The gaming monitor market is witnessing a significant leap forward as MSI and Gigabyte unveil their latest 500Hz QD-OLED displays. These new monitors, based on Samsung’s advanced Gen 3 QD-OLED panels, promise unparalleled speed and visual fidelity for the most demanding gamers and esports professionals. This development marks a new era for ultra-high refresh rate gaming.
Key Takeaways
- Unprecedented Speed: Both MSI and Gigabyte are launching 27-inch, 1440p QD-OLED monitors with a staggering 500Hz refresh rate.
- Advanced Panel Technology: Utilizing Samsung’s Gen 3 QD-OLED panels, these monitors offer improved text readability and enhanced brightness.
- Premium Features: Expect HDR1000 certification, near-instantaneous 0.03ms response times, FreeSync Premium Pro, and G-Sync compatibility.
- Connectivity Options: Differences emerge in connectivity, with MSI offering more robust USB-C and DisplayPort 2.1a UHBR20 support, while Gigabyte includes additional Mini DisplayPort and built-in speakers.
- OLED Care and Warranty: Both brands incorporate advanced OLED care features to prevent image retention and offer a 3-year burn-in warranty.
The Race for 500Hz
MSI and Gigabyte are at the forefront of the high-refresh-rate monitor war with their new 27-inch, 1440p QD-OLED gaming displays. These monitors, initially showcased at CES and Computex, are now beginning to reach the market, pushing the boundaries of visual performance.
Shared Foundation, Distinctive Features
At their core, both the MSI 272QR and the Gigabyte Aorus FO27Q5P leverage the same 27-inch QD-OLED panel from Samsung. This Gen 3 panel boasts an updated subpixel layout for better text clarity and improved brightness over previous generations. Both monitors are 1440p with a 500Hz refresh rate, featuring VESA HDR1000 certification, HDR TrueBlack 500, ClearMR 21000 ratings, and a rapid 0.03ms response time. FreeSync Premium Pro and G-Sync compatibility are standard for smooth, tear-free gaming.
Color accuracy is also a strong suit, with both displays covering 99% of the DCI-P3 color space and claiming an average Delta-E score below 2ΔE, making them suitable for professional color-sensitive work. They are also true 10-bit monitors.
Connectivity and Design Differences
The primary distinctions lie in their connectivity and design. The MSI 272QR offers a more comprehensive port selection, including 2x HDMI 2.1 and 1x DisplayPort 2.1a UHBR20, capable of handling 80Gbps bandwidth for uncompressed 500fps at 1440p. It also features a 98W USB Type-C port with DP Alt mode. In contrast, the Gigabyte Aorus FO27Q5P includes the same core display outputs but adds an extra UHBR20 Mini DisplayPort and a DisplayPort 1.4 for daisy-chaining. Its USB Type-C port supports 18W charging and DP Alt mode, and it includes two 5W speakers. Both monitors are equipped with custom cooling solutions to manage heat.
Further differentiating the two, the Gigabyte model includes a microphone jack alongside headphone jacks, while MSI focuses on USB Type-A and Type-B ports. The MSI monitor features an internal power supply, whereas the Gigabyte unit uses an external adapter.
Pricing and Availability
Both MSI and Gigabyte have integrated robust OLED care features to mitigate burn-in and image retention, backed by a 3-year warranty against burn-in. While pricing has not yet been officially announced, industry speculation suggests a price point around $1,000, aligning with other high-end 500Hz OLED monitors.
