Review on MSI Optix MAG274QRF Gaming Monitor: Adjustable, 2560X1440, 165Hz, High Dynamic Range by Bubba Alderman

I've upgraded from an MSI Optix G271 (FHD, 144Hz, 1ms response time, IPS panel) and this is a major upgrade. Colors are vibrant, the high refresh rate is very smooth, and the 1440p resolution is truly the best on a 27-inch screen. Some users complain that the colors are oversaturated before calibration, but to me they look ok without calibration. It looks great right out of the box, and some built-in game mode settings give me a lot of options. I use the "User" setting when I plug in my laptop and use it as an external display for school/work and I use the "Race" setting for gaming because I think the color balance looks the best. I've reduced the brightness by about half or more on both settings as I find the monitor is already quite bright. I mainly play COD MW and Rocket League on Xbox Series S. Both look amazing on this monitor in terms of colors and smooth gameplay. The Xbox Series S can handle 1440p, 120Hz, HDR and VRR simultaneously with this monitor, but I believe you'll need an HDMI 2.1 cable. The monitor has a 2.0 input and the Xbox has a 2.1 output. This monitor can read the Xbox output as a 4K signal and then downscales it to 1440p, allowing you to play at 120Hz with HDR enabled. Downsampling from 1080p at 120Hz with HDR enabled also looks great. The build quality is above average, but nothing special. The base and support arm are very solid, and any adjustments to raise/lower, tilt or swivel the monitor also feel secure and comfortable. The base takes up minimal desk space and the vertical support has a cutout next to the base for better cable management. While researching this monitor, I read many user complaints about IPS glowing, backlight bleeding, dead pixels, etc. In some cases, you may need to play a little lottery with the monitor. But at least in my case, maybe I was lucky this one came with little to no IPS glow, as far as I can tell there is little to no backlight bleeding and no dead pixels as far as I know. As far as I can tell there are no issues with this monitor. Keep in mind that if you upgrade to an IPS monitor with a different panel type, it will likely take your eyes some time to adjust. My last monitor was my first IPS monitor and my eyes hurt a little when I first used it and I had a slight headache for a few days but that went away once I got used to the monitor and the picture and brightness settings had customized my preference. If you are looking for monitors with similar specs in the same price range, I would highly recommend this monitor. I will update this review if anything changes.