High refresh rates and IPS, but only 1080p resolution.
Forward-looking: Historically, aesthetically pleasing monitors were not the best for gaming. Previously, the technologies required to produce high-resolution, low-input lag monitors resulted in poor color and image quality. MSI is releasing three new gaming monitors with IPS panels that are affordable.
There are numerous factors to consider when purchasing a gaming monitor. This consists of the display’s resolution, response time, refresh rate, and G-Sync/FreeSync compatibility. Display technology was recently added as a new category to this list. The gaming monitor market was dominated by TN panels, which can switch quickly but sacrifice color accuracy and viewing angles. Historically, IPS monitors have not been fast enough for use as gaming monitors, despite their superior color performance. Check out our comprehensive comparison of the various display technologies for more information.
However, manufacturing processes are improving, and IPS gaming monitors have begun to trickle onto the market. The most recent MSI models fall into this category. The new Optix MAG251RX, which was announced at CES 2020 and is now available for purchase, is a 24.5″ monitor with a 240Hz refresh rate and 1 ms response time. DisplayHDR400 certification (a barely useful HDR standard) and G-Sync are also included.
The Optix G241 is an affordable 24″ monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate, 4ms response time, and AMD FreeSync. The Optix G271 has the same features as the Optix G241, but in a 27″ display. The prices for the monitors will be $360, $190, and $240, respectively.
The G241 is approximately $30 more expensive than non-IPS monitors of the same performance class, and the G271 is approximately $40 more expensive. MSI’s pricing for its high-end 240Hz monitor is comparable to that of other 24.5″ 240Hz monitors. However, if you’re only considering 240Hz IPS monitors, it’s not a bad deal.
It is difficult to predict how well these monitors will perform in the extremely competitive gaming monitor market. People purchase a gaming monitor primarily for its speed, not it’s color accuracy. Another potentially more significant restriction is resolution. These three displays all have a native resolution of 1920×1080.
The G241 and G271 should be fine, as they are more budget-oriented, whereas the MAG251RX is designed to compete in the ultra-high refresh rate, esports-focused segment. Regarding monitor upgrades, the majority of individuals would rather upgrade to 1440p resolution than to 240Hz. However, at 24.5″, a higher resolution will not make much of a difference.
