The MSI MPG 274URF QD is a reasonably-priced 4K gaming monitor with an extended refresh rate and quantum dot technology. It departs from the current trend of OLED panel technology and uses QD Rapid IPS instead, but that also makes it very affordable. It makes getting into 4K gaming more affordable, but let’s take a closer look to know if it should be your next upgrade.
MSI MPG 274URF QD Specifications
- Screen Size: 27 Inches
- Resolution:3840 x 2160 UHD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Technology: In-Plane Switching (IPS)
- Refresh Rate: 160Hz
- Response Time: 0.5ms
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
- Brightness: 400 cd/m2
- Built-in Speakers: None
- Stand: Height – Yes
- Stand: Tilt – Yes
- Stand: Swivel – Yes
- Stand: Pivot– Yes
- VESA Compatibility: Yes (100 x 100)
- Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.4a x 1, HDMI 2.1 x 2, USB-C PD65W x 1, USB 2.0 x 3, 3.5mm Jack x 1
- Dimensions With Stand (WxHxD): 24.15″ x 16.01″ x 8.97″
- Weight: 14.10 lb
Design and Features
The MSI MPG 274URF QD has a simpler design than the OLED versions but still has RGB LEDs and a clean look. The monitor has a matte black finish so that it won’t clash with most themed builds. It also has a bezel-free design but still has inner borders like most monitors.
This is a 27-inch model, so it’s a bit more manageable when it comes to placement on a desk. It only needs 8.97 inches of depth, and it is not wide enough to push speakers away. The device weighs 14.1 pounds, so it should be very easy to move around.
It may be classified as a budget model by today’s standards, but it doesn’t disappoint when it comes to building quality. 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 you won’t need to worry about sagging or wobbling.
The MSI MPG 274URF QD has an OSD joystick at the back for easy access to its peripherals. It’s not as essential for gaming monitors, but it’s still nice to have a tool that lets you tweak some settings on the fly. Other premium models have remotes, but those typically raise the price as well.
The included stand offers tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustments for your comfort and convenience. It’s easy to get a preferable viewing angle for extended hours of gaming and prevent neck strain. You can use VESA mounts, but it is only necessary in select instances.
The MSI MPG 274URF QD’s connectivity offers more value than what some of its competitors include. You get DisplayPort 1.4, two HDMI 2.1 slots, and a 65-watt USB-C port for modern laptops like the MacBook Air. You also get a USB 2.0 hub and a 3.5mm jack for your peripherals and accessories.
It doesn’t have speakers, but that’s okay since gaming monitors deserve something better. Gaming headsets and speakers will be more immersive, plus they are tuned to perform for this monitor’s intended purpose. Yes, it would be nice to have backups, but the truth is that built-ins are rarely used for gaming.
Display and Performance
The MSI MPG 274URF QD sports a QD Rapid IPS panel with a 3840 x 2160 resolution, a 160Hz refresh rate, and a 0.5ms response time. The backlight has a 400 cd/m2 output while the contrast is listed at 1000:1. This model is HDR 400 certified, but we all know how limited that is when it comes to HDR performance.
4K is sharper when its on a smaller screen, so reading can be a challenge on this model if you don’t use scaling. However, gamers and movies look crisper thanks to the exponentially higher pixel count and tighter density. What doesn’t change is that 4K is still rather demanding on GPUs, so may need to upgrade that at some point as well.
The MSI MPG 274URF QD covers 99% of SRGB and 95% of DCI-P3 for stunning color in games and movies. Its default accuracy had a deltaE average of 1.81, so it’s already decently accurate and out of the box. Most users can get by with the stock setup since it is already balanced from the factory.
Calibrating the monitor reduced its dE average to 0.76, making it suitable for editing work and content creation. The downside is that you will need a colorimeter to achieve the same results, and those are not cheap. We can only recommend it if you use the monitor for work, but it’s not practical otherwise.
The MSI MPG 274URF QD’s backlight reached 449 cd/m2 at 100%, so it can be searing to use for extended use. Its contrast reached 1242:1 at 40% brightness, so it has a slightly better black luminance result. However, it still unable to produce deep blacks like most VA or OLED panels, but that’s known to everyone.
Its panel uniformity had some minor flaws due to backlight leaks on the top edge of the screen. Some clouding can become visible depending on what’s on-screen at any given instance. Note that this can vary with every monitor made due to tolerances, so there are better ones out there.
The MSI MPG 274URF QD’s pixel response time is fantastic, as the screen is barely blurred. Setting the overdrive to its Fast setting helped tremendously in keeping the screen clear from smudging or persistence. At this point, only the OLED variants will be better in this regard.
The MSI MPG 274URF QD is compatible with FreeSync and G-Sync for smooth and tear-free gaming. Dual compatibility saves you money in the long run since you don’t have to buy a monitor again if you switch to the other GPU brand and want to keep VRR. Its input lag sits at 4ms at 160Hz, making it very responsive in fast-paced games.
Thoughts on the MSI MPG 274URF QD
The MSI MPG 274URF QD is a fantastic budget option that offers top-end visuals at a midrange price. Its QD Rapid IPS panel offers fantastic color quality and responsiveness, guaranteeing brilliant gaming visuals. It’s also designed to be robust and functional, so you get more for your money’s worth.
Its biggest weakness is its HDR performance, which is limited by its lack of a specialized backlight. However, it’s understandable that mini-LEDs or better OLED panels are unavailable at this price point. Overall, it’s still a fantastic buy if you are only after substantially better 4K gaming performance and value-oriented flexibility.
Pros:
- Affordable 4K 160Hz
- Fast and Responsive
- Excellent Colors
- USB-C and HDMI 2.1
Cons:
- 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’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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