Is the ASUS ProArt Display PA279CRV the Perfect Monitor for Digital Creatives?

Is the ASUS ProArt Display PA279CRV the Perfect Monitor for Digital Creatives?

I've taken it upon myself to explore if the ASUS ProArt Display PA279CRV stands up to the hype, and if it will handle the demands we need for these types of creative fields.

Are you diving into the world of 3D animation, game development, digital graphics, and looking for a 27inch 4K monitor for your home setup? I've taken it upon myself to explore if the ASUS ProArt Display PA279CRV stands up to the hype, and if it will handle the demands we need for these types of creative fields. Let's find out together if this is the tool that will transform your creative workflow!

Specifications at a Glance

Before we dive into the full review, here's a quick overview for those of you who appreciate the importance of good specifications. This 27-inch monitor boasts a 4K UHD resolution and exceptional colour fidelity with 99% DCI-P3 and Adobe RGB coverage. It's Calman Verified to ensure true-to-life colour accuracy with a Delta E < 2. With USB-C that supports 96W power delivery, and ergonomic adjustments for tilt, swivel, pivot, and height, this monitor is designed to be a versatile workstation for creative professionals.

Unpacking the ProArt

The moment the ASUS ProArt PA279CRV arrived at my doorstep, I must admit there was a sense of excitement and anticipation. Unboxing a new piece of tech is always a thrill, but as a creative professional, finding the right tools can feel like a quest for the Holy Grail.

As expected, the monitor was packed with care, nestled securely amidst sleek, environmentally friendly moulds. The design of the monitor itself was minimalist and professional—no garish logos or unnecessary frills, just clean lines and a promise of performance.

I was impressed to see the packaging using 80% recycled cardboard. It's clear ASUS has made a very conscious decision to minimise weight and volume with the entire package which is a very nice touch.

Setting Up the Stage

Setting it up was surprisingly hassle-free. The arm and stand attached with a satisfying click—a small but pleasing detail that suggested sturdiness and precision. Connecting it to my computer was straightforward, thanks to the clearly labeled ports. You have all the standard options required for high-performance these days. I opted for USB-C to handle super fast data transfers and power connectivity via a single cable.

Once powered up, the monitor’s display lit up my workspace with vibrant colours, the sharpness of the 4K (3840 x 2160) LED backlight HDR display made my mundane desktop look surprisingly impressive.

First Use—A Colourful Revelation

I opened a project I was working on in Adobe Premiere Pro to test the colours and brightness. The monitor handled gradients and shadows with subtlety, displaying a depth of colour that was both accurate and intense. When I switched to Photoshop, the monitor's Adobe RGB coverage really stood out.

Now, if you're like me, Adobe RGB might not seem like a daily concern, but here's why it matters: This colour space allows you to see a wider range of colours more accurately.

This is especially important for projects that will be printed or used in professional settings to create Visual Effects, Animation, Games, Video Editing and similar high quality content. Essentially, it ensures the reds are truly red, the blues are deeply blue, and every colour in between is just as you intend. For anyone serious about their editing work, having true Adobe RGB coverage can make all the difference in achieving that perfect shot or design.

A nice feature that many other monitors can't compete with is the 178° wide-view IPS panel on this monitor. Essentially, this means you can see the display clearly from nearly any angle without the colours washing out or the image distorting, which is super practical whether you're collaborating with someone or just moving around your workspace.

Pushing Boundaries with 3D

The ASUS ProArt PA279CRV proves its worth again when tested with ZBrush, a tool cherished by digital sculptors for its intense demand on display capabilities. The monitor's precise colour accuracy allowed for me to have an exceptionally detailed view of my recent sculpt, highlighting subtle textures and shades that I wasn't seeing as clearly on my other monitor.

Coding with Clarity

Even though this product is targeted to visual creatives, I decided to test the ASUS ProArt PA279CRV in a coding environment, flipping the display into portrait mode. The result was nothing short of stunning. The crispness of the text made reading code super easy and I have experienced any eye strain so far.

The ability to rotate the screen added a new level of efficiency to my workspace, allowing me to see more lines of code at once without scrolling. This feature is a significant plus for any developer looking for a versatile monitor that can adapt to different tasks.

Power and Connectivity

One of the clever features that caught me by surprise, was the convenience of the 96-watt power delivery that comes with using the USB-C cable. I've never had a monitor with this before, and now I'm hooked.

What this means is that you not only get all the fast data transfers associated with USB-C, but you can charge your laptop and other devices directly from the monitor.

For my setup, I already had my laptop connected to a mains outlet, so I took advantage of the conveniently placed USB 3.2 hub to charge my iPhone which now lives right on my desk.

Daisy-Chaining for a Dual Setup

I was already using a different brand monitor when I added the ASUS ProArt PA279CRV to my setup, and daisy-chaining it was surprisingly easy. The transition not only transformed my workspace by extending my desktop seamlessly but also kept it uncluttered, thanks to fewer cables.

Honestly, having two or three of these ProArt displays would make any desk look incredible, both in terms of style, functionality, and also for making friends jealous.

Final Verdict

The ASUS ProArt Display PA279CRV was a delightful surprise, broadening my perspective on what a creative professional's monitor can deliver. Having not used an ASUS monitor before, I didn't know what to expect, but they really delivered an incredible product, giving those other high-end brands a run for their money with this model.

Pros

  • Exceptional colour accuracy and gamut coverage
  • Sleek, professional design
  • Impressive 4K UHD resolution
  • Practical daisy-chaining for multi-monitor setups
  • USB 3.2 hub with easy access from front
  • 96-Watts of power delivery for laptops and devices (Apple Compatible)
  • Bonus points for green sustainability and packaging
  • Absolute value for money

Cons

  • No satisfying screen protector to peel when unboxing, but can appreciate the conscious environmental decision 😉
  • Basic HDR Certification
  • Confusing Power (on/off) button and Display (on/off) buttons*

*Makes complete sense, but caught me out for a while.

Would I recommend buying it? Absolutely. For those in creative fields, investing in a quality monitor like the ASUS ProArt can significantly enhance your work quality. You won't be disappointed with this solid investment.

Overall Score: Given its robust features and performance, I’m pleased to give the ASUS ProArt Display PA279CRV a score of 4.7 out of 5.


Make sure to follow the ProArt Instagram channel to get all the latest updates and product announcements. You won't be disappointed.