The MSI G272QPF is a value-oriented gaming monitor that comes equipped with E-Sports-ready specs and features. It’s not the absolute cream of the crop option, but the money you save will always supersede performance gaps against premium offerings. Let’s take a closer look at how this monitor can become your next gaming rig upgrade.
MSI G272QPF Specifications
- Screen Size: 27 Inches
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440 QHD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Technology: In-Plane Switching (IPS)
- Refresh Rate: 170Hz
- Response Time: 1ms
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 (Static)
- Brightness: 300 cd/m²
- Speakers: None
- Stand: Height -Yes
- Stand: Tilt – Yes
- Stand: Swivel – Yes
- Stand: Pivot – Yes
- VESA Compatibility: Yes (100 x 100)
- Connectivity: HDMI 2.0 x 2, DisplayPort 1.2 x 1, 3.5mm Jack x 1
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 24.1” x 20.9” x 9.2”
- Weight: 14.8 lbs
Design and Features
The MSI G272QPF is a budget model, so it doesn’t look fancy and embellished like the brand’s higher-tiered offerings. The monitor has a matte black finish so that it may look like a business model at a glance. It has a bezel-free design, but it still has inner borders like most modern displays.
It is not massive by today’s standards, so it should fit with most desktop or table sizes. It also only needs 9.2 inches of depth so that it will leave you with some room for other peripherals. 14.8 pounds isn’t much, so it should be easy to bring or move this monitor around as needed.
It’s at the lower tier of MSI offerings, but this model’s build quality did not suffer to help it make the price cut. The plastic panels are thick enough not to crack or flex under some pressure, and there were no defects on any of its parts. The stand was smooth yet firm, so the screen was easy to adjust, and it wouldn’t sag or wobble while in use.
The MSI G272QPF has an OSD joystick, unlike so many budget options out there. The gadget is located at the back near the right side of the screen, so you must reach in to get to it. However, it is easier to manipulate compared with OSD buttons at the front.
The included stand offers tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustments for your comfort and convenience. We’re surprised that it included this being an extra affordable model since otherwise, you would have to make do with a tilt stand. You can still use VESA mounts, but that isn’t necessary since the stock option is already excellent.
One thing that took a hit to help with the pricing is the monitor’s connectivity layout. You only get DisplayPort 1.2 and two HDMI 2.0 ports, along with a 3.5mm jack at the back. Most options have more USB ports, but we’re okay with not having them if the price is right.
You also don’t get speakers with this model, but that’s also understandable when it comes to affordable variants. We’re also fine with it since most, if not all, gaming monitors deserve a well-tuned headset to maximize what they offer.
Display and Performance
The MSI G272QPF sports a 27-inch IPS panel with a 2560 x 1440 resolution, a 170Hz overclocked refresh rate, and a 1ms response time. The backlight has a 300 cd/m2 output, while the contrast is listed at 1000:1, like most IPS panels. This model doesn’t advertise HDR certification but is listed as HDR10 compatible.
27-inch 1440p monitors are perfect for most uses and are considered the sweet spot in the PC monitor business. They are great for games since they upgrade clarity and details without making other things like text too small and difficult to read. You can also get away with mid-tier graphics cards, unlike 4K panels, which usually require the top-end variants.
The MSI G272QPF covers 99% sRGB and 93% DCI-P3 for good vibrancy in games and movies. Its default accuracy had a deltaE average of 1.81, so most users will be happy with the stock setup. You only need minor tweaks, like adjusting the brightness, and it’s ready to go after that.
Calibrating it reduced the dE average to 0.91, which is excellent for a budget IPS display. The downside is that you will need a colorimeter to achieve something like that, and those can sometimes be more expensive than the monitor itself. We can only recommend getting one for color-critical work, but it is impractical if you are simply gaming.
The MSI G272QPF’s backlight reached 315 cd/m2 at 100% brightness, so it has some room for adjustments. Its contrast peaked at 1974:1 at 40% brightness, so it’s a bit more decent than other IPS models. It’s not capable of deeper blacks, but the improvement in dark scenes is noticeable.
Panel uniformity for the test sample had some issues, but nothing out of the ordinary. The left corners of the screen had some noticeable variation in brightness when compared to the center so that they could look dimmer in some instances. Note that this can vary between every unit made due to tolerances, so better and worse panels are out there.
The MSI G272QPF’s response time is great for a 170Hz screen, making it comparable with many best-selling models out there. You can use the overdrive’s maximum level for best results since it doesn’t add overshoot at all. You can also use its MPRT mode, but that will lower the brightness by half and prevent you from using VRR.
The MSI G272QPF is compatible with both FreeSync and G-Sync for tear and stutter-free gaming. This is essential for practical purposes since you won’t have to buy a new monitor to keep VRR when you switch to the other GPU brand. Its input lag sits at 4ms at 170Hz, so it is as fast as most of the monitors in the same or higher category.
Thoughts on the MSI G272QPF
The MSI G272QPF is an excellent choice for upgraded gaming on a budget. You get a fast and responsive 1440p gaming monitor for well under $300. It doesn’t come with a lot of compromises like other budget offerings, so you aren’t losing a lot if you choose to save your hard-earned cash.
It’s also not perfect since it has some missing creature comforts and limitations, particularly in the HDR department. However, that’s understandable based on the price, and it would be unfair to ask for more if we consider its performance. It’s a great buy for gamers who want to enjoy great visuals without emptying their pockets and piggy banks.
Pros:
- Very Affordable 1440p Gaming Monitor
- Great Default and Calibrated Accuracy
- Fast and Responsive
Cons:
- Limited Connectivity
- Poor HDR Performance
About the Author: 
Paolo has been a gaming veteran since the golden days of Doom and Warcraft and has been building gaming systems for family, friends, and colleagues since junior high. High-performance monitors are one of his fixations; he believes that every citizen’s right to enjoy one. He has gone through several pieces of hardware in pursuit of every bit of performance gain, much to the dismay of his wallet. He now works with Monitornerds to scrutinize the latest gear to create reviews that accentuate the seldom explained aspects of a PC monitor.
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