The MSI Optix G27C4 is an entry-level display announced in late 2019. It has a curved display panel and an outstanding 165Hz refresh rate, making it one of the best computer monitors for casual gaming. Still, one of the features that it shares with some of the top gaming monitors is a low input lag of 4.3ms. It also features dual HDMI 2.0 ports and has a high contrast ratio of 3390:1. This high ratio makes it a lot better for dark room viewing than the MSI Oculux NXG253R, which has a ratio of 955:1 and makes black colors appear grey. With a peak brightness level of 335 nits, the G27C4 gets bright enough for content to stay visible in a well-lit room, and since it has a wide color gamut (98.4% coverage of the sRGB color scale), it is also able to deliver rich and saturated colors.
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MSI Optix G27C4 Review
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Absolutely Fresh
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While product testers hailed the G27C4 for its impressive 165Hz refresh rate and high contrast, they felt that its lack of HDR content was a disadvantage that might make buyers turn to the LG 27GP950-B. They also complained that adjustments were hard to make and that its viewing angles were narrow.
Product Snapshot
Overview
The MSI Optix G27C4 is an entry-level display announced in late 2019. It has a curved display panel and an outstanding 165Hz refresh rate, making it one of the best computer monitors for casual gaming. Still, one of the features that it shares with some of the top gaming monitors is a low input lag of 4.3ms. It also features dual HDMI 2.0 ports and has a high contrast ratio of 3390:1. This high ratio makes it a lot better for dark room viewing than the MSI Oculux NXG253R, which has a ratio of 955:1 and makes black colors appear grey. With a peak brightness level of 335 nits, the G27C4 gets bright enough for content to stay visible in a well-lit room, and since it has a wide color gamut (98.4% coverage of the sRGB color scale), it is also able to deliver rich and saturated colors.
Consensus
our Verdict
The MSI Optix G27C4 has received praise from critics for its 165Hz refresh rate, which stemmed from the tear-free gaming experience they enjoyed during their tests. Reviewers from Tom’s Hardware were also pretty happy with its 3390:1 contrast ratio, as this proved to be high enough to keep blacks punchy when they tested it in a dimly lit setting. They also liked it for office use since it had great reflection handling and a 1080p screen resolution that allowed for decent text clarity. Experts from Tech Radar were also pleased with its curvature, as they confirmed that this curved design allowed for more immersive gameplay, even though its 27-inch screen does not offer as much screen real estate as the 38-inch LG 38GN950-B. The display also has Variable Refresh Rate support for both FreeSync and G-Sync technologies, and MSI Anti-Flicker Technology to prevent eye strain over extended use.
ReasonS to Buy
- Impressive 165Hz refresh rate
- High contrast ratio
- Good reflection handling
- Low input lag
- Decent brightness levels
Reason to Avoid
- No support for HDR content
- Narrow viewing angles
- Poor ergonomics
MSI Optix G27C4 Specs
| Display Type | VA | |
| HDMI Inputs | 2 | |
| HDR Format | n/a | |
| Max Resolution | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) | |
 | Panel Type | VA |
| Refresh Rate | 165 Hz | |
 | Response Time | 1 ms |
| Screen size | 27" | |
 | Sync Technology | AMD FreeSync |
All Specs
Test Results
These are the most important criteria to test for Computer Monitors based on our comprehensive Testing Methodology.
| Brightness (nits) | 256 |
| Contrast Ratio (as ratio, x:1) | 3,400.7 |
| Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) | 83.24 |
| Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv) | 0 |
| Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy) | 81.5 |
| Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy) | 110.105 |
| Color Gamut % (Rec. 2020 Coverage xy) | 0 |
| Color Gamut % (Rec. 709 Coverage xy) | 0 |
| Input Lag (ms) | 17.45 |
| Response Time (ms) | 6.95 |
| Reflections % (Total Reflections) | 5.4 |
| Horizontal Viewing Angle (Washout Left) | 24 |
| Horizontal Viewing Angle (Washout Right) | 27 |
| Vertical Viewing Angle (Washout Above) | 29 |
| Vertical Viewing Angle (Washout Below) | 22 |
All Tests
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Product Comparison
 MSI Optix G27C4 Review | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
True Score | 81 | 80 | NR | NR |
Ranking | # 80 / 196 | # 101 / 196 | # / | # / |
Market Context |
The MSI Optix G27C4 is an entry-level display announced in late 2019. It has a curved display panel and an outstanding 165Hz refresh rate, making… |
The MSI Optix G27C4 delivers much clearer motion than the ASUS TUF VG27VQ courtesy of its 11.5ms response time, which is higher than the VG27VQ’s… The MSI Optix G27C4 delivers much clearer motion than the ASUS TUF VG27VQ courtesy of its 11.5ms response time, which is higher than the VG27VQ’s 16.6ms. The ASUS monitor, however, offers much better ergonomics and is thus easier to adjust. |
The MSI Optix G27C4 has a couple of upgrades that make it better than its predecessor, the MSI Optix G27C. Like a 165Hz refresh rate… The MSI Optix G27C4 has a couple of upgrades that make it better than its predecessor, the MSI Optix G27C. Like a 165Hz refresh rate which is higher than the G27C’s 144Hz to deliver a smoother gaming experience, and a faster response time of 11.5ms, which is higher than the G27C’s 16ms. Still, the G27C maintains a higher brightness rating of 290 nits compared to the G27C4’s 247 nits. |
There are very subtle differences between the MSI Optix G27C4 and the MSI Optix G27CQ4. The G27Q4 offers a higher 1440p screen resolution than the… There are very subtle differences between the MSI Optix G27C4 and the MSI Optix G27CQ4. The G27Q4 offers a higher 1440p screen resolution than the G27CQ4’s 1920×1080 resolution, and it also hits a peak brightness rating of 335 nits compared to the G27CQ4’s 248 nits. However, the G27C4 has a quicker response time of 11.5ms compared to the G27CQ4’s 13.5ms. |
Display Type | VA | LED | – | – |
HDMI Inputs | 2 | 1 | – | – |
HDR Format | n/a | Yes | – | – |
Max Resolution | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) | – | – |
Panel Type | VA | VA | – | – |
Refresh Rate | 165 Hz | 165 Hz | – | – |
Response Time | 1 ms | 4 ms | – | – |
Screen size | 27" | 27" | – | – |
Dig Deeper |
Score Card
E
Expert Score
*.75
We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores
C
Customer Score
*.25
We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores
True Score
Any product with a True Score above 70 is a Mixed Reviews
Expert Scores
Publications with higher Trust Ratings are given more weight.
101.4Category Trust Rating
69The MSI Optix G27C4 leaves out a few minor features but brings richly saturated color… Read MoreBy:
Christian Eberle
89.25Category Trust Rating
80The MSI Optix G27C4 is a decent monitor for most uses. It can deliver a… Read MoreBy:
Alexander Tozzi
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