MSI MPG 272URX Gaming Monitor Review

Posted by By our-little-miss-is-home February 23, 2025 9 Views 18 Min Read
MSI MPG 272URX Gaming Monitor Review



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Increasingly popular OLED monitors are bombarding gamers with new options. The 27-inch MSI MPG 272URX uses an upgraded EL Gen 3 QD-OLED panel, which is more durable and efficient. This 4K 240Hz display targets more than gamers, thanks to sharp text and generous connectivity. Most notably, the MPG 272URX is ready for the Nvidia RTX 50 series with the higher-bandwidth DisplayPort 2.1a.

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27-inch monitors may not seem ideal for 4K, especially with the 32-inch MPG 321URX available. As someone accustomed to a larger screen, I was somewhat hesitant to downsize. Even so, the MPG 272URX is tempting to competitive gamers who prioritize response time. Meanwhile, True Black 400 HDR should make the monitor as compelling for single-player action. Has the MPG 272URX improved enough on past QD-OLED panels to justify its steep price?

Design

For a gaming monitor, the MSI MPG 272URX looks fairly understated from the front. A gray strip on its bottom edge with the MSI logo adds some distinctiveness to the otherwise minimalist design. The monitor’s semi-glossy coating makes the screen a black mirror when off, but reflections during usage aren’t an issue.

The back of the MPG 272URX is more typical of a gaming-oriented display. MSI’s dragon logo is prominently featured on the left side of the rear panel. Some customizable Mystic Light RGB lighting is found above the top of the stand, but don’t expect a spectacular light show. More crucial for gaming performance, the MPG 272URX has several vents that work with the monitor’s fan-free cooling system. Buyers will want to ensure they remove the plastic film from these areas to mitigate any chance of overheating.

The monitor’s screen and bezels are extremely thin, but the MPG 272URX is more noticeable from a side angle. Its ergonomic stand is versatile enough to tilt, raise, and lower the screen to accommodate various setups. The center of the stand has an opening for tidier cable management. For more flexibility, the MPG 272URX supports VESA mounting and popular monitor arms.

MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED Design #4

I’ve never been a fan of center-mounted controls on monitors, especially when I have a soundbar underneath. Still, the buttons on the back of the MPG 272URX are easier to access than reaching around the side of a display. On one end is the critical power button, with a macro key to launch MSI’s Gaming Intelligence app on the other side. In the middle is Navi key, which is really a small joystick that’s used to navigate on-screen menus. Users can customize the directional movements to change brightness and picture modes or activate other settings.

Connectivity

MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED Connectivity

Unlike other monitors I’ve tested, most of the MPG 272URX’s ports are in one spot and are not difficult to access. The power connector is positioned on the right side of the monitor’s back panel.

One advantage of the MPG 272URX over previous 4K OLED monitors, such as the MPG 321URX, is its DisplayPort 2.1a connection. While buyers will need a compatible GPU, like Nvidia’s recently released RTX 50 series cards, to take full advantage, video signals are compressed with less loss in detail. Even so, older graphics cards can realize the MPG 272URX’s maximum 4K 240Hz resolution. Without a proper GPU to compare myself, the consensus is that differences in image quality are minimal.

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MSI’s latest 27-inch monitor includes two HDMI 2.1 ports. As a result, the MPG 272URX is an excellent Xbox Series X, PS5, or PS5 Pro monitor with support for VRR and 120Hz gameplay.

A USB 2.0 Type-C port allows compatible laptops to output video to the monitor. At the same time, laptops can be recharged with up to a 98-watt current. To further simplify setups, USB 3.2 Gen 1 upstream and downstream ports enable KVM functionality.

A PC must be connected to an upstream port to use MSI’s Gaming Intelligence software.

The MPG 272URX doesn’t include any internal PC speakers. However, the headphone jack came in handy when connecting my PS5 and its audio to external speakers.

Usage and Software

Previous OLED monitors had a reputation for being impractical for productivity. One frequently raised issue was text clarity, which is often inferior to IPS alternatives. Fortunately, the MPG 272URX has bumped up its Pixels Per Inch (PPI) to 166, which makes a noticeable difference when reading articles. This also leads to less obvious text fringing or blurry fonts with visible outlines. Having transitioned from an IPS monitor, I had no issues using the MPG 272URX for long non-gaming hours.

MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED Contrast

The MPG 272URX’s 1500000:1 contrast ratio might not increase work output, but it’s evident even when browsing sites using dark themes. When set to a black background, you can see how the MSI monitor compares side by side to my Gigabyte M32U 4K IPS display. The M32U has an obvious size advantage but doesn’t come close to matching the MSI’s inky blacks.

MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED Usage #2

Other than occasionally slow input changes, I didn’t encounter many annoyances using the MPG 272URX daily. To make settings changes, you can either rely on the monitor’s on-screen display or the Gaming Intelligence app. The built-in menus offer a long list of picture modes that suit general usage, gaming, or image editing. It’s also encouraged to tweak brightness, contrast, sharpness, and color temperature for a custom preset.

MSI Gaming Intelligence App

I had reservations about using an app that relies on a constant USB connection to a monitor. However, Gaming Intelligence proved to be a reasonable alternative to reaching for physical buttons. The software’s layout is a bit odd, but it allows MPG 272URX owners to control every aspect of the display and set up hotkeys. Experimenting with the monitor’s PIP/PBP capabilities is straightforward, even if a 27-inch screen doesn’t provide much real estate.

MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED Usage #3

The MPG 272URX struggles to immerse viewers like a larger 32-inch or ultrawide monitor. Regardless, its wide color palette has benefits outside of gaming, where stunningly detailed 4K HDR nature videos appear more lifelike.

Some buyers avoid OLED monitors because of potential burn-in. The MPG 272URX ships with a litany of preventative measures to address these concerns. Pixel Shift and Pixel Refresh can run on a schedule, so static images don’t leave a lasting negative impact. On the other hand, these OLED Care reminders can become a nuisance, interrupting projects or gaming sessions. Most users will ignore the pop-up notifications until the timing is more convenient. An efficient heatsink gives MSI enough confidence to offer a three-year warranty that covers burn-in.

Gaming Performance

The MPG 272URX more than holds its own for office tasks, but it thrives during gaming. HDR mode on IPS or VA displays is usually lackluster, to the point that many owners leave it off. The MPG 272URX lets gamers know what they have been missing, with DisplayHDR True Black 400 support. The monitor uses upgraded Samsung QD-OLED technology, which is even brighter than competing OLED panels.

MSI MPG 272URX Resident Evil Village

OLED monitors still trail behind their TV counterparts in overall brightness. Even so, the MPG 272URX can reach up to 1000 nits over small sections of an image and 250 nits over a full screen. True Black 400 is the default, but MSI’s monitor also has an alternate setting for HDR Peak 1000. I preferred True Black 400 for content with vivid colors, but Peak 1000 can further enhance the clarity of objects in darker games, like Resident Evil Village.

MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED Avowed

Strangely, Avowed doesn’t have a native HDR option on PCs, but it was a good test of the monitor’s SDR capabilities. The Living Lands environments in the game still popped with every color of the rainbow.

MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED Counter-Strike 2

The MPG 272URX is an outstanding choice for colorful RPGs or dimmer horror titles. That said, its 240Hz refresh rate and 27-inch size cater to esports pros, who often prefer smaller monitors for faster eye movements. It’s difficult for GPUs to drive ultra-high refresh rates at 4K with demanding games, but Counter-Strike 2 doesn’t require a powerhouse gaming PC.

Using my aging RTX 3080, I consistently achieved over 200fps at 4K with most detail settings maxed. It’s hard to appreciate how much more fluid scanning for enemies feels until switching back to 60Hz. Mouse movements reflect instantly on screens, and there is no hint of motion blur.

G-Sync also helps eliminate screen tearing, which I kept on throughout testing. One annoying issue I encountered was Nvidia’s software reminding me to enable the feature every time the monitor powered on. I couldn’t figure out how to disable deep sleep on the MPG 272URX, so I disabled the notification.

As has become typical with gaming monitors, the MPG 272URX can project a crosshair on screens. The AI crosshair can even automatically change colors for maximum visibility. This can assist FPS gamers in training, but some players find it more of a nuisance than a help.

Does MSI’s 27-inch OLED Offer Enough for a $1K+ Price?

With the MSI MPG 272URX, buyers are paying for a top-of-the-line OLED gaming monitor. While the refined EL Gen 3 QD-OLED panel isn’t a giant leap in picture quality, the monitor’s small advancements add up. Reduced to a part-time gamer, I especially appreciate its upgraded text clarity. Combined with an arsenal of features to counter burn-in, the MPG 272URX becomes a practical monitor for work and gaming.

MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED Conclusion

Even without the brightness of a premium OLED TV, HDR on the MPG 272URX is far more than a gimmick. Well-lit scenes have more impact, while True Black 400 keeps darker images from becoming washed out.

A compact 27-inch high-refresh-rate monitor appeals to competitive gamers. The display’s 240Hz refresh rate doesn’t disappoint in fast-paced shooters, with incredibly low latency. The gaming excellence extends to consoles, thanks to two high-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports.

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Despite its advantages, the MPG 272URX might be a tough sell, breaking the $1000 barrier. Displayport 2.1a and its improved compression are found mostly on scarce Nvidia RTX 50 series GPUs. Also, 32-inch monitors are often preferable to fully appreciate 4K visuals. Nevertheless, the MSI MPG 272URX addresses common OLED drawbacks and is a surprisingly well-rounded monitor.

Other Gaming Monitor Options

If you are looking for alternatives, the Asus ROG Swift PG27UCDM and Alienware AW2725Q are similar QD-OLED options. Both 27-inch monitors have familiar specs except for the Dolby Vision HDR that the MPG 272URX lacks. On the other hand, the ROG display’s aggressive gaming aesthetics may turn off some buyers. All these QD-OLED monitors should appear in North American markets on or before March 2025.

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FAQ

Q: Are OLED monitors good for eyes?

How regular use of an OLED monitor impacts eyesight depends on the specific model and the active picture settings. Still, these displays usually reduce eye fatigue by minimizing blue light emission. Also, the high contrast levels of OLED monitors make text more visible when set against darker backgrounds.

Q: What are the downsides of OLED monitors?

In the past, buyers have avoided OLED monitors for fear of burn-in. However, manufacturers have implemented techniques that keep static images from causing damage. Some OLED monitors also don’t exhibit the best text clarity, but recent QD-OLED panels are more suitable for office tasks.

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