If you prioritize a larger, ultrawide screen for immersive gaming and multitasking, the Gigabyte M34WQ provides a broader field of view with its 34-inch display and 21:9 aspect ratio. It might serve you well for a mix of casual gaming and productivity. On the other hand, the MSI MAG274QRF-QD, while usually less expensive, offers a smaller 27-inch screen that's more conventional in aspect ratio but has better performance for competitive gaming due to its response time and refresh rate. However, neither model is the best for HDR gaming and media consumption, nor for professional photo editing that demands the highest color accuracy. 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 M34WQ (IPS)
The Gigabyte M34WQ (IPS) has no clear advantages over the MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS).
Advantages of the MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS)
Good refresh rate
Key differences
Competitive Gaming
4.5/10
5.8/10
144Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
8.5 ms
TOTAL RESPONSE TIME
9.1 ms
20 - 144 Hz
VARIABLE REFRESH RATE
20 - 165 Hz
Yes
STROBING / BFI
Yes
379 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
372 nits
The MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) and Gigabyte M34WQ (IPS) are both poor for competitive gaming, though the MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) is somewhat better.
Cost
$330
$436
$100
$200
$300
$400
$500
$600
$700
The Gigabyte M34WQ (IPS) has a price of $330 and the MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) costs $436.
Digital Photo Editing
Yes
No
The Gigabyte M34WQ (IPS) is suitable for digital photo editing while the MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) is not suitable for digital photo editing.
Print Photo Editing
No
Yes
The Gigabyte M34WQ (IPS) is not suitable for print photo editing while the MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) is suitable for print photo editing.
Key similarities
Casual Gaming
5.9/10
6.1/10
3440 x 1440
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
144Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
1074:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
1195:1
379 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
372 nits
372 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
390 nits
87.7 %
DCI-P3 COLOR GAMUT
96.7 %
Matte
COATING
Matte
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) to be only fair for casual gaming, while the Gigabyte M34WQ (IPS) is poor.
Productivity
6.3/10
6.2/10
3440 x 1440
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
110 PPI
PIXELS PER INCH
109 PPI
Yes
ADJUSTABLE STAND
Yes
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Gigabyte M34WQ (IPS) and MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) are both only fair for productivity.
Media Consumption
6.0/10
6.0/10
3440 x 1440
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
1074:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
1195:1
379 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
372 nits
372 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
390 nits
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Gigabyte M34WQ (IPS) and MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) are both only fair for media consumption.
HDR Gaming and Media Consumption
No
No
Both the Gigabyte M34WQ (IPS) and MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) are not suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption.
HDR Video Editing and Color Grading
No
No
Both the Gigabyte M34WQ (IPS) 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 M34WQ (IPS) and the MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) compare to other monitors
"If you want a 34″ 3440×1440 ultrawide gaming monitor with a fast response time speed, smooth VRR performance, vibrant colors and crisp details, the Gigabyte M34WQ is one of the best options below $450. Additionally, it has an ergonomic stand, rich connectivity options and plenty of extra features, such as a built-in KVM switch. Some users might not be pleased by its flat screen, but at a certain viewing distance, it feels completely natural."
"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.
By the numbers
210
Monitors evaluated
10,500
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15
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117,200
Recommendations made
17,580
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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.