MSI, a relatively new player in the monitor space since 2016, has entered the market with the 27” MSI OPTIX MPG27CQ gaming monitor. With competitors like ASUS dominating the market for years, MSI’s 27” MSI OPTIX MPG27CQ Gaming Monitor, launched at CES 2018, aimed to make a mark.
The MSI OPTIX MPG27CQ is a 27-inch, 144Hz refresh rate, 1440p curved gaming monitor packed with features aimed at enhancing the gaming experience. With integrated SteelSeries Game Sense technology and RGB strips along the bottom and back of the monitor, it’s clear that MSI is targeting gamers who value both performance and aesthetics.
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RGB Lighting and SteelSeries Game Sense Integration
While the specifications are in line with other monitors in its class, the 27” MSI OPTIX MPG27CQ stands out with its RGB LED light bar along the bottom edge. Initially perceived as a gimmick, the LED strip serves a purpose beyond aesthetics.
The integration of SteelSeries Game Sense technology adds a unique touch to the monitor, with RGB LEDs providing real-time feedback and a convenient visual indicator without distracting from gameplay. RGB lighting, controlled via SteelSeries Engine software, adds flair to the monitor and serves practical purposes, such as displaying health, ammo, and other in-game information. While not essential for gameplay, it enhances the immersive experience for supported titles.
Design and Build Quality of 27” MSI OPTIX MPG27CQ Gaming Monitor
Moving on to design, the 27” MSI OPTIX MPG27CQ features a standard yet sturdy build. The metal stand base offers stability, while the plastic construction elsewhere maintains a balance between durability and cost-effectiveness. While the triangular-shaped stand may be a bit large for some setups, its metal construction ensures stability, even during intense gaming sessions.
Despite some unconventional design choices on the rear, the monitor maintains a relatively minimalist appearance from the front. Although lacking rotation, the monitor offers height adjustment, tilt, and pivot options to customize viewing angles. The three-sided borderless design enhances immersion and allows for seamless multi-monitor setups with minimal bezels.
Functionality and Customization
In terms of functionality, the monitor ticks the boxes with height, tilt, and swivel adjustments, along with a USB hub and audio jacks for convenience. Inputs include DisplayPort and HDMI ports, with VESA mounting support. The on-screen display (OSD) controls are intuitive, aided by both physical buttons and software control options. It provides comprehensive settings customization, including game modes, black tuner, and response time adjustment.
Display Performance of 27” MSI OPTIX MPG27CQ Gaming Monitor
Performance-wise, the 27” MSI OPTIX MPG27CQ impresses with its 1440p resolution and 144Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for gaming. The inclusion of AMD FreeSync technology ensures tear-free gameplay, although compatibility is limited to AMD graphics cards. Unfortunately, Nvidia GPU users won’t benefit from adaptive sync.
The VA LCD panel delivers accurate specifications, including brightness and contrast ratio, although some uniformity issues are noticeable due to the curved display. Equipped with a VA panel, the 27” MSI OPTIX MPG27CQ delivers impressive contrast ratios and vibrant colors suitable for gaming, movie watching, and web browsing.
Color Performance
Color performance is where the monitor shows a mixed bag. While boasting NTSC and sRGB coverage, the default settings led to oversaturation, especially in sRGB content. Calibration improves color accuracy significantly, making it suitable for content creation tasks alongside gaming.
27” MSI OPTIX MPG27CQ Gaming Monitor Technical Specifications
| Technical Specifications | Details |
| Display | |
| Panel Size | 27″ (69cm) |
| Active Display Area (mm) | 596.736(H) x 335.664(V) |
| Curvature | 1800R |
| Panel Type | VA |
| Panel Resolution | 2560 x 1440 (WQHD) |
| Pixel Pitch (H x V) | 0.2331(H) x 0.2331(V) |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Performance | |
| Brightness (nits) | 400 |
| Contrast Ratio | 3000:1 |
| DCR | 100000000:1 |
| Signal Frequency | 70.56 to 214.56KHz (H) |
| Refresh Rate | 48 to 144Hz (V) |
| Response Time | 1ms |
| Dynamic Refresh Rate Technology | Freesync premium |
| Connectivity | |
| Video Ports | 1x DP (1.2) |
| USB Ports | 2x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type A, 1x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type B (PC to Monitor) |
| Audio Ports | 1x Earphone out, 1x Mic in, 1x Audio combo jack (PC to monitor) |
| Viewing Experience | |
| Viewing Angle | 178° (H) / 178° (V) |
| Surface Treatment | Anti-glare |
| Display Colors | 16.7M |
| Frameless Design | Yes |
| Power and Consumption | |
| Power Type | External Adaptor |
| Power Input | 20V 4.5A, 10060Hz |
| Power Consumption | 90W |
| Adjustability and Ergonomics | |
| Adjustment (Tilt) | -5° ~ 20° |
| Adjustment (Swivel) | -40° ~ 40° |
| Adjustment (Height) | 0 ~ 120mm |
| VESA Mounting | 100 x 100 mm |
| Kensington Lock | Yes |
| Color Accuracy and Gamut | |
| DCI-P3 / SRGB | 90% / 115% |
| Controls and Navigation | |
| Control | 5-way OSD navigation joystick |
| Dimension and Weight | |
| Dimension (W x H x D) | 612 x 555.8 x 379.3 mm |
| Weight (NW / GW) | 7.6kg / 10.6kg |
| Note:
Display Port: 2560 x 1440 (Up to 144Hz), HDMI™: 2560 x 1440 (Up to 144Hz), The color gamut follows the CIE 1976 testing standard. |
|
(Technical Specification Source is msi.com)
Comparison
In comparison 27” MSI OPTIX MPG27CQ Gaming Monitor outshines the 23.6″ MSI Optix MAG241C Gaming Monitor (Review) in several key aspects, making it the superior choice for gamers seeking an immersive and high-performance gaming experience. With its higher resolution, faster response time, and wider color gamut coverage, the MPG27CQ delivers sharper visuals and more accurate colors, enhancing both gameplay and content creation tasks.
Additionally, the inclusion of RGB lighting and SteelSeries Game Sense integration adds a touch of style and functionality, setting it apart from the MAG241C’s more basic design. The MPG27CQ also offers greater connectivity options, adjustability, and customization features, allowing users to tailor their gaming setups to their preferences with ease. Overall, the 27” MSI OPTIX MPG27CQ Gaming Monitor stands as the superior option, offering superior performance, functionality, and design elements that elevate the gaming experience to new heights.
Considering pricing, the 27” MSI OPTIX MPG27CQ offers competitive value, especially when compared to similar monitors with TN or IPS panels. Despite minor calibration issues out of the box, the monitor’s unique features and performance make it a compelling option in its price range.
For those prioritizing HDR or color accuracy, alternatives like the Samsung CFG70 may be more suitable. However, for gamers who appreciate useful RGB lighting and responsive performance, the 27” MSI OPTIX MPG27CQ stands out as an excellent choice in the gaming monitor market.
27” MSI OPTIX MPG27CQ Gaming Monitor Review Conclusion
In conclusion, the 27” MSI OPTIX MPG27CQ gaming monitor presents a blend of high-quality performance and unique features at an attractive price point. While not without its flaws, particularly in color accuracy out of the box, it excels in providing an immersive gaming experience with its high refresh rate and FreeSync support. With thoughtful design elements and competitive pricing, it’s a solid choice for gamers and content creators alike.
