Is a 165Hz monitor actually worth buying for editing in DaVinci Resolve in SA?

The MSI MAG 274F 200Hz at R3,006 suits a creator desk where smooth timeline movement, clean previewing, and after-hours play matter from one gaming monitor. For DaVinci Resolve, 165Hz is worth considering if the screen also gives you enough responsiveness for scrubbing, trimming, and general desktop work, but the better buy here is a listed model that already goes beyond that refresh target without jumping into a much higher price bracket.

Best value short answer

The MSI MAG 274F 200Hz at R3,006 is the practical recommendation because its 200Hz spec gives headroom above 165Hz while staying sensible for a mixed editing and gaming setup. If the desk is used for long sessions, that extra smoothness can make fast cursor work, playback controls, and window movement feel less tiring.

The ViewSonic VX2779A 240Hz at R2,350 is the aggressive refresh-rate pick. Its 240Hz spec is more than an editor strictly needs, but it makes sense if the same screen handles competitive gaming after work and you want a faster panel without moving far past entry-level pricing.

The AOC 27in QHD 200Hz at R3,200 is the sharper workspace option because the QHD spec gives more room for timelines, bins, and preview panels. It costs more than the Dell SE2726H 144Hz at R1,797, but the AOC model gives both higher resolution and 200Hz refresh for a fuller desk setup.

SA creator desk reality

On a student or small creator desk, the Dahua LM25 200Hz at R1,850 is tempting if budget is tight and high refresh is the main upgrade. The Dell SE2726H 144Hz at R1,797 is cheaper and still smooth, but it sits below the 165Hz question, so it is the compromise pick rather than the best answer.