MSI G274QRFW Gaming Monitor Review: 27″ WQHD 170Hz Rapid IPS Display

MSI G274QRFW Gaming Monitor Review: 27″ WQHD 170Hz Rapid IPS Display

Table of Contents

Introduction

The MSI G274QRFW is a 27-inch gaming monitor designed for serious gamers and enthusiasts who demand a truly immersive visual experience. Boasting a WQHD (2560×1440) Rapid IPS panel, a rapid 170Hz refresh rate, and a lightning-fast 1ms response time, this monitor promises to deliver crisp, vibrant visuals and incredibly smooth gameplay. With G-Sync compatibility and AMD FreeSync Premium support, tearing and stuttering are eliminated, providing a seamless visual experience. I’ve spent a considerable amount of time testing this monitor, playing a variety of games, and pushing its limits. Read on for my in-depth review of the MSI G274QRFW.

Key Features

The MSI G274QRFW is packed with features that cater to gamers’ needs. Let’s delve into some of its key highlights:

  • WQHD Resolution (2560×1440): Offers a significant upgrade over Full HD, providing sharper details and a more immersive gaming experience.
  • Rapid IPS Panel: Provides excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles, ensuring a consistent picture quality from any position.
  • 170Hz Refresh Rate: Enables smooth, lag-free gameplay, especially in fast-paced action games, making it perfect for competitive gaming.
  • 1ms Response Time: Minimizes motion blur and ghosting, ensuring crisp visuals and a more responsive gaming experience.
  • G-Sync Compatible: Eliminates screen tearing and stuttering, ensuring a seamless and fluid gaming experience when paired with compatible NVIDIA graphics cards.
  • AMD FreeSync Premium: Similar to G-Sync, this technology eliminates screen tearing and stuttering when paired with compatible AMD graphics cards.
  • Extensive Connectivity: Offers multiple input options, including 2x HDMI, 1x DP, and 1x Earphone out, for versatile connection to gaming PCs and consoles.

Performance

The MSI G274QRFW delivers a stellar performance that truly elevates the gaming experience.

  • Picture Quality: The Rapid IPS panel provides incredibly vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, showcasing every detail in games with breathtaking clarity. The anti-glare surface coating ensures a comfortable viewing experience, reducing reflections and glare.
  • Smooth Gameplay: The 170Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time combine to deliver a remarkably smooth and responsive gaming experience, even in demanding games with fast-paced action. I tested it with games like “Cyberpunk 2077,” “Destiny 2,” and “Apex Legends,” and I was consistently impressed with the smoothness and responsiveness of the gameplay. The combination of high refresh rate and low response time effectively minimizes motion blur, resulting in a more immersive and enjoyable gaming experience.
  • Variable Refresh Rate Technology: The G-Sync compatibility and AMD FreeSync Premium support are truly game-changers. I noticed a significant reduction in screen tearing and stuttering, even in high-action scenes, contributing to a much smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience.
  • Console Gaming: While primarily designed for PC gaming, the MSI G274QRFW performs exceptionally well with consoles. The 2K resolution and high refresh rate elevate the visual experience on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, offering a more immersive gaming experience compared to traditional 1080p monitors.

Pros & Cons

Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of the MSI G274QRFW:

Pros

  • Excellent picture quality with vibrant colors and deep blacks.
  • Smooth and responsive gameplay thanks to the high refresh rate and fast response time.
  • Effective tear-free and stutter-free gaming with G-Sync compatibility and AMD FreeSync Premium support.
  • Versatile connectivity options with multiple input ports.
  • Adjustable stand for ergonomic positioning.
  • Stylish design with a clean and minimalist aesthetic.

Cons

  • The stand doesn’t offer swivel functionality.
  • The price point may be a bit high compared to some other WQHD gaming monitors.

Final Verdict

The MSI G274QRFW is a top-tier gaming monitor that delivers a truly immersive and captivating gaming experience. Its combination of WQHD resolution, high refresh rate, fast response time, and variable refresh rate technology makes it a standout performer. Whether you’re a competitive gamer or simply enjoy playing games in high fidelity, the MSI G274QRFW is a fantastic choice. However, its lack of swivel functionality and price point may be deal-breakers for some.

Overall, the MSI G274QRFW is a phenomenal gaming monitor that provides a truly immersive and visually stunning experience. If you’re serious about gaming and want the best possible visuals, the MSI G274QRFW is definitely worth considering.

Specifications

Panel Size 27″ (69cm)
Active Display Area (MM) 597.6 (H) x 336.15 (V)
Curvature Flat
Panel Type Rapid IPS
Panel Resolution 2560×1440 (WQHD)
Pixel Pitch (H x V) 0.2331(H) x 0.2331(V)
Aspect Ratio 16:9
Brightness (Nits) 300
Contrast Ratio 1000:1
DCR (Dynamic Contrast Ratio) 100000000:1
Signal Frequency 90.9~242.4 KHz(H) / 48~170 Hz(V)
Activated Range 48 to 170Hz
Refresh Rate 170Hz
Response Time 1ms
Dynamic Refresh Rate Technology G-Sync Compatible, AMD FreeSync Premium
Video Ports 2x HDMI™ (Supports WQHD@144Hz), 1x DP (Supports WQHD@170Hz), 1x Earphone out
Viewing Angle 178° (H) / 178° (V)
Adobe RGB / DCI-P3 / SRGB 88% / 90% / 125%
Surface Treatment Anti-glare
Display Colors 1.07B (8 bits + FRC)
Power Type External Adaptor 19V 2.58A
Power Input 100~240V, 50/60Hz
Adjustment (Tilt) -5° ~ 20°
Adjustment (Swivel) -45° ~ 45°
Adjustment (Pivot) -90° ~ 90°
Adjustment (Height) 0 ~ 130mm
Kensington Lock Yes
Control 5-way OSD navigation joystick
Dimension (W x D x H) 613.5 x 196.86 x 532.08 mm / 613.5 x 69.74 x 362.46 mm (without stand)
Carton Dimension (W x D x H) WW carton: 812 x 142 x 499 mm / Outer: 827 x 155 x 523 mm
Console Mode 2K Resolution PS5™ Optimization
Frameless Design Yes
PIP / PBP Function Yes
VESA Mounting 75 x 75 mm
Weight (NW / GW) 6kg / 8.1 kg (Without Stand: 3.95 kg)
Display Port Resolution 2560 x 1440 (Up to 170Hz by DP overclocking)
HDMI Resolution 2560 x 1440 (Up to 144Hz)
Note Adobe RGB, DCI-P3, and sRGB follow CIE1976 Standard