Recently got an Asus ROG Strix xg27acdng OLED – I’m not able to increase the refresh rate beyond 180Hz. Any common settings I need to configure?

Optimizing Refresh Rate Settings on the Asus ROG Strix XG27ACDN OLED Monitor: Troubleshooting and Configuration Tips

Introduction

Investing in a high-performance monitor like the Asus ROG Strix XG27ACDN OLED brings impressive display capabilities, including high refresh rates and immersive visuals. However, users often encounter challenges in configuring these settings, especially when paired with older hardware. This article explores common issues, troubleshooting steps, and best practices to optimize your monitor’s refresh rate settings, ensuring you get the most out of your device.

Understanding Your Hardware Limitations

Your current setup features a 3GB NVIDIA GTX 1060 graphics card on Windows 10. While this GPU was a solid choice in its time, it has limitations concerning ultra-high refresh rates at higher resolutions. Typically, such GPUs struggle to reliably support 1440p at 360Hz, especially with contemporary demanding displays.

Key Observations

• Display settings in Windows are capped at 60Hz in the advanced display options, but the NVIDIA Control Panel reports higher refresh rates (up to 180Hz).
• Changing the resolution to 1080p enables you to select higher refresh rates (240Hz and 360Hz).
• Native resolution of 1440p only allows up to 180Hz in the current configuration.

Common Troubleshooting Steps

1. Verify Proper Connection and Cables
   Ensure that you’re using the DisplayPort cable provided with your monitor, and that it’s connected directly to your GPU rather than the motherboard. This ensures optimal bandwidth and communication for high refresh rates.

2. Enable and Configure Display Settings Correctly

3. Confirm that Display Streaming Compression (DSC) is enabled.
4. Set Display Streaming Compression (DSC) to 1.4.

5. Enable Variable Refresh Rate and G-Sync in the NVIDIA Control Panel, which helps reduce screen tearing and supports higher refresh rates.

6. Adjust Resolution Settings
   Since higher refresh rates are achievable at 1080p, consider lowering your resolution temporarily to test refresh rate limits. This approach helps determine if your GPU can handle native 1440p at 360Hz.

7. Update Drivers and Firmware
   Keep your GPU drivers updated to the latest version to ensure compatibility with high-refresh-rate modes. Check for monitor firmware updates as well.

8. Monitor Limitations and Hardware Bottlenecks
   Accept that certain hardware combinations may not support 1440p at the maximum refresh rates due to bandwidth constraints. Upgrading your GPU and potentially increasing GPU