Msi optix mpg27cq2 review in Spanish (full analysis)

MSI Optix MPG27CQ2 is the second version of its quintessential 2K curved monitor, a team that was presented at Computex 2019 and that we have already had in our test bench. This new Optix will not be the only one that we test, but it will offer a very good quality / price judging by the previous model. It is a curved monitor at 27 "and 2K resolution that reaches a frequency of 144Hz and 1 ms response thanks to a VA panel with very good features. MSI does not forget its aesthetic section and has included RGB lighting in front and behind and even management through the Smartphone.

We will see all this and more, but first we must thank MSI for their trust in us and our work, by temporarily giving us their product for analysis.

MSI Optix MPG27CQ2 technical features

Unboxing

MSI Optix MPG27CQ2 is a monitor of contained dimensions and weight compared to other equipment. We noticed this at the very moment of taking your rigid cardboard box, which in principle should not have problems during transport.

This box is the one that the manufacturer uses in all its models, completely printed in black with a photo of the monitor both front and back on its main faces. Similarly, on the sides we have information about the model we are dealing with and its main technical characteristics.

The opening of the box is made at the top in reference to the photo, and we will have to completely remove a case made up of two expanded polystyrene corks that houses all the accessories and product inside.

In this case they will be the following:

• MSI Optix MPG27CQ2 Display Metal Base Clamping Arm Power Supply (External) Screws for Optional Installations HDMIC Cable USB Type-B - Type-A Data Cable Audio Splitter Instruction Manual

The monitor initially comes fully disassembled into three pieces, so we will have to join them. This is as easy as screwing the legs into the arm with a pre-installed screw, and then attaching the display to the arm with a two-tab system with bottom fixing.

This time we do not have a DisplayPort cable available, nor will it be strictly necessary, because both ports support the same resolution and speed.

Design

Since we have to mount the MSI Optix MPG27CQ2 monitor, we are going to take the opportunity to see the support arm in detail. It comes in two pieces, which are metal to be able to support the weight of the screen. The support is based on two legs that take up a lot of space as we can see, and a foot in the back that is quite discreet that allows you to stick the monitor quite a bit to the wall, and that's a good thing.

The support arm has as always a hydraulic movement system to raise and lower the screen and a strong enough grip that almost completely eliminates the wobbles of the screen. The visible area consists of a black hard plastic housing without integrated lighting. Finally, the display fastening system is a customized variant of VESA with two metal tabs on the top and a lower "click" that keeps it attached. The monitor is of course compatible with the VESA 100 × 100mm standard.

One thing that is distinguishing the MSI Optix series monitors is the almost complete removal of their physical display frames. If you look, we only have a very small border in the entire upper and lateral area, while the minimum necessary 26 mm frame is kept below to fit the hardware. On the side and on the top, the frames are generated by the screen itself, with only 8 mm thickness, thus reaching a useful area of ​​over 90%.

This MSI Optix MPG27CQ2 is a monitor with 1800R curvature and a 16: 9 aspect ratio on a 27-inch panel coated with a very good diffusion anti-reflection protection. MSI tends to resort to this type of configuration quite frequently on their gaming monitors to meet the needs of e-Sports. You know that screens of this size are the most used in this field, although not exactly those that have curvature, so the manufacturer offers this type of options much more than its rivals.

If we look at the bottom frame, we have a total of 5 cells that generate RGB lighting compatible with Mystic Light. This time we can customize it with the SteelSeries GameSense software, which we will see later. Of course the general design is optimized so that a user can mount up to 3 simultaneous monitors oriented to simulators. The set can be managed in an integrated way with this software.

Focusing now on the back of the monitor, we see a design very similar to the lower model, we are talking about the MSI Optix MPG27C, in fact, it is the same. So in the bright plastic area we will have the RGB lighting system with MSI's own technology and the same design simulating electric routes.

Ergonomics

MSI Optix MPG27CQ2 supports movement in all three axes of space. Allows vertical movement of the screen in a range of 120mm from lowest to highest position.

Attaching the arm to the base allows turning on the Z axis with 40 ° to the right and to the left. Finally, the screen support will allow us to modify the front orientation at an angle of 5 ° down and 20 ° up.

Ports and connections

We go to see the port panel of the MSI Optix MPG27CQ2, which are located in the lower area and in the left side area seen from the front. This means that it is exactly the same as the predecessor model, having:

• 2 x HDMI 2.0 jack power connector DisplayPort 1.2 USB 3.0 Type-B data port 2x USB 3.1 Gen1 (3.0) for storage devices 3.5mm jack connectors for separate audio and microphone

Separating the video and service ports from the USB is the best way to allow the user to easily insert flash drives in a comfortable situation.

At this point it is important to know that the versions of the video ports will support the 2560x1440p resolution at 144 Hz without any problem. This means that we can indifferently use both to connect the monitor, and that it works to the best of its ability. Also remember that AMD FreeSync is compatible with DP and HDMI.

Display and features

And if we talk about the benefits of the MSI Optix MPG27CQ2, we will inevitably have to make comparisons with its previous model, also analyzed by us and that you will have at this link. And is that the main difference between both models lies in the resolution, in this case we have 2560 x 1440p for the MSI Optix MPG27CQ2 compared to 1920x1080p for the MSI Optix MPG27C. We can say then that it is a variant that has the same characteristics, but increases its resolution.

This monitor then has 27 inches and an aspect ratio of 16: 9, which reduces the pixel pitch to only 0.2331 × 0.2331 mm, thus generating greater sharpness in the image and increasing quality. The maximum refresh rate MSI has chosen is 144 Hz and the response of 1 ms on a 16.7 million color VA panel, with 90% DCI-P3 and 115% sRGB. In addition, the manufacturer reports that the color palette chosen for its calibration is that of the CIE 1976 standard, something to consider in the calibration section.

The rest of the features offered by the panel are a contrast ratio of 3, 000: 1 typical in this type of panel and 100, 000, 000: 1 in DCR. The brightness has also increased to 400 nits, compared to 250 that has the Full HD model, which is noticeable, a lot. Speaking of a gaming monitor, we can't forget about its AMD FreenSync technology for dynamic refreshment and its compatibility with Nvidia G-Sync. Remember that we must activate this ability from the OSD panel. This VA panel offers us viewing angles of 178 degrees both horizontally and vertically, they are not as good as those of an IPS panel, especially for the curvature, but the color distortion is quite slight.

As MSI's own technologies we have the Gaming OSD software such as managing the image characteristics from the operating system, and a new MSI Remote Display application to control the monitor from our Smartphone. There is also no lack of Anti-Flicker technology to reduce the amount of flickering and split screen function and on-screen crosshairs to improve the gaming experience in FPS.

Along the way, for example, content support in HDR has remained, or better Delta calibration, as we will see later. That is why the strong point of the monitor will be its quality / price ratio. Among interesting features, we have the design-oriented PIP and PBP function, the HDCR function to adapt the brightness level to what is shown in the image, or the adjustment of the black level to improve the image in very dark scenes.

Calibration and color proofing

We continue with the calibration section for this MSI Optix MPG27CQ2 in which we will see the color characteristics of the monitor, evaluating the calibration available from the factory and the brightness capacity. To do this, we are going to use the X-Rite Colormunki Display colorimeter together with its own calibration software for its adjustment, and the free HCFR software to monitor color characteristics.

As always, we are going to extract the results in the sRGB and DCI-P3 color spaces. In this case we must take into account that the color palette that has been used to calibrate the monitor corresponds to CIE1976, while we will use the CIE2000 palette so that the Delta E will be affected as normal.

Brightness and Contrast

We have proceeded first of all to measure the monitor's actual brightness and contrast characteristics. Due to its size, we have divided the panel into a 3 × 3 grid to see its maximum brightness, which should be 400 nits.

Well in this case we see that at no time is reaching the 400 nits that appear in the specifications. The highest result obtained is in the center of the screen with 355 cd / m ², while at the edges we are closer to 300 than 400 nits.

And as far as contrast is concerned, we have obtained a 2000: 1 ratio, which also leaves that 3000: 1 far from its specifications. Being able to determine then that the panel does not reach its maximum records, at least in this unit of analysis.

SRGB color space

Here is what we said about the checked color palette, whose calibration delta is far from ideal due to what has already been commented. As far as graphics are concerned, the truth is that we do not have too close to what is considered ideal for the color space, but it could be improved by doing a calibration. The tightest values ​​have been obtained with a brightness of 60%.

What is perfectly reflected is that we are exceeding the sRGB color space by a fairly large percentage, 115% is what MSI specifies. We see that in the three vertices the colors perfectly fit this space, and we should only improve point D65 to adjust the panel's color temperature.

DCI-P3 color space

In this section, more or less the same thing happens, all the graphs being relatively far from what the program considers ideal. If we look at the CIE diagram, we see that the colors of the lower vertices are perfectly adjusted to what the space demands, and only an improvement in the level of green is missing. Thus determining that 90% shown in the panel specifications.

Lighting and software

Before recounting our experience of using the MSI Optix MPG27CQ2, it is important to know that we can improve it substantially thanks to the multiple support programs that MSI includes for this monitor.

But first of all, we must connect the monitor's USB cable to our equipment, in order to obtain this communication capacity between system and equipment. Similarly, we will need to install the monitor driver, which is available on the MSI product support page, whose instructions are included in a PDF.

The first major program will be SteelSteries GameSense, which will allow us, among other things, to manage the monitor's dual addressable lighting system in an advanced way. Optionally, we can also install MSI Mystic Light so that this system is synchronized with our MSI ecosystem.

Many of you will already know MSI Gaming OSD, because we have seen it on other monitors analyzed. With this program we will expand the characteristics of the OSD panel, being able to customize the image output in up to 8 different modes shown in the left list. In the right area we will have a series of advanced tools to customize the split screen mode and monitor interaction options.

If we go to the options wheel, we will find some of the OSD panel, such as the selection of input signal, OSD layout and the possibility of creating macros for other functions or hotkeys.

And finally, we will have available on Android the MSI Remote Display application, which we can download from Google Play for free. This application requires that the computer that has the monitor installed is connected to the same network as the mobile. In a simple way we can locate the equipment and monitor to modify many options of your OSD in real time. The truth is that it is very interesting and useful for those who like to be interconnected with your devices. We highly recommend it.

User experience

As I usually do, I am going to tell my experience of using this MSI Optix MPG27CQ2 in the three clearest application sections.

Multimedia and cinema

In this regard, we have a more or less standard performance monitor in terms of image capacity. I say this because we do not have HDR technology nor an ultra-wide design that takes advantage of the content in 21: 9 format used in the cinema.

On the other hand, it is a fairly large screen, 27 inches with 2K resolution, so the playback and rescaling of movies in both 1080p and 4K will be very good because it is halfway there. The immersion that gives us its curvature also favors, in my point of view, to immerse ourselves more in what we are seeing. So the less, it meets expectations.

Gaming

It is obvious for what MSI presents this team, after the successful MSI Optix MPG27C, now it has wanted to launch this new model with a 2K resolution and identical format to reach the market for professional players who already move at these levels. And it is that it combines practically all the qualities of good gaming, a versatile panel with excellent viewing angles, 144 Hz frequency with FreeSync and 1 ms response.

In addition, I see it very logical to implement this resolution, since in the market there are quite a few graphics cards that handle perfectly in these resolutions with FPS higher than 100, see the new RTX Super or the RX 5700. In this way it is possible to satisfy needs and -Sport rescaled to 1080p without sacrificing speed, or place 2K to enjoy a good RPG with peace of mind. And it is that 2K is going to be more and more the optimal resolution to play, at least in campaign mode.

Then we must take into account the possibilities that it does not offer when it comes to lighting, or its curved configuration at 16: 9 that allows better immersion without giving up having everything under control of our sight. Applications like OSD in the system or remote configuration increase the versatility of this monitor. You have the possibility to activate HDCR, which will help to optimize the panel brightness in front of dark and very light scenes, so that we never miss a detail.

Design

In this last section, I do not consider it to be a recommended monitor for professional design, although it is true that having 2K resolution increases its possibilities. But not having a Delta E <2 calibration or X-Rite certification is something a professional designer needs. We know spectacular VA panels on the market, although in this case we need an extra feature that this monitor does not provide.

OSD panel

As a prelude to the end of our review, we find an OSD menu as complete as that of other MSI teams. We can even manage the monitor lighting from here, although only in a basic way.

To control it, we only use a joystick with a central button with which to move it through all the options in the four directions of the space. Without a doubt the easiest, most intuitive and fastest method that a monitor can have. Fortunately, practically all new models use it.

This menu has a section more than the 1080p model, being that of PIP and PBP as panel division modes, for the rest of the details, it is practically the same with the same options. Similarly, we have four quick menus that we can open in the four directions of the joystick, to configure an alarm, select input signal, image mode and activation of the crosshair on the screen.

Final words and conclusion about MSI Optix MPG27CQ2

Well, as we said on the day of the review of the Optix MPG27C, this model inherits many things from the previous model, especially when it comes to design. And it is that we have a model that is practically the same, same materials, same screen and support design and identical lighting system.

What we have obvious improvements in is the image quality, since its resolution has been increased to 2560x1440p and 400 nits, although it does not reach them. This will allow us to stretch much more in the graphic quality when we are playing in campaign mode, where the gaming experience will be much better than in full HD.

Visit our updated guide to the best PC monitors on the market

Despite this increase in resolution, the maximum frequency of 144 Hz, AMD FreeSync and response time is still maintained at 1 ms, being exactly as fast as the lower model, so also for e-Sports it is a great option. One of the weak points could be color calibration, since it is not too good to use in design, but neither the brightness nor contrast reach the theoretical parameters, staying at 355 nits and 2000: 1 respectively.

Another of its strengths is its ability to manage with the programs we have seen, and the great novelty of integrating it with our Smartphone through the MSI Remote Display, which, on the other hand, works like a charm. Its OSD panel is still as complete as ever with everything you need.

With this, MSI Optix MPG27CQ2 is emerging as a quite attractive option for its overall image quality, ignoring the details discussed, for its gaming design and price. It is available in a price range between 400 and 469 euros, so its quality / price ratio is undeniable. Great MSI job on this Optix.

ADVANTAGE	DISADVANTAGES
+ SOFTWARE MANAGEMENT	- DOES NOT HAVE HDR
+ AMD FREESYNC AND 144 HZ ON A 2K PANEL	- YOUR CALIBRATION IS NOT OPTIMAL
+ APP FOR SMARTPHONE
+ COMBINATION OF CURVATURE AND 16: 9 RATIO FOR E-SPORTS
+ EXCELLENT QUALITY / PRICE RATIO

The Professional Review team awards you the gold medal and recommended product:

MSI Optix MPG27CQ2

DESIGN - 92%

PANEL - 88%

CALIBRATION - 86%

BASE - 88%

MENU OSD - 88%

GAMES - 93%

89%