MSI has apparently entered the curved gaming monitor market with the quiet launch of the Optix G27C panel. The screen measures 27 inches, and sports a refresh rate of 144Hz and a maximum resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels. It’s based on a curved panel provided by Samsung with a R1800 curvature that promises the most comfortable view for PC gamers. It’s available now on Newegg costing a mere $350.
Here are the specs for MSI’s first curved display:
| Screen size: | 27 inches |
| Resolution: | 1,920 x 1,080 |
| Refresh rate: | 144Hz |
| Viewing angles: | 178 degrees (H)(V) |
| Pixel pitch: | 0.36375 x 0.36375mm |
| Display colors: | 16.7 million |
| Gamut coverage: | 110 percent sRGB 85 percent NTSC |
| Brightness: | 300 nits |
| Contrast ratio: | 3,000:1 |
| Response time: | 4ms gray to gray |
| Aspect ratio: | 16:9 |
| Curvature radius: | 1800R |
| Ports: | 1x DVI 1x HDMI 1.4 1x DisplayPort 1.2 |
| Size: | 17.80 x 24.40 x 9.40 inches |
| Weight: | 12.80 pounds |
Having a 144Hz refresh rate means gamers will see less motion blurring on-screen. Graphics cards produce a number of frames per second, so the monitor capturing those frames and displaying them on the screen needs to be slightly higher. A 144Hz rate essentially means the panel is capable of flashing 144 images per second, which is well over the 60 frames per second needed for smooth gaming.
The new curved display is provided in MSI’s traditional red/black color scheme. It also comes packed with the company’s Less Blue Light technology that lowers the level of blue light emissions. That makes viewing easier on the eyes and improves the user’s chance of sleeping better at night because less melatonin is seared from his/her brain.
The new panel also includes Anti-Flicker technology to reduce all that annoying flicker that strains the eyes, enabling users to sit in front of the curved display longer. There’s even MSI’s FPS Front Sight that’s part of the company’s built-in Gaming Center interface for those who need a little help targeting enemies in their favorite game.
In addition to FPS Front Sight, the Gaming Center interface provides seven modes to meet every viewing scenario: FPS, RTS/RPG, EyeCare, Cinema, Customize 1, Customize 2, and Customize 3. Users can build the last three of these from scratch. All of them should be self-explanatory, with EyeCare consisting of the Less Blue Light and Anti-Flicker technologies. All four pre-sets are provided for the best viewing experience for their designated scenarios.
Strangely enough, this display isn’t listed on MSI’s website. Instead, it can be found as part of a temporary bundle promotion. When we reached out to MSI regarding its first curved display, a representative said that the company isn’t pushing the panel because it was/is part of a promotion. An official announcement wasn’t provided.
Still, MSI’s new curvy panel is now up for grabs at Newegg for $350, and based on the product listing, it’s optimized for MSI gaming desktops. It should be great for any PC gaming setup, so MSI’s new curved display entry is definitely worth checking out if you’re shopping for a new desktop monitor.
