The MSI Modern MD272QP Ultramarine focuses on image quality and reliability over speed, unlike MSI’s deep gaming display lineup. Its full model name sounds like it’s made for immersive visuals, but its specifications are actually mild compared to something like the MSI G274QPF-QD. Let’s take a closer look to see if it’s a worthy upgrade for your workstation setup
MSI Modern MD272QP Ultramarine Specifications
- Screen Size: 27 Inches
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440 WQHD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Technology: In-Plane Switching (IPS)
- Refresh Rate: 75Hz
- Response Time: 4ms
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 (Static)
- Brightness: 300 cd/m2
- Built-in Speakers: Yes (2 x 1 Watt)
- Stand: Height – Yes
- Stand: Tilt – Yes
- Stand: Swivel – Yes
- Stand: Pivot– Yes
- VESA Compatibility: Yes (100 x 100)
- Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.2 x 1, HDMI 1.4 x 2, USB-C PD65W x 1, USB 2.0 x 3, 3.5mm Audio Jack x 1
- Dimensions with Stand(WxHxD): 24.15″ x 15.81″ x 7.91″
- Weight: 12.9 lbs
Design and Features
The MSI Modern MD272QP has a simple aesthetic, but it still manages to stand out amongst its competitors. It has a unique ultramarine aesthetic which offers the unique chance of building a blue-themed workstation. The display has a bezel-free design, but it still has inner borders like most modern IPS monitors.
Its dimensions are more modest than its predecessors, but that’s because brands like MSI are improving their designs while becoming more environmentally conscious. The device needs less than 8 inches of depth, so it takes up ess space and materials. It only weighs 12.9 pounds, so it will be easier to carry it around and rearrange a setup.
Its build quality is also better compared to the older MSI monitors we’ve seen in the past. The plastics used are thick and sturdy, and there were no cosmetic defects on any of its parts. The included stand is firm and stable, so the screen won’t sag or wobble by itself.
One of the downsides of the MSI Modern MD272QP is its lack of an OSD joystick. Instead, it has OSD buttons under the bottom bezel and near the right side of the screen. They are labeled and are easily within reach, but it just takes more time and effort to manipulate the OSD.
The included stand offers tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustments for your comfort and convenience. Full ergonomics is necessary for workstation displays since they will almost always be used for extended periods of time. You can also use VESA mounts, but those are only necessary in select instances.
The MSI Modern MD272QP’s connectivity layout includes DisplayPort 1.2 and two HDMI 1.4 slots. It also has a 65-Watt USB-C port, so it can accommodate popular work laptops like MacBooks. You also get three USB 2.0 ports for accessories and a 3.5mm jack for your headphones.
It even includes speakers, but they only have 1 watt of power on each channel. It’s nice that you have something to use with the monitor, but they are tinny and incapable of bass like most built-ins. You will be better off with a cheap headset, but at least you have something to use while waiting for one.
Display and Performance
The MSI Modern MD272QP sports a 27-inch IPS panel with a 2560 x 1440 resolution, a 75Hz refresh rate, and a 4ms response time. The backlight has a 300 cd/m2 maximum, while the contrast is listed at 1000:1, like most IPS panels. It doesn’t advertise HDR capabilities, but that’s reasonable since it’s not an entertainment variant.
27-inch 1440p monitors are great for any type of use since they offer great balance between sharpness and visibility. It’s noticeably clearer than 1080p screens, but it doesn’t turn small objects, such as text, into microscopic particles as 4K does. It’s also not as demanding on GPUs, but that only applies to gaming.
The MSI Modern MD272QP covers 99% and 80% of the sRGB and DCI-P3 gamuts, respectively. Its default accuracy is decent, with a deltaE average of 2.11, but we were expecting something better based on the product’s marketing. However, this is a good enough score for daily use, so most users won’t need to calibrate it.
Using a colorimeter on the MSI Modern MD272QP improved its dE average to 0.97, making it a great option for editing work. The downside is that you need to have the gadget to tune it and get a comparable setting. Colorimeters aren’t exactly cheap, so we can only recommend the purchase if you do color-critical work.
The MSI Modern MD272QP only managed to produce 281 cd/m2 at 100%. Its contrast isn’t stellar at 941:1 at 40% brightness. It’s incapable of deep blacks like VA panels, but that’s understandable for an IPS panel.
Panel uniformity for the test sample wasn’t perfect since the bottom row of the screen was noticeably dimmer than the rest. It’s not a big issue in white or colored backgrounds, but dark scenes will reveal the issue. Note that this can change with every monitor made due to tolerances, so there are better units out there.
The MSI Modern MD272QP has a decent pixel response time despite its refresh rate limitation. It’s prone to minor persistence in fast-paced and contrasting transitions, but only those with trained eyes will notice it. We don’t recommend maxing out the overdrive since it will make the image output worse by adding overshoot.
The MSI Modern MD272QP is still compatible with FreeSync and G-Sync. It is not meant for gaming, but it’s nice to have the option to use VRR when necessary. Its input lag is at 9ms at 75Hz, so its snappy and responsive for any use.
Thoughts on the MSI Modern MD272QP
The MSI Modern MD272QP is a decent pick if you want a good IPS to monitor with a unique aesthetic. It is not the most vibrant or accurate, but it will get the job done, especially when it’s calibrated. It also has a good amount of options for connectivity, so it’s going to be useful for modern setups.
Its biggest flaw is its contrast, but that’s expected from almost every IPS panel in the market. It also still has OSD buttons which don’t belong with a modern business display. However, it is an excellent office monitor beyond these minor issues.
Pros:
- Great Color Quality
- USB-C Connectivity
- Attractive and Unique Color
Cons:
- Dismal HDR and Contrast
- Weak Speakers
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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