msi msi G272QPF, 27" Gaming Monitor, 2560 x 1440 Review
The MSI G272QPF offers a smooth 170Hz QHD experience for gaming, but its value entirely depends on the sale price you can find.
The 30-Second Version
A decent QHD 170Hz gaming monitor that's a great value on sale, but overpriced at MSRP. Its best score is for features (84th percentile), but average performance holds it back. Worth buying only if you find it under $250.
Overview
The MSI G272QPF is a 27-inch QHD gaming monitor that aims to be a solid all-rounder without breaking the bank. It's built around a Rapid IPS panel with a 170Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, promising smooth gameplay. It's a classic 'specs on paper' contender for the mid-range crowd.
Performance
For gaming, this monitor lands in the solid middle of the pack. The 170Hz refresh rate is well above average and feels great in fast-paced titles, and the IPS panel delivers decent color. Our database shows its performance scores are about average overall, though. The HDR is more of a checkbox feature than a true highlight, and the 1ms response time is a best-case scenario you'll need to tweak settings to achieve.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The 170Hz refresh rate makes gameplay feel incredibly smooth. 84th
- The QHD resolution on a 27-inch screen is a sweet spot for detail. 79th
- The IPS panel offers good color and wide viewing angles. 73th
- It's G-Sync Compatible, which helps eliminate screen tearing. 65th
Cons
- The HDR implementation is basic and not very impactful. 28th
- The stand's ergonomics are just okay, scoring in the lower third. 28th
- You only get two HDMI ports and one DisplayPort. 31th
- Out-of-the-box color settings often need manual tweaking.
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Display
| Size | 27" |
| Resolution | 2560 (QHD) |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
Performance
| Refresh Rate | 170 Hz |
| Adaptive Sync | G-Sync Compatible |
Color & HDR
| HDR | HDR |
| HDR Support | HDR |
Features
| Weight | 8.8 kg / 19.4 lbs |
Value & Pricing
Here's the kicker: the price swings wildly from $210 to $575 depending on where you look. At the low end of that range, around $200-$250, this monitor is a fantastic deal and easy to recommend. If you're seeing it priced near the $500 mark, you're getting ripped off, as that puts you in range of much better-performing monitors. Shop around.
vs Competition
Compared to something like the ASUS ROG Swift 27" 4K, you're trading resolution and premium features for a lower price and higher refresh rate at QHD. Next to a Samsung Odyssey G9, you're getting a standard screen size and format versus an ultra-wide behemoth. The real competition is other QHD 27-inch monitors like the LG UltraGear series, where the G272QPF's value proposition only makes sense if you find it on a steep sale.
Common Questions
Q: Is this monitor good for competitive gaming?
Yes, the 170Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time (with settings adjusted) provide a very smooth, responsive experience for esports and fast-paced games.
Q: How is the HDR?
It's HDR-ready, but the implementation is basic. Don't expect the vivid, high-contrast HDR you see on premium TVs or high-end monitors.
Q: Does it work with both NVIDIA and AMD graphics cards?
Yes, it's officially G-Sync Compatible for NVIDIA cards, and Adaptive Sync should also work with AMD FreeSync.
Who Should Skip This
If you're a content creator who needs perfect color accuracy right out of the box, look elsewhere. The need for manual calibration is a consistent note from owners. Also, if your budget stretches to $500, you can find monitors with better panels and true HDR in this size class.
Verdict
Buy this monitor if you're a PC gamer on a budget who wants a smooth, 170Hz QHD experience and can snag it for around $250 or less. It's a straightforward workhorse for esports and general gaming where you don't need top-tier HDR or perfect color accuracy out of the box.