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For gaming monitors, motion processing and responsiveness are just as important as color accuracy and fidelity. We’d all like to connect fast 4K displays to our computers or consoles, but the reality of that is you’ll need a box full of expensive hardware to drive an expensive monitor. Competitive gamers need speed above all.
The MSI Optix MAG273R delivers speed without costing a lot. It also has better contrast than nearly every IPS monitor we’ve reviewed, though the numbers say only 15% greater, it looks like much more than that, with most thanks due to the monitor’s wide gamut implementation. By following sRGB targets up to 60% saturation, the MAG273R maintains a natural and accurate look while saving extra vibrancy for the brightest hues. Picture quality is good enough to make one forget they’re looking at an FHD screen.
The only flaws we noted were a light gamma and HDR that doesn’t look that different from its SDR image. The MAG273R doesn’t use dynamic contrast, so the actual dynamic range is the same whether viewing SDR or HDR content.
But for gaming, you’ll enjoy the advantage of Adaptive-Sync as you play at 144 Hz. You’ll be able to maintain this speed easily with a wide variety of systems. Premium components are not required to see this monitor perform at its best.
Ideally suited for eSports or first-person shooters alike, not only is the MSI MAG273R a good value on its own, but it also keeps your total system budget in check too.
