MSI Optix MPG27CQ Review: 1440p 2k 144Hz FreeSync Curved Gaming Monitor

Model

Mag27cq

Brand

Msi

Screen Size 27-inch Screen Curvature 1800R Resolution 2560×1440 (WQHD) Panel Type VA Aspect Ratio 16:9 (Widescreen) Refresh Rate 144Hz Response Time 4ms (GtG) Motion Blur Reduction 1ms (MPRT) Adaptive Sync FreeSync (48Hz-144Hz) Ports DisplayPort 1.2a, 2x HDMI 2.0 Other Ports 2x USB 3.1, Microphone & Headphone Jacks Brightness 400 cd/m2 Contrast Ratio 3000:1 (static) Features msi optix mpg27cq rgb To access the OSD (On-Screen Display), you can use the joystick placed at the rear of the monitor. Alternatively, you can use MSI’s desktop application or even an Android application on your smartphone called ‘MSI Remote Display App’. The OSD menu is very user-friendly and straightforward, with numerous features available. While not in the menu, you can flick the joystick upwards to enter the Game Mode presets, which include Racing, FPS, RTS, RPG, and User [Default]. Pressing it downwards opens up ‘Screen Assistance,’ which consists of customizable crosshair overlays. If you press the joystick to the left, you can set an alarm clock while pressing it to the right allows you to change the input source. Other gaming features include ‘Black Tuner’ for better visibility in darker games, ‘Zero Latency’ for lower input lag, and ‘Refresh Rate,’ which allow you to place an on-screen FPS (Frames Per Second) counter. You will also find ‘Response Time’ setting with Normal, Fast, and Fastest options. The ‘Fastest’ mode actually enables Anti Motion Blur. Setting it to ‘Fast’ barely increases the response time speed as ghosting is clearly visible. For the best results in fast-paced games, you will need to use Anti Motion Blur. AMD FreeSync amd freesync logo The MSI Optix MPG27CQ curved gaming monitor supports AMD FreeSync variable refresh rate for those with compatible graphics cards. FreeSync synchronizes the monitor’s refresh rate with the GPU’s frame rate and, consequently, removes all screen tearing and stuttering within the dynamic refresh rate range. The MSI Optix MPG27CQ FreeSync range is 48-144Hz/FPS meaning that it also supports LFC (Low Framerate Compensation). FreeSync also works when using a compatible NVIDIA G-SYNC graphics card. However, some units are affected by the brightness flickering issue when FreeSync/G-SYNC is enabled. This only affects some units of the monitor, and the brightness flickering is mostly present below 48FPS and/or when your FPS fluctuates a lot. Sadly, this problem affects a lot of monitors based on Samsung’s VA panels, and, hopefully, a GPU driver update will fix it at some point. RGB Lighting Unlike most monitors with RGB lighting, SteelSeries’ GameSense RGB lighting of the MSI Optix MPG27CQ enhances your gameplay experience with more than just glowing colors. In compatible games, it allows you to assign the five RGB panels at the bottom bezel to depict your HP, ammo, cooldowns, killing blows, and similar values. If your favorite games don’t support the SteelSeries Engine, you will still be able to synchronize the RGB LEDs to the rest of your MSI compatible gear and to customize the lighting at the front and at the back of the monitor. Unfortunately, there aren’t many games that support it, but this will hopefully change in time. Supported popular games include CS: GO and DotA 2. Design & Connectivity msi optix mpg27cq amazon The MSI Optix MPG27CQ 144Hz gaming monitor has a 1800R curvature, which isn’t particularly noticeable on a 27″ screen, but it does add to the viewing immersion. Moving on, the monitor has a versatile design with up to 120mm height adjustment, -5°/20° tilt, -/+ 45° swivel, and 100 x 100mm VESA mount pattern, but there’s no pivot function. Connectivity includes DisplayPort 1.2a, two HDMI 2.0 ports, a dual-USB 3.1 hub, audio line-out and microphone line-in ports, and a combined audio jack. For 2560×1440 at 144Hz and FreeSync, you can use all three display connectors. The monitor also has an anti-glare coating and ultra-thin bezels, ideal for multi-monitor gaming setups. Conclusion The MSI Optix MPG27CQ is definitely one of the more interesting 27″ 1440p 144Hz gaming models. You’re going to absolutely love it, Image quality and performance are superb. Thanks to its wide color gamut, high contrast, and a curved screen, the monitor provides an immersive and enjoyable viewing experience.