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Gamers searching for a serious upgrade might find themselves looking at the new MSI MAG 274QP X24. This 27-inch QD-OLED gaming monitor recently launched in the US, carrying a price tag of about $500. It lands in an interesting middle ground: it’s more accessible than high-end flagships, but still a significant investment that warrants a closer look at what it offers – and what it doesn’t.
Immersive Visuals and Flexible Design
The core of the MAG 274QP X24 is its stunning 26.5-inch QD-OLED panel, featuring Samsung’s third-generation display technology. This ensures exceptional picture quality and vivid colors. The monitor displays a crisp Quad HD (2560 x 1440) resolution, which is ideal for a screen of this size. Paired with a rapid 240Hz refresh rate, this setup delivers incredibly smooth, high-frame-rate gaming, prioritizing fluid action over a pixel-dense but potentially slower 4K experience. For crystal-clear motion in fast-paced games, the display proudly holds VESA ClearMR 13000 certification.
When it comes to brightness, the monitor offers a peak of 400 nits for HDR content and 200 nits for standard dynamic range (SDR). While these figures might appear conservative next to some LCD screens, they are typical for many OLED panels and still provide an impactful HDR viewing experience. Color accuracy is a highlight, boasting 99% DCI-P3 coverage and arriving factory-calibrated with a Delta E of ≤2, meaning colors look accurate right out of the box.
The monitor’s stand is designed for comfort and flexibility, allowing users to tilt, swivel, pivot, and adjust the height. For those who prefer custom mounting solutions, a VESA 100 x 100 mount is also built-in.
Smooth Gaming Performance
The MAG 274QP X24 supports adaptive sync technology, making it compatible with both AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-SYNC for tear-free gaming. Console players aren’t left out either; it offers full support for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, allowing for 1080p and 1440p resolutions at both 60Hz and 120Hz, along with HDMI CEC and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) capabilities.
Peace of Mind with Burn-in Protection
One common concern with OLED displays is burn-in. MSI addresses this with its “OLED Care 2.0” system. This feature includes a full panel refresh that automatically runs every 24 hours when the monitor is in standby or powered off, with a convenient 30-minute warning beforehand. More significantly, MSI backs this up with a substantial 3-year burn-in warranty, providing crucial assurance for users who might keep static elements on their screen for extended periods.
Limited Connectivity Options
While impressive in many areas, the monitor’s connectivity is rather basic. It includes two HDMI 2.1 ports, one DisplayPort 1.4a, and a single headphone jack. Noticeably absent are a USB hub and a USB-C port. This lack means users will need external hubs or direct PC connections for additional peripherals, which feels like a significant omission, especially considering that many budget monitors now include USB-C functionality.
Quick Look: Key Specifications
- Display: 26.5-inch QD-OLED (3rd-gen Samsung)
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
- Refresh Rate: 240Hz
- Response Time: 0.03ms GtG
- HDR Support: Yes, 400 nits peak brightness (SDR: 200 nits)
- Color Gamut: 99% DCI-P3, Factory-calibrated (Delta E ≤2)
- Motion Clarity: VESA ClearMR 13000
- Adaptive Sync: Yes (FreeSync/G-SYNC compatible)
- Ergonomics: Tilt, swivel, pivot, height adjustment, VESA 100 x 100 mount
- Ports: 2x HDMI 2.1, 1x DisplayPort 1.4a, 1x Headphone-out (No USB hub/USB-C)
- Console Support: 1080p/1440p at 60Hz/120Hz, HDMI CEC, VRR for PS5/Xbox Series X|S
- Burn-in Protection: OLED Care 2.0, 3-year burn-in warranty
Pricing and Availability
The MSI MAG 274QP X24 is currently available in the US for $499.99. You can purchase it directly from MSI’s official store and other authorized retailers carrying MSI monitors.
Conclusion
The MSI MAG 274QP X24 presents a compelling option for gamers seeking the vibrant colors and rapid response times of a QD-OLED panel without breaking the bank for a top-tier model. Its QHD resolution at 240Hz offers a fantastic balance for high-performance gaming, complemented by excellent color accuracy and a robust burn-in warranty for peace of mind. While the limited connectivity, particularly the absence of USB-C and a USB hub, is a noticeable drawback, its core display performance and features make it a strong contender for those prioritizing visual fidelity and smooth gameplay at its attractive price point.
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