MSI Series 27" Review
This MSI monitor proves you don't need to spend a fortune for smooth, high-refresh-rate gaming. It's a well-rounded workhorse that gets the job done without any flashy nonsense.
The 30-Second Version
A fantastic all-rounder for the price. It delivers smooth 170Hz gaming and a sharp 1440p picture without any fuss or flashy gimmicks.
Overview
Look, if you're hunting for a solid 1440p gaming monitor that won't break the bank, this MSI is a strong contender. It's not trying to be the flashiest screen on the block, and that's its biggest strength. The one thing to know? This is a classic 'good at everything, master of none' workhorse. You get a sharp 27-inch Rapid IPS panel, a smooth 170Hz refresh rate, and decent HDR400 support, all wrapped up in a no-fuss package. It's the kind of monitor you buy, set up, and forget about because it just works.
Performance
The 170Hz refresh rate is the star here, and it delivers exactly what you'd expect: buttery-smooth motion in fast-paced games. Our data puts its overall performance in the 73rd percentile, which is solidly above average. Nothing about its speed will blow your mind if you're coming from a high-end panel, but it's a massive, noticeable jump from a standard 60Hz screen. The G-Sync compatibility works as advertised, eliminating screen tearing without a hitch. It's a reliable performer that won't let you down mid-fragging.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The 170Hz refresh rate is smooth as butter and makes a huge difference in fast games. 82th
- The WQHD resolution on a 27-inch screen is the sweet spot for sharpness without needing a monster GPU.
- You get a full suite of ergonomic adjustments (height, swivel, tilt) which is rare at this price.
- The USB-C port with 15W charging is a nice modern touch for cleaning up a laptop desk.
Cons
- HDR400 is basically a marketing checkbox. Don't expect real HDR pop; it's just a bit better than SDR. 28th
- Connectivity is its weak spot, landing in the 33rd percentile. Only HDMI 2.0b means you're capped at 144Hz over HDMI, which console gamers should note. 28th
- It's a bit of a chonker. At over 4kg, it's not going anywhere, and its 'portable' score is in the basement. 31th
- The color performance is just okay. At the 64th percentile, it's fine for gaming and media, but color-critical pros should look elsewhere.
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Display
| Size | 27" |
| Resolution | 1920 (Full HD) |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
Performance
| Refresh Rate | 100 Hz |
| Adaptive Sync | G-Sync Compatible |
Color & HDR
| HDR | HDR400 |
| HDR Support | HDR400 |
Features
| Weight | 4.1 kg / 8.9 lbs |
Value & Pricing
For the typical price range we see ($179-$259), this monitor is absolutely worth it. You're getting a well-rounded feature set that punches above its price tag, especially with the adjustable stand and high refresh rate. It's a no-brainer value pick for a PC gamer on a budget.
vs Competition
This MSI sits in a crowded field. Compared to something like the ASUS ROG Swift 27" 4K 240Hz, you're giving up resolution and raw speed for a much lower price and a more manageable pixel count for your graphics card. Against a basic office monitor, you're paying a bit more for the high refresh rate and gaming features. Its most direct competitor is probably other 27-inch 1440p 170Hz IPS panels, and this one wins on value thanks to the included ergonomic stand, which many rivals charge extra for.
| Spec | MSI Series 27" | LG UltraGear LG - UltraGear 27" IPS Dual Mode (4K UHD 180Hz, | Samsung Odyssey Samsung Odyssey G7 27" UHD 4K 144Hz IPS AMD | ASUS ROG Strix ASUS ROG Strix 27 inch UHD 4K 160Hz IPS AMD | BenQ Mobiuz BenQ MOBIUZ EX271U 27" 4K HDR 165 Hz Gaming | Dell UltraSharp Dell UltraSharp U3225QE 31.5" 4K HDR 120 Hz |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 31.5 |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 |
| Panel Type | - | IPS | IPS | IPS | IPS | IPS |
| Refresh Rate | 100 | 180 | 144 | 160 | 165 | 120 |
| Response Time Ms | - | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 |
| Adaptive Sync | G-Sync Compatible | G-Sync Compatible | G-Sync Compatible | G-Sync Compatible | FreeSync Premium | - |
| Hdr | HDR400 | HDR400 | HDR10+ | HDR10 | HDR10 | HDR |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Color | Compact | Display | Feature | Ergonomic | Performance | Connectivity | Social Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSI Series 27" | 60 | 28.2 | 45.8 | 82.4 | 27.8 | 58.3 | 30.5 | 57.5 |
| LG UltraGear 27" Dual Mode Compare | 89.8 | 80.4 | 90.5 | 82.4 | 96.5 | 94.1 | 99.9 | 97.3 |
| Samsung Odyssey G7 27" Compare | 95.1 | 78.7 | 90.5 | 82.4 | 96.5 | 90 | 98.9 | 90.6 |
| ASUS ROG Strix 27 inch Compare | 97.4 | 88.5 | 90.5 | 82.4 | 96.5 | 91.1 | 98.9 | 74 |
| BenQ Mobiuz EX271U 27" Compare | 92 | 88.5 | 90.5 | 82.4 | 96.5 | 92.1 | 91.8 | 74 |
| Dell UltraSharp Dual 31.5" Compare | 97.6 | 72.4 | 90.5 | 82.4 | 87.8 | 58.3 | 97.2 | 90.6 |
Common Questions
Q: Is the HDR any good?
Not really. HDR400 is the bare minimum certification. It'll make bright scenes a bit brighter, but you won't get the wow factor of true HDR. Think of it as a nice bonus, not a reason to buy.
Q: Can my PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X run at 120Hz on this?
Yes, but with a caveat. You'll need to use the HDMI 2.0 ports, which max out at 1440p 120Hz. That's fine for console gaming, but you won't hit the full 170Hz unless you're on a PC with DisplayPort.
Q: Is the stand really adjustable?
Yep! Height, tilt, and swivel are all here. It's a sturdy, fully-featured stand that you usually have to pay extra for on cheaper monitors. It's a big win.
Who Should Skip This
If you're a competitive esports pro who lives and dies by milliseconds, look at 240Hz or 360Hz monitors. If you're a video editor or graphic designer who needs perfect color accuracy, go for a dedicated professional display like a Dell UltraSharp. This MSI is for everyone else.
Verdict
We're giving this monitor a clear recommendation. It's an excellent choice for the PC gamer who wants a fast, sharp, and reliable primary screen without spending a fortune. It nails the fundamentals of a good gaming monitor and throws in some nice quality-of-life features like the USB-C port and adjustable stand. Just don't buy it for its HDR or if you need top-tier color accuracy.