MSI Optix MPG27C RGB Gaming Monitor Review

Rating: 8.0.

It seems you can’t swing a cat in the average PC enthusiast hardware store these days without hitting a few 144Hz 1080p gaming monitors. MSI brings its latest challenger to the field in the form of the Optix MPG27C, and it comes packing a bevy of features and extras to part hardcore gamers from their cash.

So what does the MPG27C bring to the table that makes it stand out from the crowd? Well, it’s fairly curvy, for one thing, with a radius of 1800R. It comes on a fully adjustable stand that features edgy metal legs and bronze-red metal highlights – somewhat reminiscent of Acer’s original Predator series such as the Acer Predator XB241H – to give it a ‘gamer’ vibe, along with a built-in USB hub to hook up your gaming peripherals.

MSI’s latest also sports a rather special RGB “Mystic Light” light system at its front and rear, which uses Steelseries’ GameSense technology to offer visual updates on your game's alerts, stats and more, while its rear is attractively adorned with abstract RGB-backlit patterns. And last but far from least, it’s all wrapped around a 27in VA (Vertical Alignment) panel with an unusually fast 1ms response time for that panel type, which, combined with its 144Hz refresh, should ensure contrast-rich and smooth gaming.

At this stage it’s worth noting that the MPG27C has a more pixel-rich twin, the MSI Optix MPG27CQ. As the “Q” at the end might suggest, that model features a QHD (2560 x 1440) resolution instead of the “C” variant’s Full HD (1920 x 1080) and has a higher luminance rating, but they’re otherwise virtually identical. Obviously we would always suggest going for higher resolution if your budget and graphics card are up to it, but in many cases, Full HD hits the sweet spot. So let’s see how the ‘lesser’ twin holds up.

MSI Optix MPG27C Specs

• Screen size: 27inch/ ~69cm
• Native resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels (~82 PPI)
• Bit colour depth: 8
• Refresh rate (Hz): 144
• Panel type: VA
• Contrast ratio (typical): 3000:1
• Brightness (cd/m²): 250
• Response time (ms): 1 (MPRT)
• HDR: No
• Bezel (colour, finish): Black/grey, matte
• Display inputs: 2x HDMI 1.4, 1x DisplayPort 1.2
• Audio inputs: 3.5mm headphone, 3.5mm microphone, 3.5mm combi
• Speakers: No
• USB hub: 1x USB 2.0 in, 2x USB 2.0 out
• Tilt: Yes
• Height: Yes
• Swivel: Yes
• Pivot: No
• VESA mount: Yes (100 x 100)
• Power (plug type, internal/external): Clover, External
• Cables provided: Power, HDMI
• Depth on desk: ~35cm
• Weight: 7.6kg
• Other: Mystic Light with GameSense

Price (retail): £449.99 inc. VAT at time of review

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