MSI is finally introducing MPG 242R X60N, the brand’s fastest gaming monitor yet with a 600Hz refresh rate. This monitor will undoubtedly appeal to esports enthusiasts, promising excellent motion clarity that can make all the difference in high-stakes games.
MPG 242R X60N achieves its 600Hz refresh rate through a Rapid TN panel, sized at 24.1in running at FHD (1920×1080). Such specifications make it faster than MSI’s upcoming 500Hz QD-OLED monitors and ahead of the prior 540Hz class-leaders, shrinking frame intervals down to an impressively low 1.67ms. For now, this is the only screen technology capable or achieving such feats.
To ensure the 600Hz refresh rate doesn’t turn into a smeary mess, MSI tunes the panel to achieve a speedy 0.1ms GtG response time. Impressive, but still behind the speed of OLEDs which frequently run at 0.03ms but this is a great result for an LCD. To further enhance clarity, the MPG 242R X60N also supports MPRT Sync technology, which strobes the backlight between pixel refreshes to reduce ghosting.
In its pursuit of speed, MSI didn’t forget about the other factors that make a great gaming monitor. For example, MPG 242R X60N covers 93% of the DCI-P3 gamut and 119% of sRGB. There’s no word on colour calibration from the factory but here’s hoping that’s the case. The monitor packs solid brightness levels too, peaking at 350nits in SDR. The screen is capable enough to qualify for DisplayHDR 400 certification, but a lack of dimming zones combined with a 1,000:1 contrast ratio won’t result in an outstanding HDR experience.
In terms of connectivity, MPG 242R X60N offers two HDMI 2.1 inputs, a single DisplayPort 1.4a header. For peripherals, there’s a single USB Type-C complete with DP alt. mode and 98W of power delivery, alongside three USB 2.0 Type-A ports.
In terms of ergonomics, MPG 242R X60N is fully adjustable out of the box, offering -5° to +20° tilt, 30° swivel, 90° pivot, and 130mm height control. Of course, if you’d rather forgo the stand entirely, you can mount the monitor to an arm via the 100x100mm mount.
Unfortunately, MSI hasn’t shared how much MPG 242R X60N will retail for. Looking at competing products, though, I’d expect it to cost somewhere in the region of $999. In any case, expect a high price for such a bleeding-edge product.
