MSI – Optix 27″ LED Curved QHD FreeSync Monitor (DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI) – Black

It’s been some time since I’ve had a gaming pc, so, of course, I’ve not been in the market for a gaming monitor. When I bought my new PC, I spec’d hardware that would game at 1440p without issue, so I had to have a monitor that would do the same. This monitor fits the bill perfectly. Low profile, small footprint, and its performance is fantastic. Games look outstanding at 1440, and the refresh rate is 144hz. For the money, I don’t think I could have made a better decision.

For the last 20 years I had an HP 24″ 1080 monitor that finally died and just wouldn’t turn on the other day.
First I got a Samsung curved 27″ 1080. It was 1000R and seemed a bit much and I was not sure I could adjust to that curve, though I loved the picture quality.
I exchanged it for a 27″ 1080 HP that an employee said had been very popular. It had bad light leakage on the right hand side and I felt like I could really see the pixels and that “screen door effect.” Also to my surprise, I did kind of miss having the extreme corners closer to me and at a better angle like on the curved screen.
I exchanged that for a Dell 27″ 1080. I generally liked the picture quality but still had that screen door problem sometimes.
So I got to more reading, researching etc. I wanted something in stock at a Best Buy so I could do an exchange. I wanted something that I could use for everything. I do some gamin though I am not by any means an extreme gamer who needs cutting edge, max specs. I do a lot of web browsing. I do video and photo editing and music production. I realized that 1080 just wasn’t going to cut it for me on a 27″. I didn’t like seeing the actual vertical columns of pixels. I researched a ton of different options.
This monitor was in stock at a store near me and seemed to have pretty good reviews and feedback, especially for it’s price range. So I took a chance on it as my 4th monitor in the last week or two.
I *think* (desperately hope) that I’m finally done. Picture quality is great, refresh and response time are likely way beyond what I personally need, but better to be overpowered than under. The curve is much more subtle (1800R as opposed to the 1000R of the Samsung). The build quality seems great. It is by FAR the most adjustable of the 4 I tried as far as tilting and swiveling and such. The stand feels like the best build quality of the 4 I tried. It seems plenty bright enough to me with good contrast (not that I’m any kind of expert).
My only slight complaint is that on dark screens, the color doesn’t seem quite uniform from the center to the sides and if you move your head back and forth you can see that non-uniformity shift around, but to be totally honest, I haven’t found that noticeable in actual use, only when I’m really scrutinizing and looking for problems.
1440 is the perfect resolution for the size to me, so I’m happy with that. Now I just pray to the tech gods that it remains great and reliable for almost 20 years like my last monitor! I think I finally found a keeper.

This gaming monitor is a great option for gamers who are looking for all-around performance. The 1440p 144hz screen is perfect when combined with a curve that is noticeable but not too ‘in your face’. The size is great because it is immersive while still being competitive, as I have never had to turn my head. The backlighting looks great and provides a subtle glow even when not viewed head-on. The colours are spot on and make gaming a blast, with crisp detail and an immersive feel, and all visuals will be very smooth. he 144hz refresh rate feels OH SO SMOOTH. Coming from a 60hz monitor to this is night and day. No complaints. 10/10I definitely recommend this item.

I previously owned an MSI C27C4 monitor that I loved, but my cat ended up knocking it over and shattering the screen. So, I went to look for a replacement MSI monitor with something higher than a 1080p resolution, and happened to stumble upon this one. I’m extremely happy with my purchase so far, since this monitor is way more versatile and higher quality than my previous one.
Pros:
1. The monitor comes with a very sturdy and versatile stand, allowing for both height and tilt adjustment. This is a major plus since my previous monitor stand didn’t move at all, despite taking up more desk space.
2. The price is great for a 1440p 144hz curved gaming monitor. You’re getting a pretty high quality piece of hardware while paying a lot less than most other name brands. Not to mention the color and images are gorgeous compared to some other VA panel monitors (the subtle glow in the back is a nice touch as well).
Cons:
1. There wasn’t really any instructions on how to attach the cord organizer to the stand, and I almost ended up snapping it in the process until I realized I was doing it wrong. Not enough to knock off a star, just enough to slightly annoy me (otherwise it was very easy to put together).
2. For some reason, and I can’t quite explain why, but my previous MSI monitor that was only 1080p seemed to have just a tad bit more depth to the colors despite both being VA panels. This isn’t so much of a con as it is a personal observation. Most people won’t be swapping out one almost identical monitor for another like I did. Plus I’m sure I’ll forget about it in a day or two (this image still looks gorgeous regardless).
If you’re looking for a good gaming monitor that gives you the best bang for your buck in the 1440p 144hz world, then this is the monitor for you.