If you prioritize a larger screen for a more immersive experience in media and casual gaming, the Gigabyte M32UC with its high resolution might be a better fit, although it costs more. However, if you're focused on print photo editing and color accuracy, the MSI MAG274QRF-QD's superior color ranges would likely serve you better, at a lower price point. Competitive gamers might also favor the MSI for its slightly faster response, despite its smaller size and lower resolution. Both monitors have good refresh rates and support variable refresh rates for smooth gameplay, but the Gigabyte offers better performance for productivity tasks. 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 M32UC (VA)
Good for casual gaming
Best in class for productivity
Good for media consumption
Good brightness
Advantages of the MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS)
The MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) has no clear advantages over the Gigabyte M32UC (VA).
Key differences
Casual Gaming
7.3/10
6.1/10
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
160Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
2776:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
1195:1
500 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
372 nits
506 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
390 nits
85.4 %
DCI-P3 COLOR GAMUT
96.7 %
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Gigabyte M32UC (VA) is good for casual gaming, while the MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) is only fair.
Competitive Gaming
4.7/10
5.8/10
160Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
8.7 ms
TOTAL RESPONSE TIME
9.1 ms
20 - 144 Hz
VARIABLE REFRESH RATE
20 - 165 Hz
Yes
STROBING / BFI
Yes
500 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
372 nits
The MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) and Gigabyte M32UC (VA) are both poor for competitive gaming, though the MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) is somewhat better.
Productivity
9.6/10
6.2/10
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
139 PPI
PIXELS PER INCH
109 PPI
Yes
ADJUSTABLE STAND
Yes
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Gigabyte M32UC (VA) is best in class for productivity, while the MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) is only fair.
Media Consumption
7.3/10
6.0/10
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
2776:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
1195:1
500 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
372 nits
506 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
390 nits
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Gigabyte M32UC (VA) is good for media consumption, while the MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) is only fair.
Cost
$550
$436
$200
$300
$400
$500
$600
$700
$800
The Gigabyte M32UC (VA) has a price of $550 and the MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) costs $436.
Print Photo Editing
No
Yes
The Gigabyte M32UC (VA) is not suitable for print photo editing while the MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) is suitable for print photo editing.
Key similarities
HDR Gaming and Media Consumption
No
No
Both the Gigabyte M32UC (VA) and MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) are not suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption.
Digital Photo Editing
No
No
Both the Gigabyte M32UC (VA) and MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) are not suitable for digital photo editing.
HDR Video Editing and Color Grading
No
No
Both the Gigabyte M32UC (VA) and MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) are not suitable for HDR video editing and color grading.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Gigabyte M32UC (VA) and the MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) compare to other monitors
"The Gigabyte M32UC is a terrific value. For around $600, you get a full-featured 4K gaming monitor with top-shelf video processing, a colorful bright image and a form factor suited for both work and play."
"The MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD has the largest color gamut we’ve ever seen and near-perfect out-of-box accuracy. sRGB content will be oversaturated though, and HDR doesn’t do anything for image quality."
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.