The catch
ASUS ProArt Display 27-inch USB-C
The PA278CFRV supplies 96 watts, above this model's 65-watt ceiling.
Side by side
ASUS PA278CV vs Dell U2724DE: ASUS suits a simpler 65W laptop setup, while Dell takes on more of the docking job
Quick verdict
Go with the U2724DE for 120Hz, Thunderbolt and a fuller desk hub. If 65W charging and 75Hz are sufficient for a simpler USB-C work setup, the PA278CV fits.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Detail should be compared at the actual screen size
PA278CV works out to about 108.8 pixels per inch, and U2724DE to 108.8 as well. Pixel densities are close enough that layout and connection needs separate them more strongly.
Where this comes from
Pixels per inch = √(width² + height²) / diagonal. Values used: 2560 × 1440 at 27 inches and 2560 × 1440 at 27 inches. Using published nominal diagonals makes them approximate.
The catch
Dell UltraSharp 27 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor
The native panel is QHD at up to 120Hz. Only a compatible host and cable let the Thunderbolt upstream carry video/data and up to 90W. Since the separate USB-C upstream is data only, HDMI/DP hosts also need their own video cable and the correct USB Selection. Auto KVM requires PBP Off, Auto Select On and Auto Select for Thunderbolt Yes. As for the USB Switch shortcut, it is PBP-only.
ASUS ProArt Display 27-inch USB-C
- Why pick it
- Run a laptop through simple USB-C
- Like the stand and controls on the ProArt
- The catch
- The PA278CFRV supplies 96 watts, above this model's 65-watt ceiling.
Dell UltraSharp 27 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor
- Why pick it
- Have peripherals that use Thunderbolt
- Require 120Hz motion plus 90W charging
- The catch
- The native panel is QHD at up to 120Hz. Only a compatible host and cable let the Thunderbolt upstream carry video/data and up to 90W. Since the separate USB-C upstream is data only, HDMI/DP hosts also need their own video cable and the correct USB Selection. Auto KVM requires PBP Off, Auto Select On and Auto Select for Thunderbolt Yes. As for the USB Switch shortcut, it is PBP-only.
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What this page compares
120Hz, Thunderbolt and a fuller desk hub point to the U2724DE. A simpler USB-C work setup where 65W charging and 75Hz are sufficient suits the PA278CV.
Resolution is the same whichever you choose
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
Run a laptop through simple USB-C
In PA278CV, QHD at 75 Hz comes with up to 65 W USB-C charging. The selected laptop and daily work have to fit within those limits.
- ASUS ProArt Display 27-inch USB-C
- Better fit
- Dell UltraSharp 27 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor
- Depends
Have peripherals that use Thunderbolt
A Thunderbolt-centered hub, KVM and 2.5 Gb Ethernet come with U2724DE. The same peripheral capabilities are not established by a USB-C connector alone.
- ASUS ProArt Display 27-inch USB-C
- Depends
- Dell UltraSharp 27 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor
- Better fit
Like the stand and controls on the ProArt
The ProArt control arrangement comes with PA278CV, along with a stand offering 150 mm of height adjustment. Confirm the resulting screen position and do not treat adjustment range as final height.
- ASUS ProArt Display 27-inch USB-C
- Better fit
- Dell UltraSharp 27 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor
- Depends
Require 120Hz motion plus 90W charging
Up to 90 W and 120 Hz at QHD are on offer from U2724DE. PA278CV stops at 65 W and 75 Hz, so it cannot meet either higher required ceiling.
- ASUS ProArt Display 27-inch USB-C
- Not suitable
- Dell UltraSharp 27 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor
- Better fit
In practice
Differences you will notice
Detail should be compared at the actual screen size
PA278CV works out to about 108.8 pixels per inch, and U2724DE to 108.8 as well. Pixel densities are close enough that layout and connection needs separate them more strongly.
How we worked this out
Pixels per inch = √(width² + height²) / diagonal. Values used: 2560 × 1440 at 27 inches and 2560 × 1440 at 27 inches. Using published nominal diagonals makes them approximate.
Keep native detail apart from game speed
Each frame on PA278CV is 3.7 million native pixels, and on U2724DE it is 3.7 million as well. The refresh ceilings are 75Hz and 120Hz respectively.
How we worked this out
Native pixels = width × height. Refresh interval =1000 / Hz, giving 13.3 and 8.3 ms. Measured frame rates, input lag and pixel response are not what these signal and cadence calculations show.
Charging headroom grows by 25W on Dell with no added pixels
At unchanged QHD resolution, U2724DE takes rated delivery from 65 to 90W and refresh from 75 to 120Hz.
How we worked this out
90 - 65 = 25W and 120 - 75 = 45Hz. Each panel has 2560 × 1440 pixels.
Option A
ASUS, PA278CV
ProArt Display 27-inch USB-C
Text stays comfortably sized on this QHD ProArt display, which supplies up to 65 watts over the same cable that carries video. With an adjustable stand and DisplayPort output, it suits a work desk that may grow.
- Best for
- Design and office work on a USB-C laptop with modest power needs
Facts we checked
- 27-inch IPS panel, 2560 by 1440 at 75Hz
- USB-C video with up to 65 watts, plus DisplayPort output
- 150 mm of height adjustment and a 615 by 228 mm stand footprint
Option B
Dell, U2724DE
UltraSharp 27 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor
The Dell U2724DE is a 27-inch native QHD monitor that runs up to 120Hz. A verified Thunderbolt host gets video, data and up to 90W through the proper upstream port, while the separate USB-C upstream carries data only. To use RJ45 you need upstream data, the driver and an Ethernet cable, and DP Alt High Resolution limits USB data to 480 Mbps.
- Best for
- A desk for a compatible Thunderbolt laptop that needs QHD video, conditional charging and wired networking
Facts we checked
- 27-inch IPS Black panel, 2560 by 1440 at 120Hz
- Thunderbolt 4, with power delivery of up to 90 watts
- DisplayPort output, plus 2.5GbE networking
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | ASUS ProArt Display 27-inch USB-C | Dell UltraSharp 27 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Native resolution | 2560 × 1440 | 2560 × 1440 | Usable logical workspace changes with operating-system scaling. |
| Panel diagonal | 27 in | 27 in | The measured active diagonal may differ slightly from a nominal screen class. |
| Maximum refresh | 75Hz | 120Hz | Look at the exact input, resolution and overclock conditions. |
| Panel technology | IPS | IPS Black | A measured color or motion winner is not established by panel type alone. |
| Laptop power | Up to 65W | Up to 90W | For the desired delivery, the host, cable and negotiated power profile all have to support it. |
| Chassis width | 615 mm | Check exact drawing | Leave additional room for cables, arms and neighboring equipment. |
| Stand depth | 228 mm | Check exact drawing | More desk depth can be taken by the included stand than by the display cabinet. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With ASUS ProArt Display 27-inch USB-C
- Whether DisplayPort daisy chaining works varies with the laptop and operating system, most of all on a Mac.
With Dell UltraSharp 27 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor
- Using RJ45 takes upstream data, the correct Realtek driver and an Ethernet cable that you buy separately. Because DP Alt High Resolution can limit USB data to 480 Mbps, full 2.5GbE throughput is not promised. More-than-90W laptops need a supply of their own. Check the off-mode charging settings, and the 612.24 mm width and 192.28 mm stand depth.
Decision guide
How to decide
The U2724DE is the answer for 120Hz, Thunderbolt and a fuller desk hub, and the PA278CV for a simpler USB-C work setup where 65W charging and 75Hz are sufficient.
Resolution is the same whichever you choose
Each panel is 27-inch QHD. Dell's extra capability goes into connectivity and refresh rate. The native image is no sharper.
The simpler setup may be ruled out by charging needs
Ceilings stand at 65W and 90W. Under load on the ASUS, a laptop that regularly needs more than 65W may drain its battery even while showing a charging symbol.
Several separate pieces may be replaced by the hub
A KVM and 2.5Gb Ethernet come with Dell's Thunderbolt. You benefit only if your computer, cables and network use them.
What this page can’t tell you
- Calculated from published specifications, pixel density and refresh intervals say nothing measured about visual quality or latency.
- Think of the USB-C power number as a ceiling reached by negotiation. Full-speed charging is not promised for every laptop.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the computer monitors we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
How many fit
This guide keeps all 50 models in play. The pick rests on the facts and trade-offs on this page.
50 models fit, out of 50 checkedThe gap in numbers
Dell UltraSharp 27 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor lists 120 Hz for top refresh rate, 60% more than the 75 Hz on ASUS ProArt Display 27-inch USB-C.
- ASUS ProArt Display 27-inch USB-C
- 75 Hz
- Dell UltraSharp 27 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor
- 120 Hz
- Models with this figure
- 44 of 50
Show the facts and the math
How we countedNo needs are preselected here. Open the matcher and add the ones that apply to your home, room or setup.
How we calculatedFigures use the fastest published refresh mode. Resolution, connection and color settings decide when you get that rate. For context, 44 of 50 models publish comparable figures.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS ProArt Display 27-inch USB-C | None of these needs is a documented match |
|
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| Dell UltraSharp 27 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor | None of these needs is a documented match |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
ASUS ProArt Display 27-inch USB-C
Run a laptop through simple USB-C
See price & reviews on AmazonDell UltraSharp 27 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor
Have peripherals that use Thunderbolt
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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