The MSI Optix MAG24C along with two larger variants are the gaming brand’s latest attempts at the 144hz E-Sports monitor business. The previous Optix monitors such as the AG32C provided excellent value, but they included lackluster designs which left them behind against the competition. This time around, the brand is bouncing back with better engineering and conceptualization in the MSI Optix MAG24C and its siblings.
MSI Optix MAG24C Specifications
- Screen Size: 24 Inches
- Resolution: 1080p FHD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Technology: Vertical Alignment (VA)
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- Response Time: 4ms
- Contrast Ratio:3000:1
- Brightness: 250 cd/m²
- Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.2 x 1, HDMI 1.4 x 1, DVI x 1, 3.5mm Jack x 1
- Stand: Height – Yes
- Stand: Tilt – Yes (-5°/+15°)
- Stand: Swivel – Yes
- VESA Compatibility – Yes 75 x 75
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 21.1” x 15.3″ x 8.1”
Design and Features
The MSI Optix MAG24C takes some design lessons from popular monitors like the Asus MG series when it comes to both aesthetics and functionality. What makes these new models attractive is they all have 1800r curvatures and a three-sided borderless design for immersive viewing. This aspect also makes them ideal for triple monitor setups for improved surround vision, making games more engrossing.
If you look at the rear of the chassis, it is immediately noticeable that MSI somehow based their design on the mentioned Asus models. There is now a multidirectional joystick for OSD control and the strikingly similar angular lines which have RGB LED strips. From the looks of things, the MSI Optix MAG24C and its variants are shaping up to befit E-Sports setups and those built for high-end gaming.
We love MSI’s improvements in the MSI Optix MAG24C’s functionalities which now include a fully adjustable stand. You can tilt, swivel, and raise the display according to your setup’s needs, unlike the previous generation which was restricted to a few degrees of tilt. We’re also glad that these MAG monitors are now VESA compatible after removing the stand, making it convenient to arrange two or three in an array.
The MSI Optix MAG24C and the bigger versions can be considered as budget or midrange offerings in the market. We don’t feel there were too many compromises with features save for the limited connectivity. A DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 1.4, and DVI are standard for this model and the MAG27C, while the MAG27CQ utilizes an HDMI 2.0 to handle its 1440p resolution.
Display and Performance
The MSI Optix MAG24C sports a 24-inch curved VA panel with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, and 3000:1 contrast ratio for excellent gaming performance. Its important to note that the MAG27CQ will have a 2560 x 1440p resolution, but all three shares similar specs otherwise. The brand is advertising a 1ms MPRT response time which should be taken with salt, although products with similar claims have shown improvements in pixel transition.
The claimed sRGB coverage of 110% should complement the contrast levels to produce extreme vibrancy and visibility which are all essential for gaming. MSI is advertising a 250cd/m2 maximum brightness for the three, although we prefer higher thresholds for better control and granular adjustments. It’s a wonderful thing that monitors that are these affordable can offer the specs mentioned, although the effectiveness and real-world output still need to be tested.
The firm ensured that the MSI Optix MAG24C can live up to expectations by equipping each model with essential gaming features. All three monitors will come with FreeSync functionality, although the range is still unspecified. However, we have reason to believe that the threshold will reach 30Hz to 144Hz since the previous Optix monitors could.
There are also three customizable gaming profiles amongst pre-calibrated presets for different scenarios. There is no hot-swapping function detailed as of the moment, but our experience with similarly designed Asus monitors like the PG278QR suggests that using the joystick should provide convenience. The MSI Optix MAG24C also comes equipped with crosshair overlays for a targeting edge in some FPS titles.
Eye safety features also come pretty standard with these three models. MSI promises user-friendly calibration and intuitive feature menus to achieve comfortable and acceptable image settings. To top these off, the VA modules used are advertised to have lesser blue light than conventional modules, ensuring that your eyes remain strain-free during extended gaming sessions.
Thoughts on the MSI Optix MAG24C
We know everyone is looking forward to 4K 144Hz monitors, but the MSI Optix MAG24C and its affordable bigger brothers provide another value-oriented opportunity to upgrade an existing monitor. Those who are looking for a decent gaming monitor to pass the waiting time for more advanced models should check these babies out before pulling the trigger on a similar and more expensive option. Of course, if you already have a proven 144Hz FreeSync product like the Asus MG monitors or something, you can’t consider these models as upgrades.
The mix of specifications is nothing new for 2017 and 2018 unless practical hardware and E-Sports gaming performance are concerned. $250 for the MSI Optix MAG24C isn’t a steal by any means, but you have to remember products in this range have bezels and are flat. If you are looking for a reasonable upgrade or option for triple monitors, check out the MSI Optix MAG24C, MAG27C, and MAG27CQ which will trickle into retailers starting this month all the way up to January.
angelo veloso says
is this g sync compatible? has anybody tried it on this monitor?