{"id":14,"date":"2021-12-17T14:53:49","date_gmt":"2021-12-17T14:53:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/engadget.vip\/?p=14"},"modified":"2021-12-17T14:53:49","modified_gmt":"2021-12-17T14:53:49","slug":"msi-optix-mag272cqr-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/engadget.vip\/?p=14","title":{"rendered":"MSI Optix MAG272CQR Review"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class='booster-block booster-read-block'><\/div><p>The MSI Optix MAG272CQR is well balanced, offering great quality and decent features, but this monitor isn&#8217;t perfect. It has some irritating design flaws and suffers from slight ghosting alongside underwhelming screen modes. Coming in slightly cheaper than similar quality rivals, though, the MSI is a well-rounded option for single-player gaming and most eSports scenarios.<\/p>\n<h2>Pros<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Impressive core image quality<\/li>\n<li>Smooth 165Hz refresh rate with AMD FreeSync 2<\/li>\n<li>Immersive, curved design<\/li>\n<li>Includes USB-C<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Cons<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Poor gaming modes<\/li>\n<li>Minor, high-end ghosting issues<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"key-specifications\">Key Specifications<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Review Price: \u00a3400<\/li>\n<li>2560 x 1440 resolution<\/li>\n<li>27in diagonal<\/li>\n<li>VA panel<\/li>\n<li>165Hz AMD FreeSync 2<\/li>\n<li>1ms response time<\/li>\n<li>Weight: 5.9kg<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>The MSI Optix MAG272CQR is a monitor that wants to be all things to all gamers. <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>It has a rapid 165Hz refresh rate that should sate eSports fans, alongside a 1440p resolution and a curved design that will make single-player experiences more immersive.<\/p>\n<p>The MSI sounds well-balanced on paper, and its price \u2013\u00a0 \u00a3400 in the UK and $400 in the US \u2013 places the monitor into the middle of a busy market .<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"design\">Design<\/h2>\n<p>The MSI\u2019s trio of key features make for a compelling specification for all sorts of gaming scenarios.<\/p>\n<p>The 165Hz refresh rate, for instance, is a step beyond more common 144Hz screens, and means that gaming on this panel will be a little smoother. Note, too, that the MSI supports AMD FreeSync 2, so it will work with both AMD and Nvidia graphics cards.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p>That refresh rate does come with caveats. The jump from 144Hz to 165Hz isn&#8217;t huge: the lower figure is already smooth enough for the vast majority of games, and the latter will provide only a modest improvement. However, for competitive players and keen gamers any gain in smooth, fast operation will be a boon.<\/p>\n<p>You&#8217;ll also need to ensure you have a graphics card that can drive your games at up to 165fps in order to truly get the most from this screen.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s a welcome upgrade from 144Hz, though, and this MSI is a more affordable prospect than the 240Hz screens hitting the market \u2013 to get the MSI&#8217;s specification at that refresh rate would cost around 50% more than what you&#8217;re paying here.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p>The MSI\u2019s 2560 x 1440 resolution is solid; it&#8217;s high enough to provide good real-estate for gaming. The resolution combines with the 27in diagonal to deliver a density level of 109ppi, which ensures games look super-sharp. You\u2019ll only gain a big improvement here by buying a 4K screen.<\/p>\n<p>The third design decision concerns the shape of the display. The MSI has a 1500R curve, which is a bit tighter than the 1800R design of most curved screens. That is ideal for the MSI\u2019s relatively modest 27in diagonal, resulting in a more noticeable curve that has greater impact when it comes to immersion.<\/p>\n<p>Sitting beneath all of this is a VA panel. It\u2019s no surprise MSI has chosen VA: these screens offer contrast that easily outstrips IPS and TN screens. However, VA panels are slightly slower when it comes to rendering motion, especially when compared to TN displays.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p>The VA screen has a 1ms response time, which is excellent; it&#8217;s easily good enough for eSports.<\/p>\n<p>On the outside, the MSI looks good: it has smart, slim feet, sporting a brushed metal effect across many of its plastic panels. There\u2019s a band of RGB LEDs across the rear too.<\/p>\n<p>Build quality is reasonable. While there\u2019s a degree of give in those panels, the MSI is easily sturdy enough to be taken to LAN events. Its 5.9kg weight isn\u2019t too cumbersome, and the monitor includes a headphone hook \u2013 handy since the MSI has no speakers.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"osd-and-setup\">OSD and setup<\/h2>\n<p>The MSI isn\u2019t the easiest display to build. While its base attaches to the stand with a simple thumbscrew, the stand doesn\u2019t use a tool-free mechanism to attach to the screen \u2013 you\u2019ll have to get a screwdriver out.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m pleased to see the usual DisplayPort and HDMI ports alongside USB Type-C, which can be used for display input and device charging \u2013 and the MSI also has two USB connections.<\/p>\n<p>However, those USB connections are of the slower USB 2.0 standard, and they\u2019re crammed in around the rear of the screen, which makes them tricky to reach.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p>Get the MSI built and connected, though, and it\u2019s far easier to use. The OSD and the quick-select menus are navigated using just one joystick, and it works well \u2013 everything is fast, clear and well organised. The OSD is attractive, and always has key information available.<\/p>\n<p>The MSI has a reasonable 130mm of height adjustment, and it tilts back and forward. It also supports 100mm VESA mounting. However, the screen can\u2019t swivel and doesn\u2019t support portrait mode.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"display\">Display<\/h2>\n<p>The MSI Optix MAG272CQR offers great image quality without any major adjustments. Out of the box, it delivers a brightness level of 229 nits \u2013 this isn&#8217;t an outstanding figure, but it&#8217;s easily good enough for gaming.<\/p>\n<p>That brightness result is bolstered by a black level of 0.09 nits, which is superb; it&#8217;s better than any IPS screen at this price. The result is that darker areas in games display incredible depth and subtlety.<\/p>\n<p>Those numbers result in a contrast ratio of 2544:1. That\u2019s a little short of MSI\u2019s quoted 3000:1, but it hardly matters \u2013 it\u2019s a fantastic figure that easily beats any IPS screen. It means games present huge vibrancy, depth and variation \u2013 no matter the colours displayed onscreen.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p>Those colours are reasonably accurate too. The MSI\u2019s Delta E of 2.07 is good \u2013 it hovers around the point where human eyes won\u2019t detect issues. The colour temperature of 5989K is a little warm, which means white areas have a slight red pall. Nevertheless, the temperature doesn\u2019t have a noticeable impact during the vast majority of gaming situations.<\/p>\n<p>The MSI\u2019s solid Delta E figure was joined by an sRGB coverage level of 99.4%, which means this screen can render any shade that a game will need using conventional settings. Uniformity is good too: the screen\u2019s backlight only differed by 11%, which is better than most curved screens.<\/p>\n<p>The Optix MAG272CQR does have some image quality issues. The various gaming genre modes aren&#8217;t worth using \u2013 they all hamper colour accuracy. Don\u2019t buy this screen for HDR, either: while MSI says this screen is &#8220;HDR-Ready&#8221;, the MSI\u2019s backlight isn\u2019t strong enough to provide a solid boost despite the great contrast.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p>The overdrive settings aren&#8217;t flawless, either \u2013 with the more aggressive overdrive options selected, there&#8217;s a tiny bit of ghosting visible during fast-paced gaming. The vast majority of people won\u2019t use those overdrive settings, let alone notice this \u2013 but top-tier eSports players should bear this in mind.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"should-you-buy-it\">Should you buy it?<\/h2>\n<p>The MSI Optix MAG272CQR is impressive. Its core image quality is superb, presenting top-notch contrast and accurate colours. Its curved design, 165Hz refresh rate and 1440p resolution deliver smooth, crisp gaming in single-player titles and eSports games. Elsewhere, it comes with USB-C, attractive physical design and a good OSD.<\/p>\n<p>However, this monitor isn&#8217;t perfect. It has some irritating design flaws and suffers from slight ghosting alongside underwhelming screen modes. You\u2019ll also need a hefty graphics card to play some games at the speeds required for 165Hz operation.<\/p>\n<p>Price-wise, it comes in cheaper than most other screens with these features. The MSI MAG272CQR is an impressive, well-rounded option for single-player gaming and most eSports scenarios.<\/p>\n<h2>Specs<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\u2039<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\tUK RRP<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\tManufacturer<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\tScreen Size<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\tSize (Dimensions)<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\tWeight<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\tRelease Date<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\tFirst Reviewed Date<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\tResolution<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\tHDR<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\tTypes of HDR<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\tRefresh Rate<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\tPorts<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\tDisplay Technology<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\tScreen Technology<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\tSyncing Technology<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMSI Optix MAG272CQR<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a3400<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMSI<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t27 inches<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t611.5 x 267 x 560 MM<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t5.9 KG<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t2020<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t03\/04\/2020<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t2560 x 1440<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tYes<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t&#8220;HDR-Ready&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t165 Hz<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t1x DisplayPper (1.2a) 2x HDMI 2.0,1x USB Type C (DisplayPort Alternate) 2x USB 3.2. Gen1 Type A, 1x USB 3.2. Gen1 Type B, 1x Earphone out<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tVA<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tVA<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAMD FreeSync<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\u203a<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The MSI Optix MAG272CQR is well balanced, offering great quality and decent features, but this monitor isn&#8217;t perfect. It has some irritating design flaws and suffers from slight ghosting alongside underwhelming screen modes. Coming in slightly cheaper than similar quality rivals, though, the MSI is a well-rounded option for single-player gaming and most eSports scenarios. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":15,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[11,13,14,15,16,12,20],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/engadget.vip\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/engadget.vip\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/engadget.vip\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/engadget.vip\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/engadget.vip\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=14"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/engadget.vip\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/engadget.vip\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/15"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/engadget.vip\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=14"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/engadget.vip\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=14"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/engadget.vip\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=14"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}