Introduction
The MSI Optix G241 display has gained a lot of attention, and for
good reason. With its modest sub-$200 price tag, 144Hz
IPS display, and 1-millisecond reaction time, it looks to
check all the boxes for potential buyers. We'll look at the G241's design,
image quality, gaming performance, features, target audience, specs, setup
procedure, performance, and overall user experience. Then compare it to
other displays in its price range.
Specification
| Screen Size | 23.8 inch |
| Resolution | 1920x1080p(Full HD) |
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9(Widescreen) |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz |
| Response Time | 1ms |
| Contrast Ratio | 1000:1 |
| Ports | 1xDisplayPort 1.2a, 2x HDMI 1.4b |
| Other Ports | 1x 3.5mm Jack/span> |
| Brightness | 250 cd/m2 |
| Build-in Speaker | NO |
| Weight | 7.28 lbs |
| VESA Compatibility | Yes (100x100mm) |
Unboxing and Contents
The MSI Optix G241 unpacking experience is uncomplicated and
user-friendly. A DC power converter, an HDMI cable, and screws for
installing the stand are included in the box. It's simple to assemble, and
most of the time, consumers don't even require a screwdriver. The monitor
comes with a non-adjustable stand, which may be a slight inconvenience for
certain users.
Design and Build Quality
The G241's design language is simple and elegant, using black plastic with
subtle textures as eye-catching features. The addition of a red joystick on
the rear provides a fashionable touch. The partly metal monitor stand
provides stability and eliminates swaying. However, some users may find the
absence of swivel, pivot, and height flexibility to be a disadvantage.
Gaming Performance
The MSI Optix G241's key selling point is its
1-millisecond reaction time, which provides minimum motion blur
during fast-paced gaming sessions. The IPS display provides realistic
colors and good viewing angles, making it ideal for gaming as well as
content production.
The joystick control makes the on-screen display (OSD) navigation
simple. However, some users may miss having a software version of the OSD,
as offered by other MSI monitors. The monitor passes the wobbling test and
has a solid construction with a modern and elegant style.
The 144Hz refresh rate of the G241 provides excellent gaming experiences,
especially when coupled with adaptive sync (FreeSync and G-Sync
enabled).
Power of 144hz Refresh Rate
The MSI Optix G241 has a Full HD 1920x1080p display with a refreshing rate
of 144Hz. If you've never used a 144Hz display, it's a game changer.
The difference between 60Hz and 144Hz is significant, particularly in
competitive games such as CS: GO or Fortnite. The faster refresh rate
produces smoother images and enables you to realize your full gaming
potential. While it may not be necessary for casual gaming, a 144Hz display
is a game changer if you want to compete at a higher level.
Lightning-Fast Response Time
With a reaction speed of 1 millisecond, the MSI Optix G241 shines in this
category. This implies that pixels change colors extremely fast, resulting
in a more responsive picture and a smoother display. When compared to
typical displays' reaction times of three to five milliseconds, this monitor
is remarkably fast and ensures you don't miss a beat during strenuous gaming
sessions.
IPS Panel Technology
The MSI Optix G241 has an IPS panel that produces brilliant and realistic
colors. When compared to TN panels, IPS (In-Plane Switching) panels
deliver higher color accuracy and broader viewing angles. While there are
advantages to TN panels, particularly in terms of reaction speed, the
overall visual quality and color representation make IPS the favored choice
for most gamers.
Picture quality and brightness
The IPS display of the G241 provides excellent text rendering and vivid
graphics. Its high brightness, rated at 250 cd/m², is ideal for
well-lit environments and high-brightness games. However, the lowest
brightness of 118 cd/m² may be excessively bright for evening use,
particularly against white backdrops.
Contrast and Backlight Uniformity
The G241 has a contrast ratio of about 1500:1, which is among the
greatest among IPS displays. This rivals several lower-tier VA monitors in
terms of performance in gloomy environments and films. Backlight homogeneity
is excellent, with an average brightness variation of less than 7%.
Color Accuracy and Gamut Coverage
The G241 has excellent color fidelity after calibration, making it ideal
for picture editing and color-sensitive jobs. It covers the whole
sRGB
gamut and even comes close to covering bigger professional color spaces.
However, in applications that do not enable color control, the greater gamut
volume might cause oversaturation.
Connectivity
This game display has several connectivity choices, including a
DisplayPort and 2 HDMI connectors. You can effortlessly
connect your gaming PC, consoles, and other devices using these ports. While
it lacks built-in speakers, considering its low price and gaming-focused
features, this isn't a huge disadvantage. If you require audio, you may
easily add in external speakers without sacrificing the monitor's low
price.
Target Audience
The MSI Optix G241 is intended for a specific audience:
First-Person Shooter (FPS) Gamers
The monitor's 1ms reaction time and 144Hz refresh rate promise to
provide FPS players a competitive advantage by providing smoother and more
responsive gameplay.
Content Creators
Because of the IPS display's realistic colors and large sRGB color
space, it's ideal for video editing, picture processing, and graphic
design activities.
Casual Users
Casual users will enjoy appreciate the monitor's superb visual quality
for everyday use, such as streaming material from services like
Netflix.
Ghosting and Comparisons
The ghosting performance of the G241 is equivalent to that of the ASUS
VP249QGR but somewhat inferior to that of the ASUS VG249Q. While it is an
excellent gaming monitor, the VG249Q exceeds it in terms of motion
performance. In comparison, the MSI G24 C4, with its VA panel, performs
better in the center track but suffers from dark-level smearing.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| IPS display with an impressive 1ms reaction time | Stand's height cannot be adjusted |
| Extensive color space and excellent color fidelity | Requires users to utilize NVIDIA Gpu's FreeSync compatibility mode |
| Easy to use OSD navigation with joystick control | NO speakers |
| Solid Construction | Plastic build quality feels a bit cheap |
| VESA mount compatibility |
Pricing
The MSI Optix G241 is affordably priced at $188.99, making it an
intriguing alternative for budget-conscious gamers and multimedia
creators. It offers a terrific gaming experience with little motion blur
at its launch price, which is significantly lower than its original retail
value. The display appeals to a wide spectrum of users, from competitive
gamers to content creators, making it a versatile option.
Conclusion
The MSI G241 is an affordable gem that excels in a variety of
categories. Its superb color performance and strong contrast ratio make
it perfect for color-sensitive applications like editing. The 144Hz
frame rate and adaptive sync capabilities will deliver a smooth
experience for gamers. If gaming is your priority, the
ASUS VG249Q is a little superior alternative, but the G241 still holds its own
excellently.
Finally, whether you're a gamer, editor, or movie buff, the MSI G241
delivers an appealing bundle with its great capabilities and low
pricing. It is without a doubt a monitor worth considering for your
setup.