MSI Optix G27C4 Review
For gamers looking for a curved gaming monitor that offers a smashing 165Hz refresh rate accompanied by Adaptivesync Technology and a FHD display, then the MSI Optix G27C4 is definitely a promising contender.
The monitor has a fantastic response time which when coupled with Freesync Premium promises a great and satisfactory gaming session. Our in depth review highlights the pros and cons of this model, in order to help you to make the right decision.
Specifications
Resolution: 1920 x 1080p (FHD) | Panel Type: VA | Refresh rate: 165Hz | Screen size: 27” | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Brightness (Typ.): 250 nits | Contrast Ratio: 3000:1 | Curvature: 1500R | Response Time: 1ms | Color SRGB coverage: 115% | Viewing Angle: 178° (H) / 178° (V)
Design and connectivity
The MSI Optix G27C4 is a 27” curved screen monitor specifically designed for gaming. Given that this is a curved screen monitor unwanted reflections might be an issue but the immersive experience certainly makes up for this inconvenience.
The monitor has a frameless design, which means it has thin bezels on all three sides, except for the base where the bezel gets a bit thick. However, the bezels cause no hindrance while using the monitor and leave ample screen area.
| This monitor, like other MSI monitors, uses a tripod stand (the back leg is a bit shorter in comparison to its front legs, just so you know). Ergonomics is the part where the monitor fails to deliver, the device can only be tilted (-5° ~ 20°) and wall mounted, which is disappointing to say the least. Surprisingly this model does not feature any lights, which is a common feature in gaming monitors, but given that it’s a monitor under $300, it is understandable that MSI had to cut some corners. Similarly the device overall is made out of plastic, which does give it a great premium look but fails to give the same feel, again it is understandable why MSI had to use plastic for the body of the monitor. |  |
Sadly MSI did not incorporate speakers in this model, which isn’t unheard of when it comes to monitors and particularly monitors at this price range.
Just like the MSI Optix G27C2, the connectivity options are very limited for this model as well. The G27C4 has one Displayport(1.2), two HDMI ports(1.4) and an Earphone out accompanied by the Kensington lock, which helps to protect your device from robbers.
Out of the box you only get a HDMI cable, which is capable of reaching only 144Hz, so if you wish to experience 165Hz gaming you would have to spend money on a Displayport cable.
Image quality
MSI used a VA panel for this particular model. VA panels have more advantages over the TN panel rather than the IPS panel. They offer higher maximum brightness, greater color reproduction, higher contrast ratio and wider viewing angles.
Given the fact that this is a curved screen monitor, viewing angles make little difference as the screen seems uniform at every angle you look.
The monitor has a peak brightness of 250 nits and a SRGB coverage of 115%, which makes more colors noticeable to the eye and the 8 bit color depth shows accurate colors and better gradients, furthermore it is worth mentioning that the monitor’s grey uniformity is excellent.
This model offers anti glare, so if you are working in a well lit room unwanted reflections and glare won’t be a problem, and a glossy screen type, which outputs darker blacks, whiter whites and richer colors in comparison to matte screen.
However on the other hand, probably one of the biggest deal breakers for the VA panel is the color change. Whenever there is a change in color on the screen the brightness levels become uneven all across the screen.
In addition, VA panels are prone to high latency which can result in motion blur and ghosting, so if you are into very competitive gaming then it is recommended to look for IPS or TN panels, however for normal use or light gaming VA panels are great for the job done.
Performance
When compared with 75Hz or 144Hz, 165Hz is a serious upgrade and once you get the taste of the smooth gameplay that a 165Hz gaming monitor is capable of delivering, you wouldn’t want to go back. A 165Hz refresh rate means that the device refreshes itself 165 times per second to see if there is any new data \to display on the screen.
In addition, the monitor features an insane response time of 1ms (so you can forget all about input lag) to go along the 165Hz refresh rate.
The highlight of this product, aside from the smashing 165Hz refresh rate of course, is the Freesync Premium technology. Freesync essentially matches the refresh rate of the monitor with the rate at which the graphics card outputs frames, which helps to eliminate screen tearing and stuttering. To further add on the good news, this monitor is G Sync capable as well, so it doesn’t matter if you are rocking an Nvidia or AMD graphics card, this monitor can deliver amazing performance irrespective of the graphics card.
Regretfully the refresh rate of this monitor can’t be overclocked to achieve higher fps. 165Hz is enough for most games out there but if you are looking for a monitor with a higher refresh rate at the same price tag then the ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QM or Sceptre C305B-200UN are both great options.
The G27C4 has six main menus including gaming, professional, image, input source, navi key and settings menus. There is a rocker/joystick present at the back of the monitor to allow easy navigation through the menus.
Features
The MSI Optix G27C4 offers a bunch of nifty features, which will without doubt prove more than useful during your gaming sessions. Probably the most useful feature is the black frame insertion, which helps to avoid motion blur, but unfortunately this feature cannot be used when Freesync is enabled.
In addition the G27C4 has built in crosshair that helps in improving accuracy during gaming, a console mode that guarantees a smooth 120Hz gaming session at FHD (1080p) without any lag or screen tearing when enabled and HDR (but given the peak brightness, this model doesn’t catch the highlights of HDR).
Final Remarks
In the end, the MSI Optix G27C4 is a great budget gaming monitor because finding a curved Freesync monitor that features a lightning fast 1ms response time, along with Freesync Premium, G-sync compatibility and a super 165Hz refresh rate is definitely a catch. The monitor is perfect for office or multimedia usage but if you are looking for a monitor for photo/video editing, then it is strongly recommended to look at monitors with better resolution and an IPS panels, as they provide sharper image, better color accuracy, contrast as well as greater maximum brightness, such as the GIGABYTE G27Q or the Acer Nitro VG271.
If you are on a different budget, the following articles might help you in finding the perfect monitor for you