MSI Optix MAG274QRF QD Review - Awesome 165Hz, 1ms Gaming Monitor

The MSI Optix MAG274QRF QD gaming monitor is an excellent gaming monitor which provides you with all the refresh rates needed for your gaming sessions.

With a 165Hz refresh rate, you won’t see any motion blurs, and you’ll gain the upper advantage when it comes down to serious gaming.

Along with widescreen and spacious viewing angles, you’ll have an immersive multimedia session.

The MAG274QRF QD is an awesome well-rounded gaming monitor which is great for daily use, business, and daily tasks.

Before you purchase the MSI Optix MAG274QRF QD, let’s jump into the display’s cool features, performances, and its features.

Specifications
Display Design
Performance and Features
Pros and Cons
Conclusion

Specifications

Screen Size: 27-Inches
Resolution: 2560 x 1440 (WQHD)
Refresh Rate: 165Hz
Response Time: 1ms GTG
Panel Type: IPS
Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
Brightness: 300 cd/m²
Screen Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Built-In Speakers: Yes, 2x 3-Watts
Stand Height, Switch, Swivel, Tilt: Yes
VESA Mount: Yes, 100x100mm
Connectivity: 1x Display Port 1.2a, 2x HDMI 2.0b, 1x USB C, 2x USB 2.0 Type A, 1x USB 2.0 Type B, 1x Audio Jack.
Weight: 13.4-lbs

Display Design

The MAG274QRF QD design looks very simple, with thin bezels on all three of its side; it helps with screen immersion and is excellent for cutting out distractions.

Additionally, the display has a nice matte-black color, and the screen itself is made out of a matte texture, which handles glares and reflections easily.

You’ll be able to see the MSI logo on the side, along with RGB lighting to add to the aesthetics.

Thanks to its high-quality plastic material, the overall build feels premium and high quality. The entire build feels solid.

Also, the MAG274QRF has a stable foundation thanks to its square-based shape; the monitor never wobbles in case you nudge the monitor. The stand also has an excellent cable managing system which can be great if you want a clean look without any cable clutter.

In addition, the MAG274QRF’s stand has a great ergonomic design that can adjust in height, swivel, switch, and tilt, which is excellent if you want to work on the display in different positions.

If you’re not satisfied with the stock stand, you’ll be able to swap the stand out with a 100x100mm VESA, which allows the monitor true flexibility.

You’ll be able to locate the OSD controller, which consists of a joystick, which is convenient if you’re navigating through the OSD configurations.

You can find the connectivity panel on the rear of the display, which has one Display Port 1.2a, two HDMI 2.0b, one USB C, two USB 2.0 Type-A, one USB 2.0 Type B, and one audio jack. The monitor has a USB C port which has 15W power.

In addition, the MAG274QRF QD does come with two 3-watt speakers, providing you with decent sounds. However it’s always great to have a dedicated sound system or excellent headphones, giving you better sound immersion.

Performance and Features

The MSI Optix MAG274QRF QD measures at 27-inches, with a 2560 x 1440 resolution, running a 165Hz refresh rate, and a quick 1ms response time, giving you the competitive edge when it boils down to competitive gaming.

The contrast ratio sits at 1000:1, with a brightness of 300 cd/m²; the blacks appear a bit grayed out when viewing the display in dark environments.

Being an IPS panel, the MAG274QRF QD has great viewing angles, which will provide you with consistent imagery and colors when viewing the monitor from different angles.

Also, the monitor is flicker-free which is excellent if you are planning on using the monitor for prolonged use; you’ll have longer gaming sessions without eye strain.

Additionally, the text on the MAG274QRF QD is crisp and clear, giving you more clarity and providing clear reading conveniences.

And the monitor has 109 PPI, along with a 3.7MP providing you excellent screen real estate space and crisp images as well.

The MAG274QRF QD’s response time is speedy even at its highest refresh rate, so there won’t be any motion blurs or motion trails as well.

You’ll have different overdrive settings to choose from, Normal, Fast, and Extreme; it’s recommended to select the Fast option since it’s a good balance of response time between Normal and Extreme. If you choose Extreme, you’ll witness many overshoots and graphical artifacts.

Also, the monitor supports FreeSync and is also G-Sync certified, which is awesome for hardcore gamers because the monitor will eliminate screen tearing and provide you with smoother graphics.

You’ll be able to use G-Sync via DisplayPort and HDMI; however, you’ll max out 144Hz through the HDMI port.

Pros

Quick 165Hz refresh rate
FreeSync and G-Sync certified
Great ergonomics
large screen real estate and the viewing angle is superb
Low input lag

Cons

Contrast ratios can be improved.

Thoughts and Conclusion

The MSI Optix MAG274QRF QD is a superb gaming and multimedia monitor, which will provide you the performance and color quality. With its quick 165Hz refresh rate and its 1ms response time, you’ll have a slight edge when it comes down to competitive gaming.

You can connect any gaming consoles that you may have, such as the Xbox or the PS5; the monitor will cater down from 4K to 1440p as well.

However, the contrasts can be improved because you’ll start noticing when viewing dark scenes; you’ll see grayed-out colors instead; however, this shouldn’t be too significant of an issue.

In general, the MSI Optix MAG274QRF QD is a superb quality monitor that packs a punch. If you’re looking to upgrade this new year, then, by all means, snag a MAG274QRF QD if you can.