The MSI MPG 271QRX is a more affordable alternative to the Alienware AW2725DF for E-Sports fans. It also has a 360Hz 1440p OLED panel, which you can find on the current fastest monitors on the planet. Let’s take a closer look to see how this stacks up to its pricier competition and determine if it should be the top choice.
MSI MPG 271QRX Specifications
- Screen Size: 27 Inches
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440 QHD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Technology: OLED
- Refresh Rate: 360Hz
- Response Time: 0.03ms
- Contrast Ratio: 1500000:1
- Brightness: 250 cd/m2
- Built-in Speakers: Yes (2 x 5 Watts)
- Stand: Height – Yes
- Stand: Tilt – Yes
- Stand: Swivel – Yes
- Stand: Pivot – Yes
- VESA Compatibility: Yes (100 x 100)
- Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.4 x 1, HDMI 2.1 x 2, USB 2.0 x 3, USB-C PD90W DP Alt Mode x 1
- Dimensions with Stand (WxHxD): 24” x 16.6” x 9.5”
- Weight: 18.3 lbs
Design and Features
The MSI MPG 271QRX, like its bigger brother, has a simpler aesthetic when compared with its predecessors and direct competitors. The monitor has a matte black finish with a discrete RGB LED at the back, so it doesn’t look too gamer-centric. The display has very thin borders, so the screen looks bigger than most at a glance.
Its size is more manageable, so most users won’t need to get rid of stuff to accommodate it. The device only needs 9.5 inches of depth when fully assembled, and it doesn’t have a crazy-shaped base that will offset other large peripherals. It is heavier than other OLED models, but that’s a minor inconvenience for most people.
It may be cheaper, but its build quality isn’t any less when compared with its competitors. The plastics used are thick and sturdy, and there were no signs of cosmetic defects or cheapness on any of its parts. The included stand is firm and stable so that the screen won’t sag or shake after some use.
The MSI MPG 271QRX has a joystick for its OSD, so you can conveniently access its settings and features. You can’t directly see it. It’s easy to access and use, so adjusting something quick light and tuning the brightness down is very doable. Other premium options add remotes, but those will usually raise the premium further.
The included stand offers tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustments for your comfort and convenience. This is essential for long hours of gaming so you don’t strain your neck and eyes. You can use VESA mounts, but those are only necessary in select instances.
Its connectivity layout includes DisplayPort 1.4, two HDMI 2.1 ports, and a 90-watt USB-C with DP Alt Mode. You only get USB 2.0 slots, but that’s fine since it is still usable for peripherals and accessories. Its competitors have more, but we’re good with the video inputs it offers, especially the type-C slot, which gives it more flexibility.
The MSI MPG 271QRX doesn’t have speakers, but most gaming monitors are okay without them. This variant deserves a good pair of headsets, which are better for focus and immersion compared to built-ins. Most brands only offer basic sets anyway, so you aren’t losing out on a lot.
Display and Performance
The MSI MPG 271QRX sports a 27-inch QD-OLED panel with a 2560 x 1440 resolution, a 360Hz refresh rate, and a 0.03ms response time. The panel has a 250 cd/m2 output and a 150000:1 contrast ratio. This model is certified with VESA’s DIsplayHDR 400 True Black, thanks to these characteristics.
We now have 4K 240Hz models, but it seems that 1440p still has a lot of staying power on the market based on current developments. 1440p is still in demand because it’s the current gaming sweet spot, which offers both efficiency and upgraded visuals. It’s sharper and clearer than 1080p for work and games, but it’s not as demanding as a 4K panel.
The MSI MPG 271QRX covered more than 100% sRGB and 99% DCI-P3 for stunning color in games and movies. Its dE average is all over the place at 3.89, so it is not the most accurate monitor out of the box. However, gamers typically do not mind the color pop, so this isn’t a deal-breaker, in our opinion.
Calibrating it reduced the dE average to 1.77, which is a bit more balanced and natural for most uses. However, you will need a colorimeter to achieve a similar result due to the differences in each panel. It’s only worth it for color-critical work, but it’s not practical for this monitor.
The MSI MPG 271QRX’s panel reached 249 cd/m2 at 100% brightness, and it peaked at 1029 cd/m2 when its HDR mode was active. Its contrast is practically infinite, enabling it to produce deep and true blacks, which you won’t get with IPS or VA. Night scenes look incredible and convincing on this monitor, so it’s perfect for games and movies.
Panel uniformity on the test sample had some issues since the right of the screen is dimmer than the rest. Its not noticeable most of the time, but all-black backgrounds or night scenes can reveal the difference. Note that this can vary with every monitor made, so it is entirely possible to get both better and worse units.
The MSI MPG 271QRX is just as fast as the other 360Hz models when it comes to pixel response time. It barely shows any blurring thanks to its very high refresh rate and the QD-OLED panel’s lack of backlight. It’s the perfect choice for E-Sports, even if it is not as economical as the established options for it.
The MSI MPG 271QRX is compatible with both G-Sync and FreeSync for tearing and stutter-free gaming. It’s ideal to have dual compatibility for money-saving purposes since you won’t have to buy a new monitor every time you switch to the other GPU brand. Its input lag is slightly above 1ms at 360Hz, making this one of the fastest gaming monitors in the market.
Thoughts on the MSI MPG 271QRX
The MSI MPG 271QRX is a fantastic choice if you want a wondrous OLED gaming monitor at a better price point. It’s not as accurate or aesthetically attractive as the other options, but it has all of the advantages QD-OLED brings to the table. It’s robust, and it has desirable extras like USB-C connectivity, so you don’t lose a lot by going to the affordable root.
The biggest issue it has is its factory calibration, which leaves something to be desired in a monitor at this price range. It is cheaper in its category, but it still has a higher tag than the regular IPS or VA variants out there. However, we still think that it’s a fantastic buy, even if it’s technically not the best one out of the lot.
Pros:
- Excellent Colors and Contrast
- Very Fast and Responsive
- USB-C and HDMI 2.1 Connectivity
- FreeSync and G-Sync
Cons:
- Pricey
- Poor Accuracy
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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