeable ghosting with dark colors, and it may not be the best choice if color accuracy for professional creative work is your top priority. This is a common trade-off with VA panels; they’re excellent for contrast but not the best at color accuracy or viewing angles when compared to IPS displays.
Moreover, the lack of 10bit color with the max refresh rate is a bummer, but for everyday gaming and general use, the 8bit is still respectable and likely won’t impact your experience negatively.
In use, the monitor truly gives games a new dimension. The curved design pulls you into the action, offering a bit of that ‘wow’ factor without feeling overwhelming. And, with the screen’s size, multitasking is a breeze—no need to alt-tab constantly between windows when you can have them all open side-by-side.
I must admit, this monitor might not have the top-tier brightness levels of some competitors, nor does it boast the fastest refresh rates on the market, but it strikes a superb balance between cost and performance. For the price you pay, the performance gains are clear as day.
The ASUS TUF Gaming VG34VQEL1A shows that you don’t need to empty your wallet for an immersive and high-performing gaming experience. Yes, it has its compromises, but for me, this monitor is a testament to the fact that you can enjoy a premium gaming experience at a reasonable price point. The difference it has made to my gaming and even day-to-day computer use is unquestionable. Despite its few drawbacks, it’s a monitor I’d comfortably recommend to any mid-range gamer looking for that sweet spot between price and performance.
Connectivity and Integrated Features
When it comes to the connectivity and integrated features of the ASUS TUF Gaming VG34VQEL1A monitor, there are several points worth touching upon. The monitor sports a variety of input options which is beneficial for users with multiple devices.
DisplayPort 1.2: A must-have for high refresh rates and resolutions, crucial for gaming rigs.
HDMI(v2.0) x2: Handy for connecting a variety of devices, though if you’re running newer gaming consoles, you may miss out on HDMI 2.1’s higher bandwidth.
USB Hub: Three USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports provide great convenience for connecting peripherals or charging devices.
In my personal use, the rich array of ports allows me to efficiently switch between my console, PC gaming, and occasional work laptop without frequently unplugging cables - a real time-saver. The USB hub tucked underneath is particularly handy. It’s become a go-to for charging my phone or plugging in a temporary device, like a USB stick.
One highlight is the adaptive-sync compatibility with both NVIDIA and AMD graphics cards. This, to me, is a nod to flexibility, ensuring smooth variable refresh rates regardless of the chosen GPU brand. It’s reassuring to know that I’m not locked into a specific ecosystem and can enjoy gaming without issues like screen tearing.
However, all that glitters is not gold. The lack of HDMI 2.1 means that I’m not future-proofing my setup for devices that may require higher bandwidth down the line; a miss for a monitor designed to be at the forefront of gaming. Also, the reliance on DisplayPort for certain features means I have to be mindful of my setup and the cables at hand.
The inclusion of integrated speakers is also a welcome convenience, saving desk space and the hassle of additional wires. Still, as most gamers will attest, the quality of built-in speakers often leaves a lot to be desired, and this monitor is no exception. Don’t get me wrong; it’s fine for the occasional video call, but I certainly wouldn’t rely on them for an immersive gaming experience or when jamming to my favorite tunes.
As a daily user, the ASUS DisplayWidget Lite software utility is a thoughtful addition. Customizing the monitor settings to my preference is made easier, though the interface could use some polish. It’s like having a remote control for the monitor without the physical controller, which is increasingly a standard across various monitor brands.
In summary, this ASUS monitor offers a generous suite of connections and user-friendly features that mostly hit the mark for me. The few shortcomings in the connectivity department are outweighed by the convenience and performance, making the VG34VQEL1A a strong contender in its class.
Ergonomics and Daily Use
Evaluating the ergonomics and everyday usability of my ASUS TUF 34” curved monitor, I have to say, it’s been a mixed bag of experiences. The curvature and ultrawide display undoubtedly provide a comfortable and enveloping view, which is a godsend during long coding sessions or when I’m deep into a gaming marathon. Here’s how it pans out in day-to-day use:
Pros:
The adjustable stand is a big plus; I can tweak the height, tilt, and swivel to my liking with relative ease.
The 1500R curvature is spot on for maintaining a uniform distance from my eyes, reducing the need to turn my head excessively.
Wrap-around effect helps with immersion, whether it’s for work or gaming.
Having a USB Hub integrated into the monitor is super handy for connecting peripherals and helps keep my desk clutter-free.
Cons:
Despite the ergonomic stand, I find myself wishing for a bit more height in the adjustment range.
The stand design also feels like it eats more desk space than necessary; it’s a little beefy.
Even though the monitor scores big on physical adjustments and comfort, it’s not without drawbacks. The VA panel, while offering deep blacks and decent viewing angles, does introduce some ghosting with dark colors. For the most part, it’s not a deal-breaker in everyday use—text is sharp, and colors pop. However, when ghosting becomes noticeable, it can detract from an otherwise seamless experience.
In terms of durability, the build quality has been solid. I haven’t encountered any worrisome wobbles or flimsy parts, and the monitor feels like it can stand the test of time. But let’s talk about those integrated speakers; they’re passable in a pinch, but anyone serious about sound will want to invest in a separate set. So, no real surprises there; monitor speakers rarely hit the mark.
Switching gears from ergonomics to user interfacing, the OSD (On-Screen Display) is a breeze to navigate. It makes playing with settings less of a chore, although it took some tweaking to get colors where I wanted them. The lack of clear documentation on some of the menu functions meant some trial and error was involved but nothing too taxing.
In conclusion, while the ASUS TUF 34” curved monitor may not be flawless, its pros in ergonomic adjustments, screen curvature, and easy interfacing make it a strong contender for those in the market for an immersive display. The cons are there—such as the VA panel’s response times and a bulky stand—but they don’t overshadow the overall quality and utility this monitor brings to the table. For what it’s worth, it’s been a worthwhile investment, making both work and play more enjoyable.