MSI Optix MPG27CQ Curved Monitor Review
When it comes to gaming monitors, there are a slew of factors to consider. Thanks to a curved screen, configurable RGB lighting, FreeSync compatibility, a slew of specialized gaming modes, and good color performance, the MSI Optix MPG27CQ appears to check most of the criteria. You’ll lose out on some expensive features like built-in speakers and HDR compatibility, but the Optix MPG27CG is one of the best curved monitors you can purchase for under $500.
Also, you can see The Ultimate Guide to the Best MSI Gaming Laptops in 2023
Design
With RGB lighting and a stylish appearance, the Optix, like many gaming monitors, errs on the side of glamorous and possibly obnoxious. However, unlike many gaming displays, it isn’t all flash. From your health bar status to timer alarms, a row of RGB lights at the bottom of the display may be modified to represent various in-game information.
Although the software only supports a small number of games and applications, such as Counter-Strike: Go and Discord, it does offer certain basic functionality and extensive customization for anybody with some coding experience. A shimmering network of RGB-lit marks runs around the rear, halfway between circuitry and Peru’s Nazca Lines. This illumination may also be changed.
The Optix has a 27-inch curved screen with a radius of 1800R, which translates to a very modest curve that places the whole screen at the same distance from the eye. Even though the 27-inch display is the smallest for a curved monitor, it still provides superior sight. Also, if you buy two or three of the monitors and use them side by side, the curve should provide a good amount of immersion.
The monitor itself is 24.1 x 21.9 x 14.9 inches, which means it will take up a lot of desk space. The monitor’s Y-shaped, three-point base, on the other hand, provides strong stability while yet allowing wires to flow freely. The device weighs 23.4 pounds, making it light enough to move about as necessary.
The stand features a variety of ergonomic adjustments, including the ability to modify the screen angle, side-to-side swivel, and even the height, which ranges from 0 to 120 millimeters. Furthermore, the monitor’s back accepts a 100 mm x 100 mm VESA attachment, allowing you to attach it to a wall-mounting bracket or an articulating monitor arm for even more versatility. Also, you can see the best curved monitors
Ports and Interface
The Optix MPG27CQ has plenty of video and audio connectors, as well as USB ports for connecting other devices. One DisplayPort and two HDMI ports, as well as a PC to monitor the audio connection, are located on the rear of the cabinet. You may use the HDMI connections to connect to a desktop computer or a game console. A USB Type A connector is also included for connecting to your computer. The back ports are all facing downward, which is a little inconvenient, but for most users, this is a one-time issue.
Two USB 3.1 ports, as well as a pair of 3.5 mm audio jacks — one for audio and the other for microphone — are located on the monitor’s left side. The side-mounted ports are 3 inches from the edge of the monitor chassis, which makes putting in flash devices and headphones a bit cumbersome. That is the only serious criticism I have about the MPG27CQ’s physical design.
When utilising the monitor in a public setting, such as an office or a gaming event, a Kensington lock slot allows you to physically lock it down for increased protection.
The Optix MPG27CQ incorporates a five-way clickable joystick for changing display modes and monitor settings. Because the joystick allows you to swiftly go up and down the menus and pick specific things with a click, navigating the on-screen display is quick and easy.
The display offers a variety of features that go beyond the standard monitor settings provided by your computer.
Gaming and Professional are the two main image modes. Gaming mode may be fine-tuned for a variety of game genres, including first-person shooters, real-time strategy games, and racing games, with each customized for the unique qualities of each. You can also set the refresh rate and tailor the black levels to your satisfaction, as well as switch on or off the “Zero Latency” function to decrease lag time, engage the “Anti-Motion Blur” feature for crisper quick action, and turn on or off the “Zero Latency” feature to minimize lag time. An on-screen reticle and FreeSync anti-tearing are among the other gaming features.
Reader, Cinema, and Designer are professional modes with settings that change to prevent eye-strain-inducing blue light, improve contrast with HDCR, and preserve color accuracy, respectively.
Additional visual options include brightness, contrast, sharpness, color temperature, and screen size, which alters the display’s aspect ratio. Other menu options allow you to adjust menu language, transparency, and other aspects of the monitor interface, as well as select the video source, use picture-in-picture and picture-by-picture for viewing two video inputs at once, and adjust settings for menu language, transparency, and other aspects of the monitor interface.
Finally, you may toggle the RGB lights on and off on the monitor. Steel Series’ GameSense software is required for additional features and adjustments to the RGB lighting on the front and back of the panel.
Also, you can see the Samsung Odyssey G9 Review
Performance
With a resolution of 2560 x 1440 and a refresh rate of 144Hz, the MSI Optix MPG27CQ is ideal for gaming. Because of the greater refresh rate, better-than-IPS contrast, and outstanding color performance, the curved display employs a VA panel. It performed admirably in our laboratory tests.
Whether it was the sun-drenched sands of southern Italy or the gloomy back alleys of Gotham, we witnessed vivid color in our gaming testing using Hitman and Batman: Arkham Knight. The Optix produced 140 percent of the sRGB color range in our tests. On a DCI-P3 display, which exceeds sRGB standards, such outcome is expected. It’s also consistent with other wide-gamut monitors, such as the LG 34UC89G and the Samsung CHG70.
The actual color accuracy, as tested by our Klein K-10A colorimeter, was 1.02, which was somewhat lower than the Samsung CHG70 but slightly higher than the LG 34UC89G. For uncalibrated, out-of-the-box outcomes, all of these are respectable.
The brightness was also a little lower than I had anticipated. While MSI says that the display can generate up to 400 nits, we measured 288.6 nits on average, with the center delivering the most brightness at 333 nits. When compared to the Asus VG245H, Samsung CFG70, and LG 34UC89G, the overall brightness appears to be rather decent.
The anti-glare treatment on the screen is slight, yet it works to reduce reflections from overhead lighting and windows. With 178 degrees of good vision, the viewing angles are likewise nice and wide. This is especially useful on a curved panel, because even while seated squarely in front of the display, narrow viewing angles can generate unattractive distortion. At practically every angle, the MSI Optix MPG27CQ provided distortion-free sight.
Also, you can see Lenovo Legion 5 Pro Review — Gaming Laptop with RTX
Final Words
Thanks to its curved display screen and good collection of gaming-oriented features, the MSI Optix MPG27CQ is a decent gaming monitor. It delivers smooth, tear-free gameplay with a 144Hz frame rate and AMD FreeSync functionality that will work with even low-end graphics cards, and the programmable RGB lighting adds a splash of eye candy that should appeal to gamers.
The MSI Optix MPG27CQ is a good value for money alternative to more costly alternatives like the Samsung CHG70, but it does so by omitting HDR functionality and having a narrower field of vision than versions with larger screens.
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