With so many different options available for display technology these days, it’s easing to find a niche product. Factor in the plethora of GPUs out there, and pairing the two can become an art form unto itself. MSI’s new gaming monitor, the Optix PAG304CR, is no exception, and while it’s presently only offered in Asia, it gives a glimpse of something unique that doesn’t require a $1,000 to $2,000 GPU to drive it. It has some similarities to another monitor announced a few months back.
Specifications
- Size: 30″
- Panel Type: VA
- Curvature: 1500R
- Color Depth: 1.07B(8 bits + Scaler FRC)
- Color Gamut: 98% DCI-P3/138% sRGB
- Resolution: 2560 x 1080 (WFHD)
- Aspect Ratio: 21:9
- Refresh Rate: 200 Hz
- Response Time: 1ms
- VRR Type: AMD FreeSync Premium
- Viewing Angles: 178°(H) / 178°(V)
- Brightness: 300 cd/m2
- Contrast Ratio: 3000:1
- Power: 65W
- Ports: 1 x Display Port 1.4(WFHD upto 200 Hz), 1 x HDMI 2.0(WFHD upto 180 Hz), 2 x HDMI 1.4
This is listed as HDR ready, but those concerned with HDR may want to look elsewhere because the brightness listed is only 300 cd/m2. Chiphell did a review and measured its maximum brightness at 325 cd/m2. Those more focused on frames and an increased view should take note of the resolution and refresh rate, however: 2560 x 1080 and 200 Hz means this display is primed for fast-paced gaming. A 1 ms response time doesn’t hurt, either. Throw in AMD FreeSync Premium, and things look even better. The price has not yet been announced.