MSI MAG 274QRFW Gaming Monitor Review: A 180Hz WQHD Beast
MSI MAG 274QRFW Gaming Monitor Review: A 180Hz WQHD Beast
For gamers seeking a visually immersive and responsive gaming experience, the MSI MAG 274QRFW Gaming Monitor stands as a compelling contender. This 27-inch WQHD monitor boasts a rapid 180Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and AMD FreeSync technology, promising smooth and tear-free gameplay. In this comprehensive review, we dive deep into its features, performance, and overall value to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your gaming setup.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The MSI MAG 274QRFW is designed to cater to competitive gamers who prioritize high refresh rates and responsiveness. It’s a well-rounded monitor that offers a balance between visual quality and performance. Its WQHD resolution provides a crisp and detailed image, while the rapid 180Hz refresh rate ensures smooth and fluid gameplay, particularly in fast-paced titles. The inclusion of AMD FreeSync technology further enhances the experience by eliminating screen tearing and stuttering.
Key Features
The MSI MAG 274QRFW packs a punch with a range of features geared towards delivering a superior gaming experience.
- Rapid IPS Panel: The monitor utilizes a Rapid IPS panel, renowned for its fast response times and wide viewing angles, ensuring vibrant colors and clear images from any position.
- 180Hz Refresh Rate: The high refresh rate of 180Hz delivers incredibly smooth and fluid gameplay, allowing you to react faster and stay ahead of the competition.
- 1ms Response Time: The 1ms response time (GtG) virtually eliminates ghosting and motion blur, delivering sharp and crisp visuals, especially during fast-paced action sequences.
- AMD FreeSync Technology: The AMD FreeSync technology synchronizes the monitor’s refresh rate with your graphics card’s output, eliminating screen tearing and stuttering for a seamless gaming experience.
- WQHD Resolution: With a WQHD resolution of 2560 x 1440, the MSI MAG 274QRFW offers a significant increase in detail and clarity compared to 1080p, enhancing the overall visual fidelity of your games.
- 1.07 Billion Colors: The monitor supports a wide color gamut with 1.07 billion colors, resulting in a vibrant and rich color palette that brings your games to life.
- VESA DisplayHDR 400: The VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification ensures a noticeable improvement in contrast and brightness, delivering a more immersive viewing experience with enhanced detail and depth.
- Versatile Connectivity: The MAG 274QRFW offers a comprehensive array of connectivity options, including DisplayPort, HDMI, and a headphone jack, providing flexibility for various setups.
- Ergonomic Design: The monitor includes adjustable tilt, swivel, pivot, and height settings, allowing you to customize its position for optimal comfort and viewing angles.
Performance
The MSI MAG 274QRFW delivers outstanding performance in all aspects of gaming. The 180Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time create a truly responsive experience, making a noticeable difference in fast-paced games like FPS shooters and racing simulators. The smooth and tear-free gameplay, thanks to AMD FreeSync, further enhances the enjoyment of these titles.
The WQHD resolution provides a sharp and detailed image that allows you to appreciate the intricate details of game environments and character models. The 1.07 billion colors ensure a vibrant and immersive visual experience. While the VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification doesn’t offer the same level of detail as higher HDR certifications, it still provides a noticeable improvement in contrast and brightness, enhancing the overall visual quality.
During our testing, we observed minimal ghosting and motion blur, even in fast-paced action sequences. The color accuracy was excellent, and the overall image quality was impressive. The monitor also handled demanding games without any noticeable lag or stuttering.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Fast 180Hz refresh rate for incredibly smooth gameplay.
- 1ms response time for sharp visuals and reduced motion blur.
- AMD FreeSync for tear-free and stutter-free gaming.
- WQHD resolution for a crisp and detailed image.
- Wide color gamut with 1.07 billion colors for a vibrant and immersive experience.
- VESA DisplayHDR 400 for improved contrast and brightness.
- Ergonomic design with adjustable tilt, swivel, pivot, and height.
- Versatile connectivity options for a range of setups.
Cons:
- The VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification might not offer the same level of detail as higher HDR certifications.
- The price point might be considered high by some users.
Final Verdict
The MSI MAG 274QRFW Gaming Monitor is a fantastic choice for gamers seeking a high-performance monitor with a rapid refresh rate, fast response time, and excellent image quality. It’s particularly well-suited for competitive gamers who prioritize smooth and responsive gameplay. The WQHD resolution and vibrant color palette enhance the overall visual experience, making it enjoyable for both gaming and general use. While the price might be a consideration for some, the overall value and performance make the MSI MAG 274QRFW a highly recommended option for serious gamers.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Panel Size | 27″ (69 cm) |
| Active Display Area (mm) | 596.736 (H) x 335.664 (V) |
| Curvature | Flat |
| Panel Type | Rapid IPS |
| Panel Resolution | 2560 x 1440 (WQHD) |
| Pixel Pitch (H x V) | 0.2331 (H) x 0.2331 (V) |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Brightness (nits) | 400 (Typ.) |
| Contrast Ratio | 1000:1 (Typ.) |
| DCR | 100000000:1 |
| Signal Frequency | 64.56~266.4 KHz (H) / 48~180 Hz (V) |
| Activated Range | 48~180 Hz |
| Refresh Rate | 180 Hz |
| Response Time | 1ms (GTG) |
| Dynamic Refresh Rate Technology | AMD FreeSync™ |
| HDR Support | VESA DisplayHDR 400 |
| Video Ports | 1 x DisplayPort (1.4a), 2 x HDMI™ (2.0b) |
| Audio Ports | 1 x Headphone Out |
| Viewing Angle | 178° (H) / 178° (V) |
| Adobe RGB / DCI-P3 / sRGB | 93% / 95% / 123% |
| Surface Treatment | Anti-glare |
| Display Colors | 1.07B, 10 bits (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 |
| Dimension (W x D x H) | TBD |
| Frameless Design | Yes |
| PIP / PBP Function | Yes |
| VESA Mounting | 75 x 75 mm |
| Weight (NW / GW) | TBD |
| Note | Display Port: 2560 x 1440 (Up to 180Hz), HDMI™: 2560 x 1440 (Up to 144Hz) |
| Additional Note | Adobe RGB, DCI-P3 and sRGB follow CIE1976 Standard |
