MSI has added to its product line with monitors featuring Rapid VA technologyachieving a response time of 1ms GtG, addressing the issue of ghosting in dynamic gaming scenarios. The monitors are fitted with a WQHD 1000R rapid VA panel and offer refresh rates of either 240Hz or 170Hz. The display panels are supplied by Samsung which touts its VA Rapid LCDs as having better contrast and brightness than IPS panels, and require software enhancements to optimize performance.
There are, typically, three types of LCD gaming panels: in-plane switching (IPS), vertical alignment (VA), and twisted nematic (TN). IPS panels’ liquid crystals are parallel to the panel and rotate to block or pass light. VA crystals are perpendicular to the panel and tilt to allow light to pass. In TN panels the crystals twist to block or pass light.
In general, VA has the best contrast ratio, resulting in deeper blacks. IPS has the widest viewing angles. TN has the worst picture quality overall, with low contrast, color shifting at angles, and color inversion from below. Historically TN was fastest, but high-end IPS can now match it. VA is a bit slower, especially in dark scenes where it exhibits black smearing. IPS has a slight edge for both SDR and HDR color spaces. VA is decent for HDR but TN lags far behind. IPS excels at viewing angles, color, brightness and overall well-rounded performance. VA offers superior contrast if viewing in dark rooms. TN is largely outdated but can match IPS motion handling in some cases. For the best overall gaming experience IPS or high-end VA panels are preferable to TN.
Other than addressing performance issues, MSI’s software enhancements also allow users to modify screen functions using mouse operations, removing the need for physical display buttons. The software also includes a night vision feature for improved visibility in darker game scenes and a Smart Crosshair that changes color to match the game’s background. Users can access firmware updates and KVM functionality through the software interface.
The MAG 325CQRF-QD and MAG 275CQRF-QD models, with quantum dot technology, provide extensive gamut coverage and a higher peak brightness level. QD LCD should improve on the color performance of standard VA and IPS panels and are considered more suitable for HDR content.
MSI’s MAG 325CQRXF and MAG 275CQRXF models, boasting a 240Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, have received the VESA DisplayHDR 400 and ClearMR Clear Motion 7000 Certification.
| Feature | MAG 275CQRF-QD | MAG 325CQRF-QD | MAG 275CQRXF | MAG 325CQRXF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Refresh Rate | 170Hz | 170Hz | 240Hz | 240Hz |
| Screen Size | 27″ (69 cm) | 31.5″ (80 cm) | 27″ (69 cm) | 31.5″ (80 cm) |
| Active Display Area (mm) | 596.736(H) x 335.664(V) | 697.344(H) x 392.256(V) | 596.736(H) x 335.664(V) | 697.344(H) x 392.256(V) |
| Curvature | Curve 1000R | Curve 1000R | Curve 1000R | Curve 1000R |
| Panel Type | Rapid VA LCD | Rapid VA LCD | Rapid VA LCD | Rapid VA LCD |
| Resolution | 2560×1440 (WQHD) | 2560×1440 (WQHD) | 2560×1440 (WQHD) | 2560×1440 (WQHD) |
| Pixel pitch (mm) | 0.2331(H)x0.2331(V) | 0.2724(H)x0.2724(V) | 0.2331(H)x0.2331(V) | 0.2724(H)x0.2724(V) |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 | 16:9 | 16:9 | 16:9 |
| Dynamic Refresh Rate technology | Adaptive-Sync | Adaptive-Sync | Adaptive-Sync | Adaptive-Sync |
| HDR (High dynamic range) | HDR Ready | HDR Ready | VESA DisplayHDR 400 | VESA DisplayHDR 400 |
| SDR Brightness (nits) | 300 | 300 | 300 | 400 |
| HDR Brightness (Peak nits) | NA | NA | 400 | 400 |
| Contrast Ratio | 4000:1 | 3500:1 | 2500:1 | 4000:1 |
| Response Time (MPRT) | 1ms (GTG) | 1ms (GTG) | 1ms (GTG) | 1ms (GTG) |
| sRGB / Adobe RGB / DCI-P3 * | 127% / 94% / 96% | 129% / 94% / 97% | 116% / 90% / 92% | 115% / 90% / 91% |
| Adjustments | Equipped with adjustable stand. Tilt: -5° ~ 20° Height: 0~130mm VESA Mount: 100 x 100 mm | Equipped with adjustable stand. Tilt: -5° ~ 20° Height: 0~100mm VESA Mount: 100 x 100 mm | Equipped with adjustable stand. Tilt: -5° ~ 20° Height: 0~130mm VESA Mount: 100 x 100 mm | Equipped with adjustable stand. Tilt: -5° ~ 20° Height: 0~100mm VESA Mount: 100 x 100 mm |
| I/O Ports | DisplayPort (1.2a) HDMI™ (2.0b) x 2 USB Type-C (DP alt mode with PD 15W) USB 2.0 Type-B USB 2.0 Type-A x 2 | DisplayPort (1.2a) HDMI™ (2.0b) x 2 USB Type-C (DP alt mode with PD 15W) USB 2.0 Type-B USB 2.0 Type-A x 2 | DisplayPort (1.4a) HDMI™ (2.0b) x 2 USB Type-C (DP alt mode with PD 15W) USB 2.0 Type-B USB 2.0 Type-A x 2 | DisplayPort (1.4a) HDMI™ (2.0) x 2 USB Type-C (DP alt mode with PD 15W) USB 2.0 Type-B USB 2.0 Type-A x 2 |
| Note | DisplayPort: 2560 x 1440 (Up to 170Hz by DP Overclocking) HDMI™: 2560 x 1440 (Up to 144Hz) Type C. 2560 x 1440(Up to 170Hz) | DisplayPort: 2560 x 1440 (Up to 170Hz by DP Overclocking) HDMI™: 2560 x 1440 (Up to 144Hz) Type C. 2560 x 1440(Up to 170Hz) | DisplayPort: 2560 x 1440 (Up to 240Hz by DP Overclocking) HDMI™: 2560 x 1440 (Up to 144Hz) Type C. 2560 x 1440(Up to 240Hz) | DisplayPort: 2560 x 1440 (Up to 240Hz by DP Overclocking) HDMI™: 2560 x 1440 (Up to 144Hz) Type C. 2560 x 1440(Up to 240Hz) |
