I tested MSI’s impressive QD-OLED gaming monitor, which is now only $380

At $380, MSI’s 27-inch 1440p QD-OLED gaming monitor is one of the best buys edge Readers who want a great gaming upgrade can do so now. This is how much it costs in an online-only deal Costco to Membership holders Until December 1st. In case you’re curious about what kind of OLED display you can get for just $380, I am. So I asked MSI to send me a review unit, which I’ve been using for over a week.

This monitor (model MAG271QPX E2) isn’t really that different from many other similarly sized models. It offers a fast 240Hz refresh rate, great viewing angles compared to cheaper panels, and really great colors. It’s not usually what I would suggest most people buy as usual $599 Selling price, but it becomes a very compelling value for $200 less.

MSI’s QD-OLED display replaced the old Acer 1440p IPS 144Hz display on my desk, and the difference was profound when I got into a game. I’ve been playing a lot Battlefield 6 Lately, landscapes look more vibrant than they are with the limited, pallid color gamut my IPS can muster. The messy action looks a bit more realistic, thanks to more vibrant explosions. It’s easy to parse every little aspect of the interface, too, thanks to OLED displays’ unbeatable contrast ratio.

Ambrosia Sky It’s another title I picked up recently and it looks particularly stunning on this screen. I wish I had started testing this around Halloween, when I was playing more scary games, because the deep black levels look great in my home office – they have great contrast. If this is your first OLED gaming monitor and you haven’t yet tested the difference between it and a lower-quality panel type, you’re in for a treat that keeps on giving.

I play a lot of games, but I write articles in Google Docs more often because of my job. OLED displays have a bad reputation for displaying text; The different sub-pixel layout types introduce color aliasing that’s not found in IPS and other types of non-OLED panels. The evidence for this cannot be refuted upon close examination, such as this Watch the unpacked practical video Prove. However, as the video mentions, you may not notice it. From the distance I’m sitting from the screen, it looks good to me.

The specs of this screen make it a particularly good deal compared to other non-OLED displays at this price point. This model supports a variable refresh rate between the 48Hz and 240Hz range. Although it only lists AMD FreeSync Premium Pro adaptive sync support, and not Nvidia G-Sync, I was happy with its performance in a range of games while connected to my Nvidia RTX 5070 Ti-powered PC. The panel itself is covered in an “anti-reflective” coating that appears semi-glossy, so it may pick up reflections in a well-lit room. This monitor comes with a great height-adjustable stand that allows for tilt, swivel, and swivel, but I just threw it on the monitor arm thanks to its VESA mount.

MSI covers the monitor with a three-year warranty that includes panel burn-in, which is great. I’m also in love with this model’s ports. It has a DisplayPort 1.4a port and two HDMI 2.1 ports that support up to 240Hz on PC (or up to 120Hz on consoles), plus a USB-C port with DisplayPort video, which works great with the Steam Deck and a headphone jack. This port allows for 15W PD charging, but is turned off by default.

If there’s one complaint I have, it’s that the plastic body on the back is a little chunky compared to other models I’ve tested. However, MSI says that this is where the display’s heatsink is located, allowing it to have a fanless design. At $380, this complaint doesn’t hold much water.

If you’re not a Costco member, it may be worth becoming a member just for this deal. But if you’re not planning on becoming one, we may see deals at other retailers for this model. It sold for $449.99 at Amazon during Prime Big Deal Days, so hopefully that price (or ideally, something better) will show up during Black Friday.

While Best Buy only sells the MSI monitor through a third-party reseller, the retailer currently does so Alienware AW2725Dthe company’s 27-inch 280Hz 1440p QD-OLED display, for $499.99 — a $50 price drop. LG’s 27-inch 1440p OLED display with 240Hz refresh rate (which looks very similar to MSI) is $499.99 Amazon. In other words, there are deals that can be made almost anywhere. But for now, Costco is the one to beat the QD-OLED gaming monitor.

Photography by Cameron Faulkner/The Verge