Review: MSI’s Optix MAG272CQR boasts 165Hz refresh rate, QHD resolution
Source: Windows Central
MSI’s Optix lineup of gaming monitors has been padded with the 27-inch MAG272CQR, a FreeSync-enabled 1440p display with high refresh rate, low response time, and 1500R curve for increased immersion. It’s certainly a fine display, but in a market this saturated, does it stand out? I’ve been using the MAG272CQR for a couple weeks as my primary gaming monitor to see what it’s all about and, ultimately, whether or not it’s worth a buy.
27-Inch Curved Gaming Monitor
MSI Optix MAG272CQR
Pros
- Boosted 165Hz refresh rate
- AMD FreeSync compatibility
- Superb color and contrast
- Generous ports, including USB-C
- High build quality with RGB lighting
Cons
- Not actually an HDR display
- VA panel shows some ghosting
What I love about the MSI Optix MAG272CQR
Source: Windows Central
Category | Spec |
---|---|
Size | 27 inches |
Resolution | 2560×1440 (QHD) |
Panel type | VA, LCD Matte |
Curvature | 1500R |
Aspect ratio | 16:9 |
Refresh rate | 165Hz |
Response time | 1ms |
Contrast | 3,000:1 |
Colors | 1.07 billion 10-bit |
Brightness | Approx. 300 nits |
Ports | USB-C USB-B (Up) Two USB-A 3.2 (Down) Two HDMI 2.0 DisplayPort 1.2 3.5mm audio |
Free-Sync | Yes |
It all sits on a metal three-point base with a plastic upright portion. This leaves lots of space on your desk compared to a flat, square base, but it’s not as easy to stack atop a riser for a better viewing angle. Luckily, the upright portion allows for height adjustments, and it goes high enough where I can look straight on without bending my neck. There’s no adjustment for left and right swivel, and you can’t rotate the display around for portrait mode (makes sense due to the curve). There is the ability to tilt forward and back. It’s a sturdy base if a bit limited in its ergonomics. Included in the box are screws for a VESA mount.
On the back of the case is a row of RGB lighting, customizable through the MSI Gaming OSD software. There are a bunch of presets to choose from, and you can sync up the lighting with other compatible products, like a keyboard and mouse. Primary control over the monitor’s UI settings is handled by a single joystick, but there’s also a quick-access button on the lower left edge of the display that immediately opens the Gaming OSD app. It’s a more elegant way to adjust the picture and doesn’t require the joystick, though it’s going to pop you out of a game unlike the regular UI interface.
MSI’s Optix MAG272CQR offers an impressive picture with lively color and contrast straight out of the box.
Instead of the common 144Hz refresh rate, this monitor ups it to 165Hz (when using DisplayPort) for an even smoother picture. Combined with an advertised 1ms response time, these are some quality specs that make gaming a pleasure, especially for first-person shooters and racing sims with frantic action. This is a FreeSync monitor and does not natively support G-Sync, but I had no issues using a NVIDIA RTX 2060 GPU. The NVIDIA Control Panel allowed me to enable G-Sync manually, and I noticed no screen tearing during my time with the monitor.
There are some standard image tweaks available in the menu, allowing you to change the response time, enable night vision, and toggle an anti motion blur feature. These do interact with other features; for example, enabling motion blur reduction will impact FreeSync and response time. If you like sticking with recommended settings, there are multiple picture presets based on the type of game you’re playing.
What I dislike about the MSI Optix MAG272CQR
The MSI Optix MAG272CQR includes “HDR Ready” in its marketing, but marketing is about all it’s worth. True, it will recognize HDR content and you can hit the toggle switch in Windows settings, but you probably won’t want to. I never did get the “HDR” picture looking anything other than blown out and fuzzy. It also maxes out at about 300 nits brightness, which doesn’t meet the criteria for even HDR400. If you’re shopping for an HDR monitor, this isn’t it. In general, 300 nits doesn’t seem particularly high, but the matte finish on the display helped eliminate glare. Even gaming with a sunny window at my back, I was able to get a clear picture.
Should you buy MSI’s Optix MAG272CQR?
Source: Windows Central
So, should you buy this monitor? If you can live with a bit of ghosting and don’t actually want true HDR support, the Optix MAG272CQR is a winner for just about any gamer. The QHD resolution is a big step up from 1080p, but make sure your hardware can handle it — no sense buying a monitor your PC can’t max out. Likewise, if you’re looking for a display for professional work, you’re better off with something specialized.
It’s priced in line with a lot of the competition, and its high refresh rate and low response time make it cut out for competitive play. It’s built to a high standard, and it’s entirely comfortable acting as the centerpiece to your gaming setup.
27-Inch Curved Gaming Monitor
MSI Optix MAG272CQR
Impressive specs, competitive price
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