The MSI MD27QXPW offers tremendous value with its flexible specs and capabilities that value hunters will love. It’s a USB-C productivity monitor, but it is also a capable 100Hz gaming display with VRR and HDR 400. It’s very affordable at the time of review, so let’s see if we can consider it as one of the top-value options in the market.
MSI MD27QXPW Specifications
- Screen Size: 27 Inches
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440 QHD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Technology: In-Plane Switching (IPS)
- Refresh Rate: 100Hz
- Response Time: 1ms (MPRT)
- Contrast Ratio: 1500:1 (Static)
- Brightness: 400 cd/m²
- Built-in Speakers: Yes (2 x 3 Watts)
- Stand: Height -Yes
- Stand: Tilt – Yes
- Stand: Swivel – Yes
- Stand: Pivot– Yes
- VESA Compatibility: Yes (75 x 75)
- Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 2.0 x 1, USB-C PD65W x 1, USB 2.0 x 2, 3.5mm Jack x 1
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 24.2” x 16.3” x 7.9”
- Weight: 12.9 lbs
Design and Features
The MSI MD27QXPW looks like a true business monitor with sleek lines and a clean aesthetic. The monitor has a matte white finish, as denoted by the W at the end of the model number, so it looks more like it’s for studio builds. The screen has a bezel-free design, but it has inner borders and a bottom strip, just like most modern options.
It is slim and sleek, so its dimensions are not too overbearing as far as 27-inch models go. It only needs 7.9 inches of depth, so it should fit in any cubicle or compact desk. The whole thing only weighs 12.9 pounds, so it’s very easy to move around.
The MSI MD27QXPW is mostly made out of plastic, but it is durable and built quite well for a budget model. There are no signs of weaknesses or imperfections on it, so it looks and feels just as good as the brand’s premium offerings. The included stand is firm and stable, so there is no need to worry about sagging or wobbling.
One visible downside is its use of cutout OSD buttons instead of a more responsive joystick. The keys are located under the bottom bezel to the right, so they are easy to reach, at least. However, it takes more time and key presses to get to specific settings in the menus, so it can be slightly jarring if you tweak your monitor often.
The MSI MD27QXPW’s stand includes tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustments for your comfort and convenience. It is easy to get a preferable angle, so you don’t have to buy anything else. You can add a VESA mount, but it is unnecessary except for when you want to build a multi-monitor setup.
Its connectivity setup isn’t the most heavily equipped out there, but it certainly offers more than most budget monitors. It has DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 2.0, and a 65-watt USB-C port with DP Alt Mode. It’s complemented by USB 2.0 ports and a 3.5mm jack for accessories, so there isn’t anything missing as far as functionality is concerned.
It also has speakers, but they are limited to 3 watts of power per channel. They are good for basic uses like background music, but they lack any semblance of bass response. They also get distorted once the volume is too high, so they are better suited as backups instead.
Display and Performance
The MSI MD27QXPW sports a 27-inch IPS panel with a 2560 x 1440 resolution, a 100Hz refresh rate, and a 1ms MPRT response time. The backlight has a 400 cd/m2 output, while the contrast is listed at 1000:1, like most IPS panels. This model also has HDR 400, which isn’t normally seen on a business display.
1440p monitors still sell quite well since they are great upgrades for those with 1080p monitors, but they are cheaper than 4K. It doesn’t take a lot of GPU power to run them, but you get noticeable improvements in clarity and sharpness. It is not as sharp as a 4K screen, so it’s a bit easier to read or process documents on it.
The MSI MD27QXPW covered 99% of sRGB and 81% of P3 for decent vibrancy in any type of use. It’s decently accurate out of the box with a deltaE average of 1.89, so it is reasonably accurate for some media creation. Most users won’t need to calibrate it out of the box, so it’s ready as soon as you unplug it.
Calibrating it reduced the dE average to 0.67, making it comparable with high-end prosumer variants. Doing this makes it usable for editing work, but you will need a colorimeter to achieve comparable results. The gadget itself is more expensive than the monitor, so it’s only worth it if you use the monitor to make money.
The MSI MD27QXPW’s backlight reached 421 cd/m2 at 100% while its contrast peaked at 1236:1 at 30% brightness. That’s fantastic for an IPS monitor since it improves its black luminance and gradients. However, it’s still not comparable with a VA or OLED panel in that regard, but that’s a well-documented and accepted limitation.
Panel uniformity for the test sample had some issues due to backlight leaks at the top edge of the screen. They showed up as clouding in dark scenes, but lighter backgrounds were not affected. Note that this can vary with every monitor made due to tolerances, so there are better units out there.
The MSI MD27QXPW’s pixel response time is decent since blurring is minimal at 60Hz and 100Hz. Setting the overdrive to its fast setting improved motion clarity without introducing overshooting. It’s great for fast-paced games, but a monitor with a higher refresh rate is ideal if you are into E-Sports.
The MSI MD27QXPW is also compatible with both FreeSync and G-Sync, unlike other business monitors. VRR is essential for demanding titles, but it’s also a must to have dual compatibility so you don’t have to buy another monitor when you switch GPU brands. Its input lag is slightly higher at 8ms, but that’s still considered responsive for gaming.
Thoughts on the MSI MD27QXPW
This is a fantastic monitor for budget-conscious users who want a monitor that you can buy once but enjoy using for both business and gaming. It’s designed well, and it includes USB-C, so it’s too versatile for a $200 monitor. It also offers fantastic image quality, but it needs a bit of calibration to make it editing-worthy.
It still has its limitations, but most likely, the slightly higher input lag is negligible. It also promises HDR performance, but it is not equipped for that. But overall, it’s still a fantastic buy, especially if you consider how affordable it is.
Pros:
- Fantastic Pricing
- USB-C and Fully Adjustable Stand
- 100Hz IPS for Gaming and Business
- Attractive Design
Cons:
- OSD Buttons
- Poor HDR
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 has the 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 and create reviews that accentuate the seldom-explained aspects of a PC monitor.
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