If you prioritize a larger, sharper display for productivity and can spend more, the Gigabyte M32U with its higher resolution and screen size is a good choice. This option would also offer decent gaming capabilities with variable refresh rate support. However, for a tighter budget and a focus primarily on gaming, especially competitive play, the MSI G273QPF's faster response time and very good refresh rate would serve you well, though it has a smaller screen and lower resolution which might be less ideal for tasks requiring detailed visuals or multitasking. Both monitors have IPS panels, which are great for color accuracy and viewing angles, beneficial for both gaming and general use. 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 M32U (IPS)
Very good for productivity
Advantages of the MSI G273QPF (IPS)
Good refresh rate
Very good response time
Key differences
Competitive Gaming
4.5/10
5.8/10
144Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
7.1 ms
TOTAL RESPONSE TIME
6.9 ms
20 - 144 Hz
VARIABLE REFRESH RATE
20 - 165 Hz
Yes
STROBING / BFI
Yes
350 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
316 nits
The MSI G273QPF (IPS) and Gigabyte M32U (IPS) are both poor for competitive gaming, though the MSI G273QPF (IPS) is somewhat better.
Productivity
8.0/10
6.2/10
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
140 PPI
PIXELS PER INCH
109 PPI
Yes
ADJUSTABLE STAND
No
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Gigabyte M32U (IPS) is very good for productivity, while the MSI G273QPF (IPS) is only fair.
Media Consumption
6.7/10
6.0/10
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
1125:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
1249:1
350 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
316 nits
456 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
N/A
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Gigabyte M32U (IPS) and MSI G273QPF (IPS) are both only fair for media consumption, though the Gigabyte M32U (IPS) is somewhat better.
Cost
$650
$244
$0
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
The Gigabyte M32U (IPS) has a price of $650 and the MSI G273QPF (IPS) costs $244.
Key similarities
Casual Gaming
6.2/10
6.0/10
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
144Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
1125:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
1249:1
350 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
316 nits
456 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
N/A
87.0 %
DCI-P3 COLOR GAMUT
N/A
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Gigabyte M32U (IPS) and MSI G273QPF (IPS) are both only fair for casual gaming.
HDR Gaming and Media Consumption
No
No
Both the Gigabyte M32U (IPS) and MSI G273QPF (IPS) are not suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption.
Digital Photo Editing
Yes
Yes
Both the Gigabyte M32U (IPS) and MSI G273QPF (IPS) are suitable for digital photo editing.
HDR Video Editing and Color Grading
No
No
Both the Gigabyte M32U (IPS) and MSI G273QPF (IPS) are not suitable for HDR video editing and color grading.
Print Photo Editing
No
No
Both the Gigabyte M32U (IPS) and MSI G273QPF (IPS) are not suitable for print photo editing.
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How the Gigabyte M32U (IPS) and the MSI G273QPF (IPS) compare to other monitors
"The Gigabyte M32U gaming monitor is almost a slam-dunk choice, considering everything you get as part of the package. Gigabyte goes for broke with things like its built-in KVM switch and GameAssist, and those come close to paying off. Add in the well-executed, more familiar offerings, and this is a monitor that deserves serious thought if you’re in the market for what it delivers."
"Thanks to its 27″ 1440p IPS panel with wide color gamut, the MSI G273QF delivers an immersive viewing experience, while the rapid 1ms GtG response time speed, FreeSync, MBR and 165Hz ensure buttery-smooth performance – all that at an appealing price!"
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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.
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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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.