MSI MAG 274QRF QD E2 Gaming Monitor Review

The MSI MAG 274QRF QD E2 is a 1440p gaming monitor designed to provide high-quality visuals to PC gamers at an affordable price while maintaining a compact form factor that is ideal for multi-monitor setups. As the name suggests, the MAG 274QRF QD E2 is the second rendition of this design, with the new display providing slight adjustments to performance, design, and connectivity. To see how the MAG 274QRF QD E2 compares to the original, as well as other competitively priced 1440p gaming monitors, we’ll be testing it in a wide range of gaming and general daily scenarios.

MSI have a wide variety of gaming monitors, all of which are intended to cater to the specific needs of PC gaming enthusiasts. The MAG 274QRF QD E2 is one of the many displays from MSI to have received a facelift. The original designs were amongst the best value 1440p gaming monitors available, offering high refresh rates and vibrant displays without having to break the bank. This is a trend that we hope continues with the E2 range.

In this review, we’ll analyse the MSI MAG 274QRF QD E2 in great detail to see how its performance, design, and features affect the 1440p gaming experience. From this, we will determine whether the enhancements on the MSI MAG 274QRF QD E2 make it a worthy upgrade from the original and whether it can compete with the plethora of 1440p gaming monitors on the market.

Specification

When comparing the performance of the MSI MAG 274QRF QD E2 to previous models, the vast majority of specs are identical. The MAG 274QRF QD E2 unsurprisingly maintains the 27″ 1440p display, powered by a Rapid IPS and Quantum Dot panel. Additionally, the number of display inputs are the same as the original, with a single DisplayPort and USB Type-C alongside two HDMI ports.

However, the MSI MAG 274QRF QD E2 includes plenty of tweaks to performance and connectivity, which contributes to a significant improvement overall. One of the most obvious upgrades is the refresh rates, which has been bumped up by 15Hz. Combined with the 1ms Grey to Grey (GtG) response time, the 180Hz refresh rate will provide an advantage in competitive titles, as most 1440p monitors stick to either 165Hz or 144Hz.

Image quality has also received an upgrade, with the MAG 274QRF QD E2 offering a peak brightness of 400 Nits, along with improved performance on the sRGB and DCI-P3 colour gamut. We will be testing whether the stated 98% coverage of the DCI-P3 colour gamut is justified later, but if these claims are true, this display is also a suitable option for tasks such as video editing and graphic design.

In regards to connectivity, the MAG 274QRF QD E2 includes several updated ports, such as a DisplayPort 1.4 and a USB Type-C port that offers 65W Power Delivery. As a result, this display is well-equipped to support gaming laptops and handhelds. This monitor also provides two USB Type-A ports for gaming peripherals and a USB Type-B port, which is required to access the MSI Gaming Intelligence software.

The only notable downgrade from the original design is the support for VRR (variable refresh rate) technology, as the MAG 274QRF QD E2 lacks NVIDIA G-Sync compatibility. On top of this, AMD FreeSync has been downgraded from the Premium version, removing features like low frame rate compensation (LFC). Out of all the features to downgrade, VRR makes the most sense, as the absence of these features will be barely noticeable for most gamers. However, the removal of any performance-based features is disappointing.

On the whole, the MSI MAG 274QRF QD E2 does provide several improvements to performance and visual fidelity. Plus, the specs would suggest the MAG 274QRF QD E2 is a solid choice for gamers looking to play a range of games at 1440p.

MSI MAG 274QRF QD E2 Design

Looking at the design of the MSI MAG 274QRF QD E2, it is difficult to notice the differences between this and the original MSI MAG 274QRF QD. However, don’t think of this as a slight on the MSI MAG 274QRF QD E2, as I’m a fan of the aesthetic. MSI have forged a distinct look for their range of gaming monitors over the past few years, offering a subtle and practical look that features a small dose of gaming flair.

The MSI MAG 274QRF QD E2 includes several refinements, but the bulk of the design is similar to most of the other MSI gaming monitors we’ve tested. When compared to the original MSI MAG 274QRF QD, the best way to describe the differences is that the MSI MAG 274QRF QD E2 adds another layer of subtlety to the design. One of the most notable changes is the logo on the back, which swaps out the bright red emblem with a more neutral monochrome finish.

Looking at the MSI MAG 274QRF QD E2 design in more detail, this 27″ display is supported by an adjustable stand that is held up by a solid base. On the whole, the design is rather conventional, with a few elements -mainly on the back of the display- which allows it to stand out from other 1440p gaming monitors. Whilst this display doesn’t boast the ultra-futuristic appearance that can be found on lots of premium gaming monitors, it isn’t so simplistic that it becomes boring.

The front panel is the most straightforward area, with the panel being surrounded by a thin plastic shrouding and a small MSI logo. Having a simplistic front panel is beneficial for gaming, as it avoids distractions while gaming. However, the large bezels are a shame, as it prevents a seamless image and makes the monitor look bulkier than it should be.

Moving to the back of the panel, the MSI MAG 274QRF QD E2 includes plenty of elements that will appeal to gamers. For example, the signature RGB lighting strip found on most MSI panels adds a splash of colour behind the display. Plus, the accented edges surrounding the RGB strip provide a futuristic aesthetic that fits into a gaming setup perfectly while not going overboard.

The stand extends the design of the back panel, whilst also providing a range of movement for easy adjustments. With the ability to tilt, swivel, pivot, and adjust the height of the display, creating an ergonomic viewing experience within your gaming setup. On top of this, the stand feels sturdy and robust, which enables quick and easy adjustments.

My main issue with the design is the shape of the stand. As the stand attaches on a joint, it protrudes from the main panel by quite a strong margin. There is a similar issue with the stand’s base, as it takes up a significant amount of desk space. Luckily, the MSI MAG 274QRF QD E2 is VESA 75mm x 75mm compatible, which allows for an alternative mounting option.

Features We Like

KVM Switch

The introduction of KVM modes is one of the best technological advancements that gaming monitors have received in recent years, as it allows for a seamless migration from one device to another. With a KVM switch, gamers can control multiple devices with the same set of peripherals. On top of this, the picture-in-picture (PIP) and picture-by-picture (PBP) modes offer the ability to display each device simultaneously. These features are a must-have for streamers and content creators, so it is great to see them included here.

USB Power Delivery

In a similar fashion to the KVM switch, the inclusion of USB Power Delivery is a great inclusion for those looking to use this monitor for multiple devices. More specifically, for anyone hooking up a gaming laptop or handheld. This port not only allows you to connect these devices with a single USB-C cable, but it also provides charging for up to 65W, which should comfortably support a laptop or PC gaming handheld.

Features We Don’t Like

Lack of Unique Qualities

Whilst there are no specific features included on the MSI MAG 274QRF QD E2 that stand out as poor, or even below standard, it is because the elements included in this design are relatively safe. Along with a lack of unique selling points, the MSI MAG 274QRF QD E2 is very similar to the other gaming monitors that MSI provide. Because of this, it is very likely that this display will be lost within a very concentrated market, which is a shame, as it provides plenty of value.

Colour Accuracy & Image Quality

While using the MAG 274QRF QD E2 for a mixture of gaming and productivity tasks, I spent a lot of time assessing the image quality of this display in various scenarios. As someone who writes and edits video content, having a display with strong colour accuracy and sharp details is crucial for maximising workflow. During my time with this monitor, the MAG 274QRF QD E2 stacked up well compared to the other 1440p monitors I use on a daily basis, meaning it certainly passed the eye test.

But in order to get a more scientific verdict, we grabbed the Datacolor Spyder Pro X calibrator. This is a tool that we use across all the gaming monitors we test, as it provides a measurement of how well each display can cover various colour gamuts. In turn, these results can be used to greater differentiate the colour accuracy of a display, and how it compares to the rest of the market, as well as what the manufacturer claims.

After conducting a full calibration on the MAG 274QRF QD E2, the results were very positive. Like most modern gaming monitors, the MSI MAG 274QRF QD E2 achieved full coverage of the sRGB gamut. However, both the DCI-P3 and AdobeRGB results offered a pleasant surprise, as they both exceeded expectations.

Firstly, our testing showed that the MAG 274QRF QD E2 managed to cover 99% of the DCI-P3 colour gamut, which is marginally better than the 98% that MSI claims on the product page. As a result, this display is a solid choice to go alongside a gaming-workstation hybrid. However, the most shocking result came from AdobeRGB, in which the MAG 274QRF QD E2 achieved 97% coverage, which is 4% more than MSI claim. Such a score would suggest this display would be a suitable fit for photography and other cinematic media.

Conclusion