MSI Optix G27C4 27" Curved 165Hz "1ms" Freesync 1080p Gaming Monitor
279MSI Optix G27C4 27" Curved 165Hz "1ms" 1080p Gaming Monitor.
The MSI G27C4 is in many ways a typical VA curved gaming monitor. It offers a 165Hz refresh rate with AMD Freesync on a slim bezel, curved panel. Like most VA panels it offers a decent contrast ratio and good viewing angles. This model has HDMI 2.0 and Display Port inputs however only an HDMI cable is included. The stand is NOT height adjustable although MSI does offer more expensive models with that feature if need be. I like VA panels in general for the above average contrast ratio and viewing angles they offer over TN but do note the color accuracy is not as good as most mid range IPS panels. Red in particular is over saturated and in my own viewing tests it lacks shadow detail compared to even some TN panels. That said I like the display overall and don't fault color accuracy as this is a gaming monitor after all and not being sold as a pro-art type of display. Do not buy this monitor for publishing or light room work and you'll be fine but again I'll stress that contrast ratio and viewing angles are above average and for a monitor that would be used for primarily gaming it will still look good for everyday use inc watching video.
The "1ms" is in quotes for a reason. This is a VA panel and like most VA panels typically has a 4ms GTG response time. But like many modern gaming monitors (inc many IPS panels typically @ 5ms GTG!) they use tricks like strobing the LED backlights to help reduce motion blur caused by higher refresh rate panels. This allows them to advertise the response time as a 1ms "Motion Reduction Rate" or MBR response time. IPS, PLS and VA panels typically have a higher native GTG response time than their TN counterparts BUT have better native contrast ratios and viewing angles over TN panels. Personally I'll take better contrast and viewing angles over true lower response times any day of the week. So I've always been okay with this practice but do feel people should know the true GTG response times of their monitors and not just follow blatant advertising lingo like MBR and other terms used by manufactures to make the specs look better on the box.
Most gaming monitors today are NOT a true 1ms response time.
I picked this monitor up on sale for $260 CAD (apx $200 USD) at a store that I had gift cards for. I've wanted a 27" monitor for awhile and the fact this one is 165Hz with Freesync is just a bonus as my gift cards more than paid for the monitor and taxes. This was basically a Christmas present for myself!