MSI Optix G271CQP 27-inch Curved 27" Review
The MSI Optix G271CQP offers solid gaming speed in a 1440p curved bundle, but its average picture quality and ergonomics make it a niche pick.
The 30-Second Version
The MSI Optix G271CQP is a 27-inch curved 1440p gaming monitor with a 170Hz refresh rate. It's bundled with a dual monitor stand for around $689. It offers solid speed for gaming but has mediocre color accuracy and limited ergonomic adjustments.
Overview
If you're shopping for a 27-inch curved gaming monitor around $700, the MSI Optix G271CQP is a solid contender. It's a 1440p (or 2K) screen with a 170Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time, which is the sweet spot for PC gamers who want more detail than 1080p without the hefty price tag of 4K. The 1500R curvature is meant to pull you into the action, and it comes with FreeSync support to smooth out gameplay. We'll dig into whether this bundle, which includes a dual monitor stand, is actually a good deal or if you should look elsewhere.
Performance
This monitor sits in the middle of the pack for performance. Its 170Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time are strong specs for fast-paced gaming, helping to reduce motion blur and input lag. In our testing, it lands around the 73rd percentile for performance, which means it's well above average but not a top-tier speed demon. For most gamers, this combo is plenty to keep things smooth in shooters and racing games. The FreeSync compatibility also helps if you have an AMD GPU, though it's not officially certified for G-Sync.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Solid 1440p resolution at a 27-inch size is a great balance for gaming. 73th
- 170Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time offer smooth, fast gameplay. 65th
- Curved screen (1500R) can add immersion for some users.
- Bundle includes a dual monitor stand, which is handy for a setup.
- FreeSync support helps reduce screen tearing with AMD cards.
Cons
- Color accuracy and overall display quality are mediocre, ranking in the 30th percentile. 28th
- Ergonomics are underwhelming; the stand adjustment options are limited. 28th
- Connectivity is about average, which might be a letdown for some setups. 28th
- It's not very compact, so it'll take up desk space. 31th
- Overall score against all monitors is just 35.5, meaning it's not a standout performer.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Display
| Size | 27" |
| Resolution | 2560 (QHD) |
| Panel Type | LCD |
| Curved | Yes |
Performance
| Refresh Rate | 170 Hz |
| Adaptive Sync | FreeSync |
Value & Pricing
At $689, this is priced as a bundle with a dual monitor stand. For just the monitor, that's a bit steep for a 1440p screen with middling color and ergonomics. You can find standalone 27-inch 1440p 170Hz monitors for less. The value really depends on if you need that stand. If you don't, you're probably better off buying a better monitor separately.
vs Competition
Let's name some competitors. The ASUS ROG Swift 27" 4K 240Hz is a beast, but it's also much more expensive and aimed at high-end rigs. The MSI MPG 322URX QD-OLED is a different league with perfect blacks and amazing color, but again, it costs more. For a more direct 1440p curved alternative, look at the Samsung Odyssey G5 series or even MSI's own other Optix models. They often have better color performance or more features for similar money. This G271CQP bundle feels like it's trying to compete by including a stand, but the core monitor specs aren't leading.
Common Questions
Q: Is the MSI Optix G271CQP good for gaming?
Yes, for gaming performance it's solid. The 170Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time are well above average, making it smooth for fast-paced games like shooters and racing sims.
Q: Does this monitor support G-Sync?
It's not officially certified for G-Sync, but it has FreeSync and the manufacturer says it's compatible with 1ms G-Sync. It may work with NVIDIA cards using Adaptive Sync, but it's not guaranteed.
Q: Is the curved screen worth it?
The 1500R curvature can make gaming more immersive, especially on a 27-inch screen. But some people find curved monitors awkward for work or multi-monitor setups.
Q: How does this compare to a 4K gaming monitor?
This is 1440p (2K), which is less sharp than 4K but easier to drive at high frame rates. You'll need a less powerful GPU to hit 170Hz in games compared to a 4K monitor.
Who Should Skip This
Skip this if you're a content creator or photographer who needs accurate colors. Its color performance is mediocre. Also skip if you want a monitor with great height, tilt, and swivel adjustment; the ergonomics here are limited. And if you don't need a dual monitor stand, you can probably find a better standalone monitor for your money. Look at other 1440p curved options from Samsung or ASUS instead.
Verdict
Should you buy this? Only if you specifically want a dual monitor stand included and you're okay with average picture quality. For pure gaming performance, it's fine. The 170Hz and 1440p are good. But if you care about color accuracy for content creation, or if you want better adjustability, this isn't the pick. We'd recommend most gamers look at other 1440p curved options first, unless this bundle price is a steal compared to buying a monitor and stand separately.