Big, fast and built for immersive gaming

The MSI MAG 325CQRXF E2 is a 31.5-inch curved gaming monitor aimed squarely at players who want smooth, responsive action and a more cinematic field of view. With a WQHD resolution, VA panel and aggressive 1000R curve, it’s designed to pull you right into the centre of the screen.

MSI is well regarded in gaming displays, and this model sits in the sweet spot between mainstream and enthusiast: a serious spec sheet without straying into eye-watering esports pricing. A 240Hz refresh rate and quoted 0.5ms response time are standout figures at this size.

Owners clearly rate it too, with an average score of 4.8 out of 5 from a solid number of reviews. That suggests MSI has largely nailed the balance of performance, image quality and day-to-day usability.

Table of Contents

Key features

  • WQHD VA screen — Wide image with improved contrast
  • 0.5ms response time — Lifelike images & zero blurring
  • 2 HDMI ports — Easily connect your external devices
  • 240Hz refresh rate — Stunningly smooth motion for games
  • Curved screen — Suits the natural shape of your eye

Who this gaming monitor is best for

This monitor is ideal for competitive gamers who want very fast response and high refresh rates without dropping down to a smaller 24 or 27-inch screen. If you mainly play shooters, MOBAs or battle royale titles, the 240Hz panel and rapid response should give you a tangible edge over standard 60–144Hz displays.

It also suits immersion-focused players who enjoy RPGs, racing sims and open-world titles. The 31.5-inch size combined with a tight 1000R curve wraps more of the image around your field of vision, making worlds feel larger and more engaging than on a flat panel.

With a WQHD 2560 x 1440 resolution, it’s a good match for mid-range and high-end gaming PCs or current-gen consoles set to 1440p output. It offers a noticeable step up in clarity over 1080p without the heavy performance hit of 4K.

If you’re on a strict budget or just dabble in games occasionally, this may feel like more screen and speed than you strictly need. But for enthusiastic players looking for a long-term upgrade, it hits a very appealing balance of features.

What we like

The 240Hz refresh rate is the star of the show. Combined with a quoted 0.5ms response time, motion looks exceptionally smooth, helping fast-paced games feel more responsive and easier to track, especially during frantic firefights.

The WQHD resolution on a 31.5-inch VA panel offers a strong mix of sharpness and contrast. You get significantly more detail than 1080p, while the 3500:1 native contrast and deep blacks typical of VA panels make dark scenes in games and films look richer and more atmospheric.

The 1000R curve is more pronounced than many rivals and closely matches the natural curvature of your eyes. This can reduce the amount of head movement needed to see the edges of the screen and makes long sessions feel more comfortable and immersive.

Ergonomics are better than many gaming monitors at this price. Height adjustment, tilt and swivel are all supported, so you can line the screen up correctly with your seating position. There’s also a VESA mount if you prefer an arm.

Connectivity is straightforward with two HDMI 2.0b ports and a DisplayPort 1.4a input, plus a headphone jack. That makes it easy to hook up a gaming PC, console and audio solution without constant cable swapping.

Where it could be better

There’s no built-in speaker, which means you’ll need headphones or external speakers for sound. That’s common for gaming monitors but still worth noting if you were hoping for an all-in-one setup.

Despite the gaming focus, there’s no explicit AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync support listed, which may put off players who rely on variable refresh rate to smooth out frame rate dips. Many rivals now offer at least one of these technologies.

The energy rating is F, and power consumption rises under HDR, so it’s not the most economical screen to run if you’re gaming for hours each day.

The warranty is listed at just one year, which feels a little short for a monitor at this level and price. Longer cover would provide more peace of mind for heavy users.

Everyday use

Living with the MSI MAG 325CQRXF E2 is largely about enjoying the big, curved canvas. The 31.5-inch panel fills your field of view more than a typical 27-inch screen, but the 1000R curve helps it feel natural rather than overwhelming when you’re sat at a typical desk distance.

The adjustable stand is genuinely useful. You can raise or lower the screen by up to 100mm, tilt it between -5 and 15 degrees and swivel it to fine-tune the angle. This makes it much easier to get a comfortable posture for long sessions, whether you’re gaming, working or streaming.

Thin bezels give it a modern look and help if you ever decide to run a dual-monitor setup. The internal power supply keeps cable clutter slightly more manageable, with just a standard power lead rather than an external brick.

For everyday productivity, the WQHD resolution provides ample space for multiple windows, and the VA panel’s wide viewing angles mean colours and contrast hold up well if you’re not sat exactly dead centre. Blue light reduction modes are on hand to reduce eye strain later in the evening, useful if you bounce between gaming and general PC usage.

Performance and features

Performance is where this monitor earns its keep. A 240Hz refresh rate is still a high-end spec, especially at 1440p, and it delivers noticeably smoother animation and reduced blur compared with 60 or even 144Hz screens. Paired with the quoted 0.5ms response time, it’s clearly tailored for competitive play.

The VA panel brings a strong 3500:1 contrast ratio and support for 1.07 billion colours. This combination means bright, punchy highlights and deep blacks in games and films, as well as more subtle gradations in skies and shadows. Typical brightness of 300 nits is sufficient for most indoor setups, and HDR streaming support adds extra flexibility for compatible content.

Colour coverage is a highlight too, with 96% gamut and 123% sRGB plus DCI-P3 standard support. For gamers who also dabble in content creation or photo editing, this makes it a more capable all-rounder than some purely budget gaming panels.

On the connectivity front, you get one DisplayPort 1.4a and two HDMI 2.0b ports, which is enough for a gaming PC, console and perhaps a streaming box. The headphone jack is handy if your PC or console isn’t easily accessible, allowing quick plug-in for headsets.

Ergonomic and design features round things out. The adjustable stand, 178-degree viewing angles and curved design add up to a comfortable, immersive experience, while the Kensington lock slot is a practical touch in shared spaces. The lack of an integrated USB hub is a small miss for those who like to plug peripherals directly into the monitor, but not a deal-breaker for most.

Value for money

This MSI sits in the mid-to-upper range of gaming monitors, reflecting its combination of 31.5-inch size, WQHD resolution and 240Hz refresh rate. You’re paying for a serious gaming spec rather than an entry-level screen.

Viewed against what you get, the package is persuasive. Many monitors either offer 240Hz at 1080p or cap out at 144Hz at 1440p; this one delivers both high resolution and high refresh, plus a strong VA contrast ratio and a tight 1000R curve. For players who care about both image quality and speed, that’s a compelling mix.

The absence of declared FreeSync or G-Sync and the short one-year warranty do blunt the value proposition a little, especially for very price-conscious buyers. However, the very high owner rating of 4.8 out of 5 suggests most users feel they’ve got their money’s worth.

Overall, if you’re stepping up from a basic 60–144Hz 1080p panel and want something that feels like a meaningful upgrade you can keep for years, this model offers solid value for the performance on offer.

Our verdict

The MSI MAG 325CQRXF E2 is a highly capable gaming monitor that combines a generous 31.5-inch curved screen with a very fast 240Hz refresh rate and crisp WQHD resolution. It’s clearly built for gamers who want both fluid motion and strong image quality in a single package.

Ergonomics are well thought through, the VA panel delivers rich contrast and wide viewing angles, and the aggressive 1000R curve makes games feel more enveloping than on a flat alternative. The strong user reviews reinforce the impression that this is a monitor people enjoy living with.

It’s not perfect: there’s no listed FreeSync or G-Sync, no built-in speakers, energy efficiency is average, and the one-year warranty is on the short side. But if you’re a keen PC or console gamer looking for a fast, immersive 1440p display at this size, it stands out as a very strong contender.

FAQs

Is the MSI MAG 325CQRXF E2 good for competitive gaming?

Yes. With a 240Hz refresh rate, 0.5ms response time and WQHD resolution, it’s very well suited to competitive shooters and esports titles.
The specifications do not list AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync support, so you should not rely on VRR being available with this model.
Yes. It has two HDMI 2.0b ports, so you can connect current consoles. It supports 2560 x 1440 resolution, which many consoles now output.
No, it does not include built-in speakers. You’ll need to use headphones via the headphone jack or connect external speakers to your PC or console.
Yes. The stand offers height adjustment up to 100mm, plus tilt and swivel, so you can position the screen comfortably on your desk.
Yes. It supports VESA 100 x 100 mm mounting, so you can attach it to a compatible monitor arm or wall bracket.
It uses a VA panel with a 3500:1 contrast ratio and typical brightness of 300 nits, giving deep blacks and punchy images suitable for most rooms.
The manufacturer warranty is listed as 1 year.

MSI MAG 325CQRXF E2 31.5" Wide Quad HD 240Hz Curved Gaming Monitor Review

£349.00

Overall score

9/10

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