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Overall
The MSI G27C2 aims to bring the benefits of a curved screen and VA technology in an affordable package suited for all types of gamers. This model is one of the first forays of the firm into the display market, marking their attempt to dominate all aspects of a gaming computer build. For a reasonable price, you get high refresh rates mixed with a responsive performance that all enthusiasts and competitive gamers crave.
MSI G27C Specifications
- Screen Size: 27 Inches
- Resolution: 1080p FHD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Technology: Vertical Alignment (VA)
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- Response Time: 4ms
- Contrast Ratio:3000:1
- Brightness: 300 cd/m²
- Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.2 x 1, HDMI 1.4 x 1, DVI-DL x 1
- Speakers: No
- VESA: No
- Stand: Height – No
- Stand: Tilt – Yes (-5°/+15°)
- Stand: Swivel – No
- Dimensions: 24.37” x 17.76” x 9.41”
- Weight: 12.79lbs
Design and Features
The MSI G27C2 was originally a bundled monitor with the brand’s pre-built gaming desktops, so its no surprise that its aesthetics take cues from the black and red designs. The cabinet is predominantly matte black but is laden with red metallic accents in the right places. This model sports a clean aesthetic, but it doesn’t come off as just a hunk of plastic with a screen.
The rear of the chassis is pretty straightforward with its matte black surface and an embossed MSI logo in the middle. The build quality of the MSI G27C2 doesn’t give off that premium aura, but the product feels sturdy enough to withstand regular use for some years. Upon checking, we did not notice any creaking or unwanted seams which state that MSI did an excellent job in building this product.
The MSI G27C2 has a 1800r curvature to maximize the immersive effects of the slightly larger screen. Gamers and designers often say that 1800r strikes the perfect balance between good viewing angles and immersion to enhance the overall viewing experience. Frankly, 27-inch curved monitors feel just about right, although the benefits of this type of screen are magnified and better on larger screens.
One glaring downside of the MSI G27C2 is its stand which is aesthetically attractive, but lacking in the ergonomics department. Users can only tilt the monitor, leaving out the taller folk who could use a few inches of adjustment range for a comfortable view angle. Users are also stuck with this limited mechanism since the G27C2 isn’t VESA compatible, so you may need a monitor base or a few textbooks to raise the screen to your ideal line of sight.
The down-firing I/O of the MSI G27C2 includes three video inputs alone, without speakers or USB slots. Users get to choose between DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 1.4, and Dual-link DVI for 144Hz operation. While this layout is lacking a few additionals we normally see on other gaming monitors, the three video inputs should be enough for most users in a typical gaming setting at home.
Display and Performance
The MSI G27C2 includes a 27-inch VA panel with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, 4ms response time, and a 1800r curvature. Curved monitors start to maximize the immersive effects at this size, although we would recommend at least choosing a 32-inch or an ultrawide for a more engrossing experience. A contrast ratio of 3000:1 and a brightness maximum of 300cd/m2 are also specified with this model.
Out of the box, a colorimeter will reveal massive inaccuracies in both color and white balance, and a total gamut volume of 98% which doesn’t reach MSI’s specification. The Standard image preset presented a Delta E of 4.6 which means the unbalanced colors and cool hue of the screen at default will be noticeable to most users. You can choose the Picture Mode which presents a better color profile, but if you have a calibrator, the MSI G27C2 will look like a different display.
After tweaking with the settings, color Delta E for the MSI G27C2 improved to .90 and Gamma sat perfectly at 2.2 which helped to give warmth to the overly cool screen. This kind of performance enables the G27C2 to cater to professionals up to a certain degree or for those who only work in sRGB format.
Another excellent aspect of the MSI G27C2 is its extra high contrast ratio, which averages at 3500:1 to 3700:1 which is brilliant for its intended purpose. Games like Vermintide 2 and The Division shine on this excellent gaming monitor, thanks to its superb grayscale performance, deep blacks, and bright visibility. This monitor is highly suitable for titles with RPG elements or deep storylines which are further emphasized environmentally by the properties of VA technology.
Of course, that doesn’t mean that the MSI G27C2 is unsuitable for competitive titles such as Overwatch or CS:GO since it is a responsive monitor. Blurring which is highly associated with VA panels was kept to a minimum during our test. You can further clear the screen of these flaws by activating the Over Driver feature of the G27C2 which speeds up the pixel response time without adding any overshoot.
The MSI G27C2 combines these scores with an input lag rating of only 4.2ms at 144Hz operation which makes it suitable even for professional gaming. Playing Overwatch on this monitor was a fantastic experience since the screen’s color, and contrast outputs are great for cartoony environments, and we did not notice or experience any delays. The monitor also comes with FreeSync, so if in case you have an AMD GPU and need to turn up the in-game graphics settings due to the looser pixel density, you can still enjoy smooth visuals without tears or stuttering.
Thoughts on the MSI G27C2
The MSI G27C2 is an excellent gaming monitor if you take the time to calibrate it and look past its physical limitations. MSI definitely has shown potential with this model, so it isn’t surprising that they now have new and improved variants like the MAG series. If you also do a bit of editing or design work on the side, this could be a suitable option for you.
However, we do not recommend the MSI G27C2 for out of the box users, since it presented dismal accuracy when we first checked it. Calibration revealed scores that could rival some professional displays in the market, but they were achieved with the help of a colorimeter. The rigid tilt-only stand is also a deal breaker for us, although to be fair, something similar with ergonomics usually cost fifty bucks more.