MSI G244F eSports Gaming Monitor Review: 170Hz Rapid IPS, FreeSync Premium | Tech Reviews

MSI G244F eSports Gaming Monitor Review: 170Hz Rapid IPS, FreeSync Premium

Table of Contents:

Introduction

The MSI G244F eSports Gaming Monitor is a 24-inch FHD display designed for competitive gamers. It boasts a 170Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and AMD FreeSync Premium technology, promising a smooth and responsive gaming experience. I’ve had the opportunity to put this monitor through its paces, and in this review, I’ll share my thoughts on its performance, features, and overall value.

Features

The G244F comes packed with features that cater to gamers:

  • Rapid IPS Panel: MSI’s Rapid IPS panel technology offers fast response times and vibrant colors, making it ideal for fast-paced games.
  • 170Hz Refresh Rate: The high refresh rate delivers smooth visuals, reducing motion blur and making it easier to track fast-moving objects.
  • 1ms Response Time: The 1ms response time (GtG) ensures minimal input lag, allowing for quick reactions in competitive games.
  • AMD FreeSync Premium: FreeSync Premium eliminates screen tearing and stuttering, resulting in a smoother and more immersive gaming experience.
  • Frameless Design: The G244F’s frameless design minimizes distractions and allows for a more immersive gaming experience, especially when using multiple monitors.
  • Adjustable Stand: The stand offers tilt adjustments for optimal viewing comfort.
  • Multiple Ports: Two HDMI ports and a DisplayPort provide ample connectivity options for your gaming setup.

Performance

The G244F delivers excellent performance for gaming, making it a worthy contender for competitive gamers. I found the 170Hz refresh rate to be a significant improvement over standard 60Hz monitors, especially in fast-paced games like FPS and racing titles. The motion clarity is impressive, and I noticed a significant reduction in motion blur. The 1ms response time ensures that inputs are registered promptly, minimizing lag and enhancing responsiveness. The FreeSync Premium technology effectively eliminates screen tearing and stuttering, providing a smooth and fluid gaming experience.

However, the G244F’s color accuracy and contrast ratio could be better. While the colors are vibrant, they don’t quite reach the level of accuracy you might find on higher-end monitors. The contrast ratio is also average, which means blacks may not appear as deep as they could. Nevertheless, these shortcomings are not significant enough to detract from the G244F’s overall performance for gaming.

Pros & Cons

Here’s a breakdown of the G244F’s strengths and weaknesses:

Pros:

  • Fast 170Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals
  • 1ms response time for minimal input lag
  • AMD FreeSync Premium for tear-free gaming
  • Frameless design for a more immersive experience
  • Adjustable stand for optimal viewing comfort
  • Multiple ports for connectivity options

Cons:

  • Average color accuracy and contrast ratio
  • No built-in speakers

Final Verdict

The MSI G244F eSports Gaming Monitor is a solid option for gamers looking for a fast, responsive display at an affordable price. The 170Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and AMD FreeSync Premium technology deliver a smooth and immersive gaming experience. While the color accuracy and contrast ratio could be better, these shortcomings are not significant enough to detract from the G244F’s overall performance for gaming. If you’re seeking a monitor that prioritizes speed and responsiveness, the G244F is a worthy contender.

Specifications

Specification Value
Panel Size 23.8” (60cm)
Active Display Area (MM) 527.04(H) x 296.46(V)
Curvature Flat
Panel Type Rapid IPS
Panel Resolution 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Pixel Pitch (H X V) 0.2745(H) x 0.2745(V)
Aspect Ratio 16:9
Brightness (Nits) 250
Contrast Ratio 1000:1
DCR 100000000:1
Signal Frequency 56.8~186.8 KHz(H) / 48~170 Hz(V)
Activated Range 48~170Hz
Refresh Rate 170Hz
Response Time 1ms (GtG)
Dynamic Refresh Rate Technology FreeSync Premium
Video Ports 2x HDMI™ (Supports 1920x1080P@165Hz as specified in HDMI™ 2.0b)
Audio Ports 1x Earphone out
Viewing Angle 178° (H) / 178° (V)
Adobe RGB / DCI-P3 / SRGB 94.4%% / 92.05% / 122.88%
Surface Treatment Anti-glare
Display Colors 16.7M
Power Type External Adaptor
Power Input 12V 3A
Adjustment (Tilt) -5° ~ 20°
Kensington Lock Yes
Control 5-way OSD navigation joystick
Color Bit 8 Bits
Dimension (W X D X H) 541.9 x 231.9 x 424.3 mm
Carton Dimension (W X D X H) WW: 622 x 160 x 409
Console Mode Support FHD@120Hz
Frameless Design Yes
VESA Mounting 75 x 75 mm
Weight (NW / GW) 4.2kg / 5.6kg
Note Display Port: 1920 x 1080 (Up to 170Hz by DP overclocking)