MSI MAG 274UPF 27 Inch 4K Gaming Monitor

For those wanting a pixel-dense experience and good responsiveness, 4K UHD models with 144Hz+ refresh rates can be very attractive. The MSI MAG 274UPF provides such an experience, with HDMI 2.1 capability allowing systems such as the Xbox Series X and PS5 to use a '4K' UHD 120Hz signal. The monitor has an unfussy design with plenty of matte black plastic used, including for the rectangular stand base. The top and side bezels are dual stage, with slender panel border flush with the rest of the screen plus thin hard plastic outer part. The OSD (On Screen Display) is controlled by a joystick at the rear of the monitor, towards the right side as viewed from the front.

The monitor adopts a 27″ 3840 x 2160 ('4K' UHD) IPS-type panel with matte anti-glare screen surface. A 144Hz refresh rate is supported alongside Adaptive-Sync (and HDMI 2.1 VRR), allowing technologies such as AMD FreeSync and Nvidia 'G-SYNC Compatible' to be used, with a 48 - 144Hz VRR range plus LFC. Other aspects of note include a 1000:1 static contrast ratio, 178°/178° viewing angles and 10-bit (8-bit + FRC) colour support. A flicker-free WLED backlight provides a 97% DCI-P3 (97% Adobe RGB, 129% sRGB) colour gamut and 400 cd/m² (400 cd/m² HDR peak) typical maximum luminance. The peak of blue light is shifted to less energetic wavelengths (TÜV Rheinland certified Low Blue Light Hardware Solution) to potentially aid viewing comfort

The monitor responds to HDR10 content in a basic way, with VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification. This doesn't require a particularly high luminance level or local dimming to enhance contrast, but allows the fairly generous colour gamut and 10-bit colour processing to be put to good use. A 1ms grey to grey response time is specified (approach with caution). The stand screws in centrally and can be removed to reveal 75 x 75mm VESA holes for alternative mounting. Full ergonomic flexibility is provided, including height adjustment (130mm or 5.12 inches) and pivot into portrait. The ports face downwards and include; a 3.5mm headphone jack, USB-C (65W, DP Alt Mode, upstream data), DP 1.4 (with DSC), HDMI 2.1 (48 Gbps), 2 USB 2.0 ports plus Type-B upstream and DC power input (external 'power brick'). 2-device PbP and PiP is also supported, alongside KVM which allows easy USB peripheral sharing and display switching between 2 systems.