MSI Optix MPG321QRF-QD Gaming Monitor Review: Dramatic Design, Solid Features

Meanwhile, a handy joystick navigates an excellent on-screen display – it’s fast, well organized, and clearly displays key information and the impact to expect when you change different settings. The MSI’s final big feature is its most surprising – a KVM switch. These are usually found on business screens, and allow users to control two devices with one set of peripherals – handy for switching between a PC and laptop. 

There are good gaming credentials, too. The MSI’s 32in IPS screen has a 165Hz default refresh rate that overclocks to 175Hz and it supports FreeSync and G-Sync. Its 2,560 x 1,440 resolution is good for mainstream gaming too, but it’s not particularly crisp on a 32in screen – you can easily see the pixels if you look closely.

Build quality is middling as well. Its plastic rear feels weak, it’s not a tool-free build, and the monitor is heavy. LG’s rival UltraGear 32GP850 packs a punch against it too – it has the same core specification as the MSI alongside a 180Hz overclocked refresh rate, a sturdier, more mature design, and a cheaper $399/£349 price.

The MSI pairs its adaptable design with bold colors, though. This screen rendered 99 percent of the sRGB gamut with a monster 167.4 percent volume, and the default contrast ratio of 1,127:1 is good. Those figures mean colors are delivered with huge vibrancy and decent depth. 

There’s no clear ghosting or inverse ghosting when the panel runs at its default 165Hz refresh rate, and there’s hardly any halo around objects either. While this screen doesn’t have the speed to sate high-end esports players, it’s fast enough to tackle mainstream esports and single-player games. Moving to 175Hz only has a tiny impact, and we’d avoid the MPRT Sync option – it creates ghosting and darkens the display. 

The MSI is a bit ordinary in some other areas, however. Its delta E of 4.14 is mediocre, and the color temperature of 6,143K is on the warm side. The peak brightness of 600cd/m² and lack of high-end dimming means this screen isn’t good enough for HDR gaming, either. 

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