If affordability is a priority and you engage in both digital photo editing and casual gaming, the Gigabyte M27Q-X offers a good balance at a lower price. However, if you're willing to invest more for a premium experience, particularly in competitive gaming, and if HDR gaming and media consumption are important to you, the MSI 45GS96QB with its larger screen and OLED technology provides superior contrast and is better suited for these purposes. Keep in mind, the MSI's wider aspect ratio also offers a more immersive experience but may not be as practical for certain productivity tasks compared to the more standard aspect ratio of the Gigabyte. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Gigabyte M27Q-X (IPS)
Very good for competitive gaming
Good text clarity
Good image clarity
Good brightness
Advantages of the MSI 45GS96QB (W-OLED)
Best in class for casual gaming
Best in class contrast
Best in class response time
Key differences
Casual Gaming
6.5/10
9.5/10
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
3440 x 1440
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
1088:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
Inf:1
459 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
275 nits
508 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
Unknown
73.0 %
DCI-P3 COLOR GAMUT
98.5 %
Matte
COATING
Matte
The MSI 45GS96QB (W-OLED) is best in class for casual gaming, while the Gigabyte M27Q-X (IPS) is only fair.
Competitive Gaming
8.0/10
5.9/10
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
6.8 ms
TOTAL RESPONSE TIME
0.0 ms
20 - 240 Hz
VARIABLE REFRESH RATE
48 - 240 Hz
Yes
STROBING / BFI
No
459 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
275 nits
The Gigabyte M27Q-X (IPS) is very good for competitive gaming, while the MSI 45GS96QB (W-OLED) is poor.
Productivity
6.5/10
2.7/10
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
3440 x 1440
109 PPI
PIXELS PER INCH
Yes
ADJUSTABLE STAND
Yes
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Gigabyte M27Q-X (IPS) is only fair for productivity, while the MSI 45GS96QB (W-OLED) is poor.
Media Consumption
6.1/10
5.4/10
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
3440 x 1440
1088:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
Inf:1
459 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
275 nits
508 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
Unknown
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Gigabyte M27Q-X (IPS) is only fair for media consumption, while the MSI 45GS96QB (W-OLED) is poor.
Cost
$365
$1,700
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The Gigabyte M27Q-X (IPS) has a price of $365 and the MSI 45GS96QB (W-OLED) costs $1,700.
HDR Gaming and Media Consumption
No
Yes
The Gigabyte M27Q-X (IPS) is not suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption while the MSI 45GS96QB (W-OLED) is suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption.
Key similarities
Digital Photo Editing
Yes
Yes
Both the Gigabyte M27Q-X (IPS) and MSI 45GS96QB (W-OLED) are suitable for digital photo editing.
HDR Video Editing and Color Grading
No
No
Both the Gigabyte M27Q-X (IPS) and MSI 45GS96QB (W-OLED) are not suitable for HDR video editing and color grading.
Print Photo Editing
Yes
Yes
Both the Gigabyte M27Q-X (IPS) and MSI 45GS96QB (W-OLED) are suitable for print photo editing.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Gigabyte M27Q-X (IPS) and the MSI 45GS96QB (W-OLED) compare to other monitors
"The company delivers again with the Gigabyte M27Q X, a 1440p monitor that comes equipped with just about everything you want and need from a gaming monitor. It may not be a 4K panel, but it more than makes up for its lower resolution in performance, bringing a whopping 240Hz refresh rate and a host of unusual features, including an onboard KVM and plenty of ports. It's a great performer, though low brightness levels and a so-so contrast ratio keep it short of top marks."
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec monitors team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest monitor information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the monitor team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Monitors Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.