MSI G27CQ4P E2 27″ WQHD Curved Gaming Monitor Review – 170Hz Refresh Rate

MSI G27CQ4P E2 27″ WQHD Curved Gaming Monitor Review – 170Hz Refresh Rate

Table of Contents

Introduction

The MSI G27CQ4P E2 is a 27-inch curved gaming monitor designed to elevate your gaming experience with its immersive 1500R curvature, vibrant WQHD resolution, and blazing-fast 170Hz refresh rate. This monitor promises a smooth and responsive gameplay experience, making it an attractive option for gamers seeking a competitive edge. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the features, performance, and overall value of the MSI G27CQ4P E2 to see if it lives up to its hype.

Features

The MSI G27CQ4P E2 boasts a compelling array of features that aim to enhance your gaming experience. Here’s a rundown of its key features:

Specification Value
PANEL SIZE 27″
ACTIVE DISPLAY AREA (MM) 596.736(H) x 335.664(V)
CURVATURE 1500R
PANEL TYPE VA
PANEL RESOLUTION 2560 x 1440 (WQHD)
PIXEL PITCH (H X V) 0.2331 (W) x 0. 2331 (H)
ASPECT RATIO 16:9
BRIGHTNESS (NITS) 250
CONTRAST RATIO 3000:1
DCR 100000000:1
SIGNAL FREQUENCY 90.9~251.1 KHz(H) / 48~170 Hz(V)
REFRESH RATE 170 Hz
RESPONSE TIME 1ms(MPRT)
DYNAMIC REFRESH RATE TECHNOLOGY Adaptive sync
VIDEO PORTS 2x HDMI™ (Supports 2560x1440P@144Hz as specified in HDMI™ 2.0b), 1x DP (Supports 2560x1440P@170Hz as specified in DisplayPort 1.2a by DP Overclocking)
AUDIO PORTS 1x Earphone out
VIEWING ANGLE 178°(H)/178°(V)
ADOBE RGB / DCI-P3 / SRGB 89% / 91% / 114%
SURFACE TREATMENT Anti-glare
DISPLAY COLORS 1.07B(8 bits + FRC)
POWER TYPE External Adaptor
POWER INPUT 20V 3.25A
ADJUSTMENT (TILT) -5° ~ 20°
ADJUSTMENT (HEIGHT) 0 ~130 mm
KENSINGTON LOCK Yes
DIMENSION (W X D X H) 611.5 x 266.5 x 449.1 mm
CONSOLE MODE 611.5 x 75.9 x 372.8 mm (without stand)
FRAMELESS DESIGN Yes
VESA MOUNTING 100 x 100 mm
WEIGHT (NW / GW) 4.8 kg / 6.5 kg
NOTE Display Port: 2560×1440 (Up to 170Hz), HDMI™2.0: 2560×1440 (Up to 144Hz), *sRGB and DCI-P3 follow CIE1976 standard

Performance

The MSI G27CQ4P E2 delivers a smooth and responsive gaming experience thanks to its high refresh rate and low response time. The 170Hz refresh rate effectively minimizes screen tearing and stuttering, resulting in fluid and seamless gameplay, especially in fast-paced action games. The 1ms response time (MPRT) ensures quick and accurate image transitions, reducing motion blur and enhancing visual clarity during gameplay. The monitor’s 1500R curvature creates an immersive viewing experience that draws you into the action.

However, the monitor’s VA panel technology has its limitations. While offering good contrast and deep blacks, it can struggle with viewing angles compared to IPS panels. Viewing the screen from extreme angles may result in some color shift and reduced image quality. While the color reproduction is decent, with an 89% Adobe RGB and 91% DCI-P3 coverage, it might not appeal to professional content creators who demand high color accuracy. The 250 nits brightness is adequate for indoor use but might fall short in brightly lit environments.

Pros & Cons

Here’s a summary of the pros and cons of the MSI G27CQ4P E2:

Pros:

  • Fast 170Hz refresh rate for smooth gameplay
  • Low 1ms response time (MPRT) for reduced motion blur
  • Immersive 1500R curvature for enhanced viewing experience
  • Good contrast ratio for deep blacks
  • Wide viewing angles
  • Adaptive sync support for tear-free gaming

Cons:

  • VA panel technology may result in some color shift at extreme angles
  • Color accuracy might not be ideal for professional content creators
  • Brightness could be higher for brighter environments

Final Verdict

The MSI G27CQ4P E2 offers a compelling combination of speed and immersion, making it a solid choice for gamers who prioritize smooth and responsive gameplay. Its 170Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and 1500R curvature deliver a truly immersive experience, especially for fast-paced games. However, the VA panel technology’s limitations in terms of viewing angles and color accuracy may not appeal to all users, particularly professional content creators. If you’re primarily looking for a gaming monitor that delivers a fluid and engaging experience, the MSI G27CQ4P E2 is worth considering. But if you need the best color accuracy and viewing angles, you might want to explore other options with IPS panels.