MSI G272QPF 170 Hz Gaming Monitor Review: Pro-Level Performance for Not a Lot of Cash

27-inch QHD IPS flat panel with 170 Hz, Adaptive-Sync, HDR and wide gamut color

Reviews
By
published
MSI G272QPF
Editor's Choice
(Image: © Tom's Hardware)

Why you can trust Tom's Hardware Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

To read about our monitor tests in-depth, please check out Display Testing Explained: How We Test PC Monitors. We cover brightness and contrast testing on page two.

Uncalibrated – Maximum Backlight Level

Image 1 of 3
MSI G272QPF
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

The G272QPF’s peak brightness is a little below average for the category but anything over 300 nits is plenty of light. If you need more than 400 nits peak, the HyperX can accommodate you. But since I run my monitors at 200 nits for tests and in my daily work, the G272QPF is fit for purpose.

Black levels are a bit lower than the rest, which means contrast is above average for IPS panels at 1,222.3:1, an excellent score. While the sole VA panel here wins, the G272QPF has a bit more depth and punch than the other IPS screens.

After Calibration to 200 nits

Image 1 of 3
MSI G272QPF
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

Calibration consisted only of lowering the brightness slider to a peak level of 200 nits. Contrast measures a tad lower, but this is not visible. The G272QPF still maintains its black level and dynamic range advantage over the other IPS monitors.

ANSI contrast remains consistent at 1,172:1, which is impressive for any monitor, let alone one costing so little.

Test Takeaway: The G272QPF has more contrast than most IPS screens and is only outdistanced by VA-based displays. Black levels are satisfyingly deep, and color is richly saturated. Image quality is outstanding, even when compared to more expensive screens.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

Christian Eberle
Christian Eberle
Contributing Editor

Christian Eberle is a Contributing Editor for Tom's Hardware US. He's a veteran reviewer of A/V equipment, specializing in monitors. Christian began his obsession with tech when he built his first PC in 1991, a 286 running DOS 3.0 at a blazing 12MHz. In 2006, he undertook training from the Imaging Science Foundation in video calibration and testing and thus started a passion for precise imaging that persists to this day. He is also a professional musician with a degree from the New England Conservatory as a classical bassoonist which he used to good effect as a performer with the West Point Army Band from 1987 to 2013. He enjoys watching movies and listening to high-end audio in his custom-built home theater and can be seen riding trails near his home on a race-ready ICE VTX recumbent trike. Christian enjoys the endless summer in Florida where he lives with his wife and Chihuahua and plays with orchestras around the state.

7 Comments Comment from the forums
  • cknobman
    Wow, like you said at this price point this monitor is pretty bang on.

    I love seeing monitors that regular people can afford getting reviewed!
    Reply
  • Roland Of Gilead
    I have this one (although mine comes with a USB-c port). I absolutely love it. Before this I purchased the AOC CQ27G2 Curved VA Panel. I was very disappointed with it. After RMA'ing, I went and got the MSI. Have no regrets. It's perfect for the games I play - BF2042, Racing Sims, First person shooters.
    Reply
  • Order 66
    I'm still waiting for an OLED gaming monitor at this price point. I thought I heard somewhere that the colors of modern TN panels were on par with on par with IPS, so my question is, how has IPS improved to keep ahead of TN?
    Reply
  • Giroro
    The word "Pro" is so overused, I have no idea what it's supposed to mean anymore. Maybe it never meant anything.
    Reply
  • parkerthon
    Admin said:
    MSI’s G272QPF delivers everything needed for high-performance gaming with a 27-inch QHD IPS flat panel, 170 Hz, Adaptive-Sync, HDR and wide gamut color. With everything you need and nothing you don’t, it delivers tremendous value too.

    MSI G272QPF 170 Hz Gaming Monitor Review: Pro-Level Performance for Not a Lot of Cash : Read more
    But look at how high the minimum refresh rate is. 48hz? That’s stutter city for most graphically intensive games especially if you play games at launch.
    Reply
  • UnforcedERROR
    parkerthon said:
    But look at how high the minimum refresh rate is. 48hz? That’s stutter city for most graphically intensive games especially if you play games at launch.
    That's a fairly standard minimum refresh rate though. I'm not sure what your contention with this is?
    Reply
  • MG Clark
    Giroro said:
    The word "Pro" is so overused, I have no idea what it's supposed to mean anymore. Maybe it never meant anything.

    Yep. It used to mean you got paid to use whatever tool was labeled "Pro". Now it means they're trying to fool hobbyists into thinking they're getting top quality tools when the gear used by actual professionals (i.e. those actually getting paid) rarely has "Pro" anywhere in the name. I run away as fast as I can from any brand name or model name with "Pro" in it. Ditto for repair companies, towing services, etc.
    Reply