ASUS ProArt PA279CV Review

Who Needs a Calibrated Monitor

Most monitors ship with colors that are vivid but not accurate. That is fine for browsing and games, but it matters when you edit photos for print, grade video for the web or design for clients whose screens you cannot see.

The PA279CV targets exactly that gap. ASUS calibrates each unit at the factory to a Delta E below 2 and includes a calibration report. Delta E below 2 is generally considered hard to distinguish by eye, so colors you see should match what others see on accurate screens.

sRGB Accuracy vs Wide Gamut

This monitor covers 100% of sRGB and Rec. 709, the color spaces used for most web content, social media and standard HD video. That is the right target for most freelance photographers, YouTubers and web designers.

It is not a wide-gamut monitor. If you work in Adobe RGB for print or DCI-P3 for HDR video, ASUS's pricier ProArt models or a monitor with high P3 coverage are the better tools. Buying the PA279CV for DCI-P3 work would be a mismatch.

ASUS also supports ProArt Calibration with compatible colorimeters, so you can recalibrate over time as the backlight ages. Owners who do paid work should plan to recalibrate periodically rather than rely on the factory report forever.

Connectivity and Daisy Chaining

The USB-C port carries video and up to 65W of charging, enough for most ultrabooks and 13- to 14-inch laptops, but less than the 90W or more that larger performance laptops often need.

A DisplayPort output lets you daisy-chain a second compatible monitor from a Windows PC using DisplayPort MST. Note that macOS does not support MST daisy chaining, so Mac users need a separate connection for a second screen.

Where It Falls Short

Contrast is typical of IPS panels, so dark scenes look grayish in a dim room. HDR10 support means the monitor accepts HDR signals, but without high brightness or local dimming it will not deliver a true HDR picture.

The 60Hz refresh rate is fine for creative work but limits fast gaming. The 65W USB-C power delivery is the other compromise compared with rivals offering 90W or 96W.

Ownership Notes

The fully adjustable stand, including pivot to portrait, is useful for photographers who edit vertical images and for coders. The monitor is VESA compatible for arm mounting.

ASUS's warranty for ProArt monitors in the US has historically been three years; confirm the terms with the seller and register the product, since that matters more than any spec for a monitor you plan to keep for years.