A recent PCWorld review highlighted the similarity between the MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50 and the MSI MAG 272QP QD-OLED X50, cautioning against mixing them up despite their resemblances. The reviewer nearly choked on their morning drink upon encountering this distinction, underscoring how such labels seem engineered to bewilder and evade memory.
This issue with monitor naming conventions is far from novel; they have long been a source of irritation in the industry.
Even experts like Tim from Monitors Unboxed struggle with these designations, and the same holds for seasoned professionals. With more than 15 years of evaluating PC technology and now overseeing PCWorld magazine, the author is an avid enthusiast who once rotated among four premium screens tailored to specific games.
Criticism should target manufacturers for their poor labeling and marketing strategies, as even dedicated fans find it challenging to differentiate the products.
In the 2025 Full Nerd awards, the author's selection for top PC accessory was the innovative 4K 240Hz MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED. This choice required a quick reference during the podcast recording, and it bears no relation to the MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50 or the MSI MAG 272QP QD-OLED X50.
MSI is hardly alone in this regard; nearly every monitor producer appears to generate identifiers by randomly combining letters and digits, as seen in standout entries from a compilation of leading gaming displays.
From those examples, only the screen dimensions are discernible amid the chaotic alphanumeric strings, which quickly fade from recollection. This disarray persists even among top-tier options that enthusiasts eagerly desire.
Advising on graphics cards like the RTX 5070 or processors such as the Ryzen 5 is straightforward based on desired capabilities, but monitor suggestions falter due to opaque branding. These names fail to convey refresh rates or panel technologies, rendering them useful solely for indicating size and otherwise ineffective.
Clearer alternatives exist, such as the HP Omen Transcend 32, Asus ProArt Display 5K, and Acer Predator X34 X0, whose titles effectively communicate key attributes in a memorable way. Although manufacturers offer diverse lineups with varying specifications, enhancing nomenclature remains essential.
Amid ongoing RAM shortages and hardware constraints, analysts predict 2026 as a peak period for monitor refreshes as users retain aging systems. Brands producing superior displays with intuitive, recognizable names stand to gain substantial market share without needing complex guides.
This longstanding flaw demands attention from the industry. Producers must refine their approaches, as distinctions like those between the MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50 and the MSI MAG 272QP QD-OLED X50 remain elusive for most.