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 |