The Acer Nitro XV252Q F is a strong 24.5-inch 1080p IPS monitor for competitive PC gaming, but its headline 390Hz mode is an overclocked DisplayPort option: 360Hz is the standard operating rate. Its motion performance is excellent in independent testing; the trade-offs are modest 1080p image detail, weak HDR, and model-specific regional listings. Consider it if you play esports at very high frame rates and find the exact 390Hz model well below newer alternatives. It is a poor fit if you want one display for cinematic games, productivity, and HDR.
First, confirm which XV252Q you are buying
“XV252Q” alone does not identify the 390Hz model. This review concerns the Acer Nitro XV252Q F, commonly sold as XV252QFbmiiprx: a 24.5-inch, 1920×1080 IPS display rated for 360Hz standard operation and up to 390Hz with DisplayPort overclocking. The XV252Q family also includes different models and refresh rates. Regional product pages use different part numbers and do not present identical specifications, so check the full suffix and the seller’s stated overclocking support rather than relying on the family name. RTINGS’ review identifies the tested 390Hz model; Acer’s Singapore listing, UK specifications, and US listing illustrate the regional variation.
- Ask for a photo of the rear label or the complete model code on the box.
- Confirm that the specific listing supports 390Hz over DisplayPort; a related XV252Q listing may describe a 360Hz model.
- Check whether the unit is new, used, or refurbished, and whether its warranty applies in your country.
Acer Nitro XV252Q F specifications
| Specification | What is established |
|---|---|
| Screen and resolution | 24.5 inches, 1920×1080, 16:9 |
| Panel | IPS |
| Refresh rate | 360Hz standard; up to 390Hz by DisplayPort overclocking on the listed 390Hz variant |
| HDMI refresh rate | Up to 240Hz on Acer’s Singapore listing |
| Inputs | Singapore listing specifies two HDMI 2.0 ports and one DisplayPort; port details can vary by region |
| Response time | Acer claims 1ms G-to-G and a minimum 0.5ms G-to-G via overdrive on its Singapore page; these are manufacturer claims, not total system latency |
| Brightness and contrast | Acer claims 400 cd/m² brightness and 1,000:1 contrast |
| Color and HDR | Acer lists 99% sRGB and VESA DisplayHDR 400 |
| Variable refresh rate | AMD FreeSync Premium advertised; compatibility depends on connection and source |
| Stand and mounting | Tilt, swivel, height adjustment, pivot, and 100×100mm VESA support; Singapore listing specifies 120mm height adjustment |
| Audio | Built-in speakers and headphone/audio output; Singapore listing specifies 2W × 2 speakers |
Specifications above reflect the cited regional Acer listings, not a guarantee that every regional SKU or box includes identical ports and accessories. See Acer’s Singapore product page, Singapore technical specifications, and UK specifications.
What 390Hz means in practice
The 390Hz mode is not the default refresh rate. Acer identifies 360Hz as standard operation and 390Hz as a DisplayPort overclock; its Singapore specification lists HDMI up to 240Hz, DisplayPort up to 360Hz, and DisplayPort overclocking up to 390Hz. Use DisplayPort from a compatible PC if you want the highest refresh rate. If 390Hz is unavailable or unstable, 360Hz remains a very fast mode.
#1 Best Overall
- 23.8" Full HD (1920 x 1080) Widescreen VA Monitor | AMD FreeSync Premium Technology
- Refresh Rate: 165Hz | Response Time: 1ms (VRB) | Pixel Pitch: 0.275mm | Color Saturation: NTSC 72%
- Zero-Frame Design | HDR Ready
- VESA mounting compliant (100 x 100mm) | Ergonomic Tilt: -5° to 15°
- Ports: 1 x Display Port 1.2 and 2 x HDMI 2.0 (HDMI Cable Included)
The refresh-rate frame interval is the time each refresh represents, calculated as 1,000 milliseconds divided by the rate. These figures are mathematical comparisons, not measured input-lag results:
| Refresh rate | Frame interval |
|---|---|
| 60Hz | 16.67ms |
| 144Hz | 6.94ms |
| 240Hz | 4.17ms |
| 360Hz | 2.78ms |
| 390Hz | 2.56ms |
| 540Hz | 1.85ms |
| 610Hz | 1.64ms |
Moving from 240Hz to 360Hz shortens that interval by about 1.39ms; moving from 360Hz to 390Hz saves about 0.21ms. That makes the step from a good 360Hz monitor to this Acer’s 390Hz mode a small one. The meaningful attraction is the display’s overall high-refresh motion performance, not the difference in the numbers alone.
Motion clarity and input lag
RTINGS reports superb motion handling at any refresh rate and very low input lag in its testing. Its public review does not provide the detailed input-lag figures, so there is no sound basis for assigning the monitor a specific millisecond result here. The test finding is evidence of strong performance, not a promise that every game, setting, or individual unit will look identical. Read RTINGS’ XV252Q F test and assessment.
Rank #2
- Quality Visuals: The KG251Q 24.5" monitor with 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolution in a 16:9 aspect ratio presents stunning, high-quality images with excellent detail. The zero-frame design does away with the thick frames found on conventional monitors freeing up precious screen space.
- AMD FreeSync Premium Technology: Say “goodbye” to stuttering and tearing. With AMD FreeSync Premium, the monitor’s frames are synced with the graphics card’s frames, which eliminates screen tearing and provides the smoothest gaming experience.
- 200Hz Refresh Rate: The 200Hz refresh rate speeds up the frames per second to deliver an ultra-smooth 2D motion scene. With a rapid refresh rate of 200Hz, Acer Monitors shorten the time it takes for frame rendering, lower input lag and provide gamers an excellent in-game experience.
- Responsive!!: Up to 0.5ms GTG (Gray to Gray) response time enhanced gamers’ in-game experience. No matter if the fast-moving action or any dramatic transitions will be rendered smoothly without the annoying effects of smearing or ghosting with KG251Q Gaming Monitor
- ZeroFrame Design: With a Nitro KG251Q monitor, you’ll want to see as much of the display as possible. Get more real estate with the near bezel-less design, allowing you to see more and do more. The ZeroFrame design lets you place multiple monitors next to each other for a seamless, almost uninterrupted view.
Keep four different things separate when judging responsiveness:
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- Refresh rate is how often the display can refresh; at 390Hz, each interval is about 2.56ms.
- Pixel response time is how quickly a pixel changes between shades. Acer’s 0.5ms figure is a minimum G-to-G overdrive claim, not a guarantee for every transition.
- Input lag is delay between a signal arriving and the image appearing; it is not the same as pixel response time.
- End-to-end game latency also depends on the game, frame rate, GPU, CPU, settings, and input device.
For a player stepping up from 240Hz, the extra smoothness can be worthwhile during fast camera turns and tracking, particularly when frame rates are high. The benefit is more specialized than the jump from a conventional 60Hz display, and a stable 240Hz setup may be better value for most players. Against a 360Hz display, the 390Hz mode is a refinement rather than a compelling reason by itself to upgrade.
Image quality: fast IPS, but still 1080p
The IPS panel is a practical strength over older TN esports displays: viewing angles are good, and colors are more comfortable for general desktop use. RTINGS also rates the monitor well for bright-room visibility, gradient handling, and ergonomics. At 24.5 inches, 1080p is serviceable for gaming and keeps the pixel workload manageable, but it is less sharp for text and less spacious for work than 1440p.
Rank #3
- Quality Visuals: The KG271U 27" IPS monitor with 2560 x 1440 QHD resolution in a 16:9 aspect ratio presents stunning, high-quality images with excellent detail. The zero-frame design does away with the thick frames found on conventional monitors freeing up precious screen space.
- AMD FreeSync Technology: Say “goodbye” to stuttering and tearing. With AMD FreeSync, the monitor’s frames are synced with the graphics card’s frames, which eliminates screen tearing and provide the smoothest gaming experience.
- Up to 180Hz: The 180Hz refresh rate speeds up the frames per second to deliver an ultra-smooth 2D motion scene. With a rapid refresh rate of up to 180Hz, Acer Gaming Monitors shorten the time it takes for frame rendering, lower input lag and provide gamers an excellent in-game experience.
- Responsive!!: Up to 0.5ms GTG (Gray to Gray) response time enhanced gamers’ in-game experience. No matter the fast-moving action or any dramatic transitions will be all rendered smoothly without the annoying effects of smearing or ghosting with KG271U Gaming Monitor.
- New Depths of Color Accuracy: is monitor is ideal for color-critical projects producing accurate colors, supporting DCI-P3 95%. An amazing monitor for graphic designers, photographers, and film editors.
Its stated 1,000:1 contrast is typical of this sort of IPS monitor, not a recipe for deep blacks. RTINGS notes low native contrast, so dark scenes can look gray in a dim room. Choose it for speed and competitive focus, not for immersive single-player visuals, media viewing, or color-critical work.
HDR is not a reason to buy it
Acer lists DisplayHDR 400 and a 400-nit brightness claim, but certification and peak brightness do not establish high-contrast, cinematic HDR. RTINGS finds that HDR adds little because of the monitor’s contrast and limited color gamut. It can accept HDR content, but it is fundamentally an SDR esports display. For ordinary SDR desktop and competitive play, HDR can stay off.
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The monitor’s adjustability is useful for a long gaming session or a dual-display setup: Acer’s regional specifications list height adjustment, tilt, swivel, pivot, and VESA 100×100mm mounting. The Singapore page specifies 120mm of height adjustment; RTINGS also rates the ergonomics highly. Confirm the stand and exact port arrangement on the SKU being sold, especially if you need portrait orientation or plan to use a monitor arm.
Rank #4
- 27" WQHD (2560 x 1440) Widescreen IPS PC Gaming Monitor
- AMD FreeSync Premium Technology
- Refresh Rate: 240Hz (Using Display Port) and 144Hz (Using HDMI Port) | Response Time: 1ms (G to G) - Up to 0.5ms (G to G) | Pixel Pitch: 0.233mm | 2 Speakers, 2 Watts Per Speaker
- VESA Mounting Compliant (100 x 100mm) | Ergostand: Ergonomic Tilt: -5° to 15°, Height Adjustment Range: 4.7", Swivel: 360° and Pivot: plus /- 90°
- Ports: 1 x Display Port 1.4, 2 x HDMI 2.0 Ports and 1 x Audio Out Port (Display Port and HDMI Cable Included)
The cited specifications list HDMI, DisplayPort, and audio output, but not USB or USB-C connectivity. Do not assume features such as a USB hub, KVM, or laptop charging. Built-in speakers are available on the Singapore listing, but the published 2W × 2 rating is not a substitute for a dedicated headset or speakers. Regional port labels and accessories can differ.
Set up 360Hz or test 390Hz
Menu names can vary by regional SKU and firmware, so use the manual for the exact model rather than assuming a universal OSD path. Start at 360Hz, verify stable operation, then try overclocking if available.
- Connect the monitor to a compatible PC graphics card with DisplayPort. Acer’s Singapore page lists HDMI only up to 240Hz.
- In Windows, open Settings > System > Display > Advanced display, select the Acer display, and choose 360Hz if it is listed.
- To try 390Hz, enable the monitor’s overclocking option in its on-screen display. Consult the exact SKU’s manual for the setting name and location.
- Return to Windows Advanced display settings or the GPU control panel and select 390Hz if it appears.
- Test the mode in your normal games and desktop use. Watch for black screens, flicker, signal loss, image corruption, or the display reverting to a lower rate.
- If the mode is unstable, disable overclocking and return to 360Hz. Check that the cable is seated; if needed, try another suitable DisplayPort cable, update the graphics driver, and test with one display connected.
For a starting configuration, use 360Hz first, enable Adaptive Sync for ordinary VRR gaming, and begin with a middle overdrive setting. Test faster overdrive modes for visible overshoot rather than assuming Acer’s minimum response-time claim identifies the best setting. Keep HDR off for ordinary SDR use, and set brightness and color temperature to suit the room and your preference.
Best Value
- 27" WQHD (2560 x 1440) 1500R Curved Widescreen Gaming Monitor | AMD FreeSync Premium Technology
- Refresh Rate: 180Hz | Response Time: Up to 1ms (VRB) | HDR Ready | Pixel Pitch: 0.233mm
- VESA mounting compliant (75 x 75mm) | Zero-Frame Design | 2 Speakers, 2 Watts per Speaker
- Ergonomic Tilt: -5° to 20°
- Ports: 1 x Display Port 1.2, 2 x HDMI Port 2.0 & 1 x Audio Out (Display Port and HDMI Cable Included)
PC performance and variable refresh rate
The monitor can display a game running below 390 frames per second, but it cannot generate the missing frames. The higher refresh rates matter most when the PC sustains high frame rates with consistent frame times. In competitive games, lower settings may help, but actual performance depends on the game, CPU, graphics card, memory, and chosen settings; there is no single required GPU model.
- If your games usually run below 200–240 FPS, a lower-cost 240Hz or 280Hz screen may be a more balanced purchase.
- If you can hold well above 240 FPS and care about competitive responsiveness, 360–390Hz is more relevant.
- Judge sustained performance and frame-time consistency, not a brief benchmark peak.
Acer advertises FreeSync Premium, and RTINGS confirms VRR support, but compatibility is not universal across sources. RTINGS found FreeSync did not work with all FreeSync sources in testing, including an HDMI-connected Xbox Series X. For PC gaming, use DisplayPort for the highest refresh rate, confirm the GPU recognizes VRR, and test it in your games. Do not buy this model primarily for Xbox VRR without verifying it with the exact setup. Avoid assuming identical behavior on every NVIDIA or AMD GPU, HDMI connection, or console.
How it compares with alternatives
| Alternative | What it offers | Choose it when |
|---|---|---|
| ASUS ROG Swift Pro PG248QP | 1080p esports display with a 540Hz maximum refresh rate. RTINGS’ comparison reports better response time at most refresh rates and less image duplication with backlight strobing than the Acer, but narrower viewing angles and worse pre-calibration color accuracy. | You prioritize the higher refresh ceiling and specialized competitive performance over IPS viewing angles. See RTINGS’ comparison. |
| ASUS ROG Strix XG259QNG / XG259QNS | Newer 24.5-inch-viewable 1080p Fast IPS models with 380Hz overclocking, according to ASUS. | You want a similar format with newer product positioning and can get one at a competitive price. Verify the specific model and regional specifications on ASUS’s listing. |
| BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K | A 360Hz TN esports monitor centered on BenQ’s DyAc+ motion-blur-reduction approach rather than IPS viewing angles and 390Hz overclocking. | You specifically value BenQ’s competitive tuning and blur-reduction ecosystem. Check the exact regional product and support details with BenQ ZOWIE. |
| ViewSonic XG2431 | A 24-inch 1080p 240Hz IPS display with FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC compatibility, HDR400, and adjustable ergonomics, according to ViewSonic. | You want a lower refresh-rate ceiling and a potentially better-value option for a system that does not sustain 360–390 FPS. Verify current regional availability on ViewSonic’s product page. |
| Newer 500Hz-plus displays | ASUS’s current US listings include 540Hz 1080p, a 610Hz-overclocked 24.1-inch Full HD Super TN model, and 480Hz 1440p OLED models. | Compare the exact model, price, and panel trade-offs if you can sustain very high frame rates or want higher resolution. ASUS’s US listings do not mean every model is available or suitable in every region. |
| 1440p/240Hz or OLED monitor | Higher resolution or a different display technology for mixed gaming, work, and media use; performance and features depend on the exact model. | You want a more versatile image-quality-first display rather than a narrowly focused 1080p esports monitor. |
None of these alternatives is automatically better for every player. A 540Hz TN display may be preferable for a player seeking a higher ceiling, while the Acer’s IPS panel offers wider viewing angles. A 240Hz IPS model makes more sense when the PC cannot consistently take advantage of the Acer’s higher rates.
Should you buy the Acer Nitro XV252Q F?
It makes sense if
- You play competitive PC games at 1080p and can sustain very high frame rates.
- You value motion handling and IPS viewing angles more than resolution or HDR.
- You will use DisplayPort and have confirmed the exact 390Hz-capable SKU.
- You can buy it substantially below newer 380Hz–540Hz competitors.
Look elsewhere if
- You want a single monitor for productivity, cinematic games, and media as well as esports.
- You prioritize 1440p or 4K detail, OLED contrast, or genuinely strong HDR.
- Your PC generally runs games below 240 FPS, or you need proven console VRR.
- You need USB ports, USB-C, KVM, or other modern connectivity features.
- The seller cannot verify the model suffix, condition, or applicable warranty.
Availability and price are the deciding factors. RTINGS describes the monitor as difficult to find, and Acer’s regional listings do not establish one worldwide price or warranty. Treat any price as local to the seller’s country, date, condition, and warranty—not as a universal benchmark. A Singapore promotional listing, for example, is not a US price comparison.
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