In 2024, Full HD is still the favorite choice of computer gamers, and the MSI G255F is not just a typical representative of such monitors, but one of the best for the money. Optimal performance to price ratio, good gaming capabilities, and adequate pixel density – what more could a young eSports player ask for?
Content
| Technical characteristics | |
| Diagonal | 24.5″ |
| Panel type | IPS |
| Viewing angle | 178°/ 178° |
| Pixel pitch | 0.27 mm |
| Resolution | 1920×1080 |
| Brightness (typical) | 300 cd/m² |
| Contrast | 1000 to 1 |
| Color depth | 10 bits |
| GtG response time | 1 ms GtG |
| Update frequency | 180 Hz |
| HDR support | – |
| Audio system | – |
| Audio jack | 3.5 mm jack |
| Display Port | 1 x DP 1.2 |
| HDMI | 2 x HDMI 2.0 |
| USB | – |
| Other | AMD FreeSync |
| Flicker-Free | |
| Sight | |
| Timer | |
| FPS counter | |
| Energy consumption | 7-25 W |
| Dimensions | 557x419x220 mm |
| Weight (with stand) | 3.23 kg |
MSI G255F has a completely eco-friendly packaging without foam, as almost all manufacturers do, including MSI for more expensive products. The monitor is packaged exclusively in cardboard, which looks recycled.
The package includes the monitor itself, a stand, a leg, an HDMI cable, a cable management strip, and paper documentation. There is a sticker on the box that says the device is not very energy efficient, but we checked whether this is true.
The monitor doesn’t have a steep stand, so you can only adjust the tilt, and even then only in a small range. But the entire structure can be mounted in ten seconds without any screws.
The look is unremarkable – a classic small gaming monitor that fits well on small desks. For neat cable management, there is a removable plate that is attached to the leg.
It is worth noting the incredibly light weight of MSI G255F. Anyone can carry this monitor with one hand. The case is entirely plastic, it may creak, but there are no obvious nuances with the build quality.
There is a five-way navigation key on the right side for control. The only disappointment of the MSI G255F for perfectionists will be the inability to control the height of the monitor, although in general it is difficult to find fault with the ergonomics.
MSI G255F has a standard set of connectors: two HDMI, one Display Port and a 3.5 mm headphone jack. For this kind of money, USB connectors are out of the question. In addition to these ports, the rear panel also has a power cable input (built-in power supply).
There are no built-in speakers, but the sound through headphones is just fine. Some of the monitors that were reviewed at ITC did not produce such a voluminous and loud sound, although they belong to a higher price category.
The MSI G255F IPS matrix has a diagonal of 24.5 inches, pleases with good viewing angles, and also behaves well in the sun because it has a matte finish. The 300-nit brightness is more than enough for all scenarios, except for working outside under the scorching sun (hardly anyone will use this monitor in that way).
The pixel density is optimal – if you put the screen 70 centimeters from your head, the fonts look smooth, not like in 27-30 inch Full HD models. There is no HDR support.
The colorimeter shows good results and almost complete coverage of the sRGB color space. The image is realistic, soft, and doesn’t make your eyes tired. The only thing is that the default white color is too cold, which the colorimeter corrected after calibration.
The 180Hz frequency is available without overclocking by default, and the monitor also works in 10-bit 180Hz mode with any cable, HDMI or Display Port. Games are a pleasure to play, especially active shooters, and the bonus is the low GPU load because in Full HD, AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX video cards literally rest in most games.
The setting’s menu is standard and works quickly. The controls are easy to get used to, the menu items are arranged in a logical order. It is possible to choose different modes for games, work, movies, etc., or to configure everything yourself manually.
With the maximum backlight level, the monitor draws 22-23 watts from the outlet if the refresh rate is 180 Hz. Reducing the frequency to 60 Hz saves 2-3 watts at any brightness.
At 50% backlighting, the wattmeter shows 15-18 W, and in the most economical mode 7-10 W, depending on the set refresh rate. This is a good result, but no better than Gigabyte GS27F which draws 8 watts at 165 Hz and has a diagonal of 27 inches.
The problem with the MSI G255F was its idle consumption. In standby mode (the computer is off, the monitor is also off), the power consumption jumps from 5 to 10 watts, which is strange. We left it alone for 10 minutes and nothing changed. We pulled the HDMI cable out of the monitor and the result is the same.
The MSI G255F is a pleasure not only to play but also to work with because the smoothness of scrolling lists and all the animations in the interface literally «float». Personally, I liked the good sound through headphones (better than my monitor), as well as the compact size.
I have no complaints about the image quality, especially for the price that stores ask for this model. The market has settled down, the time has come when there are no bad monitors, only «good» and «very good».
The MSI G255F is not phenomenal, it has nothing to surprise, but it does its job well without any issues. I missed the built-in speakers, but this is a purely individual need.
The official cost MSI G255F is 5700 UAH. There are a lot of alternatives in this price category, but we will consider only those with a similar diagonal because gaming models with 27+ inches of Full-HD resolution are not suitable for everyone.
Acer Nitro QG241YM3bmiipx has a slightly smaller diagonal, built-in 2×2 W speakers, and is sold for 5000 UAH.
QUBE Overlord G25F180 costs 5500 hryvnias and has almost identical characteristics, except for lower brightness.
Asus TUF Gaming VG259Q3A is a direct competitor for similar money. The official price is 5900 hryvnias.
Lenovo G25-20 has only a slightly lower refresh rate (165 Hz), but the brightness is 100 nits higher. The price is 6600 hryvnias.
