MSI G27CQ4 E2 Review: A Curved Gaming Monitor for eSports Enthusiasts

The MSI G27CQ4 E2 eSports Curved Gaming Monitor is a 27-inch WQHD (2560 x 1440) VA panel monitor designed to deliver an immersive and responsive gaming experience. It boasts a 170Hz refresh rate, 1ms (MPRT) response time, and a wide color gamut, making it a compelling choice for competitive gamers and eSports enthusiasts. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the features, performance, and overall value proposition of the MSI G27CQ4 E2.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Features
• Performance
• Pros & Cons
• Final Verdict

Introduction

The MSI G27CQ4 E2 is an attractive option for gamers seeking a balance between performance and affordability. Its curved design and 170Hz refresh rate provide a truly immersive and smooth gaming experience, while the 1ms response time ensures minimal motion blur and ghosting. However, it’s important to consider the limitations of VA panels in terms of viewing angles and response times, as well as the absence of HDR support.

Features

The MSI G27CQ4 E2 is packed with features designed to elevate your gaming experience:

• 27-inch WQHD (2560 x 1440) VA Panel: The curved VA panel delivers sharp visuals with a 1500R curvature for a more immersive experience. The WQHD resolution offers significantly more screen real estate than 1080p, resulting in a clearer and more detailed picture.
• 170Hz Refresh Rate: The high refresh rate ensures smooth and fluid gameplay, especially in fast-paced titles, reducing screen tearing and providing a competitive edge.
• 1ms (MPRT) Response Time: The fast response time minimizes motion blur and ghosting, resulting in clearer and sharper visuals, particularly during rapid movements.
• Wide Color Gamut: The monitor covers 91% of the DCI-P3 color space and 114% of the sRGB color space, delivering vivid and accurate colors for a more immersive and enjoyable visual experience.
• 1.07B Colors: With a wide color gamut, the G27CQ4 E2 offers a greater depth of color, resulting in smoother gradients and more lifelike images.
• Connectivity Options: The G27CQ4 E2 features a comprehensive range of ports, including 1x DP 1.2a, 2x HDMI 2.0b, and an earphone out, ensuring compatibility with various gaming devices and peripherals.
• Adjustable Stand: The stand provides tilt adjustment (-5° to 20°) for optimal viewing angles.

Performance

In our hands-on testing, the MSI G27CQ4 E2 performed admirably, delivering a smooth and responsive gaming experience. The 170Hz refresh rate was particularly impressive, as it resulted in extremely fluid and tear-free gameplay in fast-paced titles like Valorant and CS:GO. The 1ms response time also made a noticeable difference, reducing motion blur and ghosting, contributing to clearer and more accurate visuals.

While the VA panel delivers good contrast and black levels, it’s worth noting that it does suffer from some viewing angle limitations. Colors and contrast can appear washed out when viewed from extreme angles. Also, the response time is achieved through Motion Picture Response Time (MPRT) technology, which can create a flicker effect, particularly noticeable in darker scenes. This can potentially lead to eye strain for some users.

The G27CQ4 E2 lacks HDR support, which is becoming increasingly common in gaming monitors. This is a significant drawback for those seeking the ultimate visual fidelity and immersive experience. The absence of HDR will limit the dynamic range of the display, resulting in less realistic and vibrant images in games that support HDR.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Immersive curved design
• High 170Hz refresh rate for smooth gameplay
• Fast 1ms response time reduces motion blur
• Wide color gamut for vibrant visuals
• Multiple connectivity options
• Adjustable stand for comfortable viewing
• Affordable price point

Cons

• Viewing angles can be limited with VA panels
• 1ms response time achieved through MPRT, which can cause flickering
• No HDR support
• Flicker effect can be noticeable in darker scenes

Final Verdict

The MSI G27CQ4 E2 is a solid choice for gamers seeking an immersive and responsive gaming experience at an affordable price. Its high refresh rate, fast response time, and curved design provide a significant competitive edge in fast-paced titles. However, the absence of HDR support and the limitations of VA panels, particularly in terms of viewing angles, are significant drawbacks to consider. If these factors are not major concerns, then the MSI G27CQ4 E2 is a worthy contender in the mid-range gaming monitor market.

Specifications