Introduction
With the MSI Oculux NXG253RDE, we have the first display from MSI to achieve a whopping 360Hz refresh rate.
Of course, such a refresh rate can only be sensibly used in modern, graphically complex games with a moderate resolution. Therefore, MSI uses Full HD with 1920×1080 pixels and bets on a 24.5-inch Rapid IPS panel that promises a response time of 1 ms (GtG). Tearing and stuttering are eliminated with a G-Sync module, which has now also been opened up for Adaptive Sync and should therefore not be a disadvantage for AMD GPU owners.
Other specs like ULMB (“Ultra Low Motion Blur”), a gaming toolbox, and NVIDIA Reflex Latency Analyzer, which can be used to check and optimize system latency, round out the product. In addition to that, the panel should have a wide range of colors to make your favorite game look more realistic and detailed. Fans of the gamer style can also be happy because the back has a lighting concept.
Optionally, the MSI Oculux NXG253RDE is also sold in a bundle with the MSI Clutch GM41 lightweight gaming mouse. Both components should fit very well because they can be configured with common software. We have included a short field report at the end of the test report that explains the basics of the interaction.
In the following pages we discover how the youngest scion of the 360 Hz family performs.
Detailed information on features and specifications can be found in the MSI Oculux NXG253RDE datasheet.
scope of delivery
Of course, a small 24.5-inch screen doesn’t weigh much. This means that the light cardboard box of around 9 kg can be transported without much effort. For easy transportation, the MSI Oculux NXG253RDE has recessed handles on the side.
To get to the content, the entire internal mechanism of the box must be removed. There is a plastic sleeve that makes it easy to remove so the protective Styrofoam layers don’t fall apart with the use of force. In the upper part there are several compartments in which the base, the support arm and the accessories are divided.
With DisplayPort, HDMI and USB 3.0 cables, all the necessary cables are already included in the accessories. Spacer screws were also considered to operate the monitor on alternative transport systems. As for the paper, the quick start guide and the advertising cards are available. As usual, the manual, drivers and color profiles are available for download on the product website.
The screen is well protected and wrapped in a foam bag under the styrofoam top. To install, the base and support arm must first be assembled and secured with the small thumbscrew below.
Then, the mounting plate tabs of the mounting arm are inserted into the openings on the top of the VESA 100 device. Finally, the support arm and the screen are firmly connected to each other with two screws.
Instead of the support arm, the MSI Oculux NXG253RDE can of course also be operated on alternative support systems thanks to the VESA 100 mount. In this case, the four spacer screws are included in the accessories.
optics and mechanics
The entire monitor is made of black plastic, most of which has a silky surface. Everything feels high-quality, but it’s also very susceptible to fingerprints.
The panel has a frameless design as it is only surrounded by a narrow 2mm wide border on the top and sides. However, the visible image only starts 5mm inwards, as we already know from other monitors. The bottom edge is 25mm high and completely clean. Only the shiny MSI logo stands out from the silky surface at just the right angle.
The power LED is located under the right side of the bottom bezel. In a normal sitting position, it is not visible. So it is not a problem that it cannot be disabled via the OSD menu. It lights up white when in operation and yellow when in standby. The power button is located directly to the left.
The depth of the screen is not negligible and is 6 cm at the deepest point. Since a G-Sync processor does its job inside the MSI Oculux NXG253RDE, you must of course make sure that the heat generated can be dissipated. For this purpose, there are fairly large air exhaust openings at the top, which span the entire width of the monitor.
When it comes to the rear view, opinions probably differ as it contrasts sharply with the front.
Somehow the rear wall looks like a rally car that has been covered in advertising. The big MSI dragon gleams on the left side, and the right side has a big indication that it’s a 360Hz display with MSI G-Sync technology. Understatement actually looks different.
Also, below the 360 Hz release is RGB effect lighting. The USB hub with three inputs is easily accessible on the outer right, of which the top one is used to measure the latency of suitable mice. We’ll talk more about this later in the test.
In the middle, the screen is connected to the support arm via the clamping plate, in which the joint for the pivot function was also integrated at the same time. MSI Oculux NXG253RDE can be switched from landscape mode to portrait mode, for example to get a better overview of long Excel lists.
Behind there is another joint to be able to adjust the inclination. The MSI Oculux NXG253RDE can be tilted back 20 degrees and forward 5 degrees.
The monitor and mounting plates lead to the support arm via a carriage system, which is responsible for height adjustment. It allows a travel of 130 mm. In the lowest position, the bottom edge of the screen is about 55mm from the top of the table.
The support arm isn’t very powerful, but it’s enough to give the comparatively small screen a decent grip. When lowering, there is a window in the support arm through which the outgoing cables are routed to the rear.
At the bottom, where the support arm and base meet, another joint is placed to allow lateral rotation of 45 degrees on each side.
The base is comparatively powerful and consists of a base plate with a width of 285 mm and a depth of 230 mm.
Beneath the plastic-covered surface, it’s made of metal and is quite heavy. Therefore, the MSI Oculux NXG253RDE is very stable and well balanced on the desktop. So that the monitor does not slip on the floor, six rubber feet were attached to it.
As already mentioned, the MSI Oculux NXG253RDE is beautifully minimalist on the front, but it contrasts sharply with this first impression with its offensive billboards on the back. From a purely visual point of view, the test person will certainly not be completely satisfied with any of the fields. In terms of quality, the model is very solid. The panel fits perfectly into the frame and the moving parts are quiet and smooth.
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