For $380, the MSI 27-inch 1440p QD-OLED gaming monitor is one of the best buys. Edge Readers looking for an amazing gaming upgrade can do so right now. That's how much it costs in an online transaction at Costco For membership holders until December 1st. If you're wondering what kind of OLED monitor you can get for just $380, I did the same. So I asked MSI to send me a review sample, which I've been using for over a week now.
This monitor (model MAG271QPX E2) is not particularly different from several other models of a similar size. It offers a high 240Hz refresh rate, fantastic viewing angles compared to cheaper panel types, and really vibrant colors. This is not a typical product that I would advise most people to buy at the regular price. US$599 sale price, but it becomes an extremely attractive value for $200 less.
MSI's QD-OLED replaced Acer's aging 1440p 144Hz IPS monitor on my desk, and the difference was huge once I started gaming. I played a lot Battlefield 6 Landscapes have been looking more vibrant lately than with the limited pale color gamut my IPS can muster. The chaotic action looks a little more real thanks to brighter explosions. Every little aspect of the interface is also easier to analyze thanks to OLED's unrivaled contrast ratio.
Ambrosia Sky is another game I recently bought that looks especially stunning on this display. I'd like to start testing this before Halloween when I'm playing scarier games because its deep black levels look fantastic in my home office – it has great contrast. If this is your first OLED gaming monitor and you haven't yet experienced the difference between it and a lower quality panel, you're in for a treat that keeps on giving.
I play games a lot, but due to work I often write articles in Google Docs. OLED has a bad reputation for text rendering; different types of subpixel layout introduce aliases with color tones not found on IPS and other non-OLED panel types. The evidence for this is irrefutable upon close examination, since it Monitors Unboxed How-To Video proves. However, as mentioned in the video, you may not notice this. From the distance I'm sitting from the monitor, everything seems fine to me.
This monitor's features make it a particularly good value compared to other non-OLED monitors in this price range. This model supports variable refresh rates ranging from 48Hz to 240Hz. While it only lists support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro adaptive sync and not Nvidia G-Sync, I'm pleased with its performance in a range of games when connected to my Nvidia RTX 5070 Ti-powered PC. The panel itself is coated with an “anti-glare” coating that has a semi-glossy appearance, so it can pick up reflections in a well-lit room. This monitor comes with a nice height-adjustable stand that can tilt, swivel, and swivel, but I just placed it on the monitor arm thanks to the VESA mount.
MSI backs the monitor with a three-year warranty that includes the panel, which is great. I'm also amazed by the ports on this model. It features one DisplayPort 1.4a port, two HDMI 2.1 ports supporting up to 240Hz on PC (or up to 120Hz on consoles), and one USB-C port with DisplayPort video that works great with my Steam Deck, and a headphone jack. This port allows for 15W PD charging but is disabled by default.
If I have one complaint, it's that the plastic casing on the back is a bit chunky compared to other models I've tested. However, MSI claims that this is where the monitor's heatsink is located, allowing for a fanless design. And at $380, that complaint doesn't hold water.
If you're not a Costco member, it might be worth becoming one just for this deal. But if you don't plan to become one, we may see offers for this model in other stores. It was selling for $449.99 on Amazon during the Prime Big Deal days, so let's hope that price (or, ideally, something better) comes around during Black Friday.
Although Best Buy only sells MSI monitors through a third-party seller, the retailer currently has Alienware AW2725DThe company's 27-inch 280Hz 1440p QD-OLED display for $499.99, a $50 price cut. LG's 27-inch 1440p OLED display with 240Hz refresh rate (which is very similar to the MSI) costs $499.99. Amazon. In other words, deals can be made almost anywhere. But Costco is now the market leader in QD-OLED gaming monitors.
Photo by Cameron Faulkner/The Verge
