MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED Review

PROS

Great color range and accuracy
Proficient game performance
Virtual KVM built in
Thin design
Sub-$1,000 price represents great value

CONS

Higher-than-normal sRGB coverage could sometimes over-saturate colors
Not certified for Nvidia G-Sync or AMD FreeSync

MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED SPECS

Panel Size (Corner-to-Corner)	32 inches
Aspect Ratio	16:9
Screen Technology	OLED

If you are in the market for a 32-inch 4K OLED gaming monitor, the MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED is definitely worth considering.this monitor offers a 4K OLED display at 240Hz with a 0.03ms response time, just like its competitors. While it may have a less-extensive port selection, it makes up for it with a thinner body and a lower price point. Ultimately, the decision between the MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED, Alienware AW3225QF 4K QD-OLED, and Asus ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM will come down to your design preferences and budget.

Design: A More Subdued OLED Challenger

This MSI monitor, measuring 32 inches, features a design that is more subtle compared to the Asus PG32UCDM. Unlike the Asus monitor, it does not have RGB lighting emanating from its sides or bezels. However, there is a hint of RGB glow on the back of the monitor, which can be controlled using MSI's Mystic Light software. Instead, MSI has opted for their signature understated industrial design, giving the monitor a versatile appearance suitable for both office spaces and personal gaming setups. The monitor is supported by a sturdy all-black hexagon stand that eliminates any wobbling, distinguishing itself from the tripod-like stands found on Alienware and ROG Swift monitors. This design choice also saves valuable desk space. The initial aspect that caught my attention regarding the MSI MPG 321URX was its understated design. Unlike other models, it doesn't have any flashy elements. What stood out to me the most was its flat screen. With dimensions of 19 by 28.2 by 9.5 inches (HWD), it is slightly slimmer than both the Asus and Alienware alternatives. When considering its weight, it comes in at around 21.1 pounds with the stand attached, making it slightly heavier than the ROG Swift. Additionally, it offers VESA mounting support and various adjustments such as pivot, tilt, and height modifications. The initial feature that caught my attention regarding the MSI MPG 321URX was its understated design. Measuring at 19 by 28.2 by 9.5 inches (HWD), it is slightly more compact compared to similar models from Asus and Alienware. With a weight of approximately 21.1 pounds including the stand, it is a bit heavier than the ROG Swift. This monitor supports VESA mounting, along with pivot, tilt, and various height adjustments. The MSI MPG 321URX immediately stood out to me due to its subtle design. Dimensions of 19 by 28.2 by 9.5 inches (HWD) make it slightly slimmer than competing models from Asus and Alienware. Weighing around 21.1 pounds with the stand, it is a tad heavier than the ROG Swift. This monitor is compatible with VESA mounting and offers pivot, tilt, and height adjustment options.

Upon examining the rear of the monitor, one can observe the ventilation system. Unlike the Alienware, the MPG and Asus ROG Swift utilize a graphene film in conjunction with the heatsink to effectively dissipate heat. This design choice does lead to a slightly thicker back side, but MSI takes advantage of the additional space by incorporating RGB lighting into the monitor. Upon examining the MPG's port options, you will discover a single DisplayPort, two HDMI 2.1 ports, two USB-A ports, a USB-B port, and a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort Alternate Mode. The USB-C port enables charging of connected devices with a power delivery of up to 90 watts. Additionally, the monitor is equipped with a headphone jack, a feature notably absent on the Alienware AW3225QF. Lastly, the MSI model offers a built-in virtual KVM function for users interested in utilizing it for both work and leisure purposes, allowing for connection to multiple PCs simultaneously.

Moving on to the display itself, the MPG 321URX utilizes the same cutting-edge QD-OLED panel technology as its two rivals. Although it lacks a curved design, the Quantum-Dot display offers a wider color range (which we will delve into further in our testing section) compared to traditional OLED screens. It is no secret that the screen is truly stunning—I have yet to come across an OLED display that fails to impress, and this remains true in this case. The 321URX showcases colors that are significantly more vibrant than those seen on IPS gaming monitors. As OLEDs become more prevalent, I anticipate them eventually replacing IPS gaming monitors as the preferred choice, particularly among gamers seeking a top-of-the-line monitor. To secure that position, gaming performance is crucial. Although the monitor lacks certification for G-Sync or AMD FreeSync, it does offer support for variable refresh rates (VRR). Additionally, the monitor is VESA ClearMR 13000 certified. Not familiar with this terminology? Allow me to simplify: VESA, an organization for display standards, utilizes ClearMR to establish a standard for evaluating motion-blur performance. According to VESA, each ClearMR tier indicates a specific range of blur performance based on the ratio of clear pixels to blurry pixels, expressed as a percentage. ClearMR 13000 signifies 125 to 135 times clearer pixels than blurry pixels. In essence, the blur effect in games should not compromise the video quality.

If you have already examined the specifications of the Alienware and Asus monitors, you may find all of this to be quite familiar. Indeed, the disparities between these top-tier displays are minimal. However, in our performance section below, you will discover that a few crucial distinctions could potentially influence your buying decision.

Testing the MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED: An All-Around Hit

MSI's most recent release is truly impressive, but how does its performance stack up against the recent wave of 32-inch OLED displays? To accurately assess this, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the MPG's color gamut, brightness, color accuracy, and contrast ratio using industry-standard tools such as the Calman monitor calibration software, Murideo Six-G signal generator, and Klein K-10A colorimeter. Additionally, we thoroughly tested the monitor's responsiveness and overall real-world performance by subjecting it to a series of demanding games. In our initial examination, we assessed the monitor's default picture mode with an SDR signal. In this scenario, it achieved an average brightness of 245 nits (candelas per square meter). This surpasses the AW3225QF's 238 nits and the PG32UCDM's 197 nits, making it the brightest among the trio of mid-sized OLED gaming monitors. When we switched to HDR and utilized the Standard preset profile with the True Black 400 setting, the brightness measured 455 nits. Furthermore, during peak HDR brightness testing, it reached an impressive 1,010 nits. (For sustained HDR brightness measurement, we employ a 10% window size, but for peak brightness, we reduce the test size to 2%). However, it is unlikely that you will achieve this level of brightness in typical gaming conditions. OLED displays become brighter as the test patch size decreases, but there are only a few instances in video games and movies where the highlight reaches this level of measurement.

All three monitors showed comparable results overall, although there were minor variations in brightness levels throughout. The three monitors displayed similar results, albeit with slight variations in brightness levels. This fact remains true in terms of the OLED's color range. In our tests, the MPG M321URX covered 137% of the sRGB color gamut, 96% of Adobe RGB, and 93% of DCI-P3. These ratings are excellent, but it is important to note that exceeding 100% on the sRGB color gamut does not necessarily indicate better sRGB color coverage. In reality, going beyond 100% can potentially result in oversaturated content and even color inaccuracies when viewing sRGB images, especially in applications that lack color management support. However, it is not all negative, as sRGB ratings above 100% do showcase improved color grading and vibrancy. On the other hand, the lower DCI-P3 coverage is slightly inferior compared to the other two 32-inch OLED monitors. Last year's selection of ultrawide OLED monitors (such as the Samsung OLED G9 and the Alienware 34 Curved QD-OLED Gaming Monitor) offer better overall color gamut coverage, but these differences truly matter when it comes to content creation. While playing games, the variances are often too subtle to discern with the naked eye. The precision of colors left a strong impression on us, with an outstanding Delta E measurement of 0.7. While not reaching the level of the Alienware’s 0.6, it surpasses the Asus' 1.5. A Delta E value below 2 is considered optimal, making all three displays quite impressive. The MPG 321URX, similar to the Asus AW3225QF, boasts a peak contrast ratio of 1,500,000:1, surpassing even the Alienware in terms of depth. However, discerning variances in contrast at such elevated levels can be challenging with the naked eye alone. OLED and mini LED panels have the capability to achieve significantly higher contrast ratios compared to other panel technologies. In theory, they can reach infinite levels due to the nature of black pixels. In contrast, IPS panels typically aim for contrast ratios ranging from 1,000:1 to 3,000:1.

Media and Gaming Performance

The color coverage of the MPG 321URX is exceptional, but the appeal of these new OLED panels extends beyond their 4K resolution. Their 240Hz refresh rates are also a major draw. In order to assess their performance, we utilized the HDFury Diva HDMI matrix to measure the monitor's input lag, and we tested several games from our collection. The outcomes were predictably impressive. We documented an input lag that was barely noticeable, measuring less than 1 millisecond. Apart from its impressive input-lag performance, the MPG 321URX also possesses a few intriguing peculiarities that are worth mentioning, particularly in relation to certain visual modes. MSI introduces a new AI Vision mode that claims to enhance brightness and intensify colors, but it does not involve any actual AI upscaling. The so-called "AI" merely adjusts the contrast and brightness, a task that can be manually performed by the user.

Although the monitor lacks certification for AMD FreeSync or G-Sync, I did not observe any noticeable screen tearing during the game tests. It is important to note that Dolby HDR is not supported on this monitor, but it is also absent in the Asus ROG Swift until a firmware update is released. When it comes to updates, I have executed the most recent firmware update to resolve some bugs and minor problems that were reported by early adopters. This additional measure is commonly required for modern monitors, so if you desire a seamless experience right from the start, please be aware that the MPG may require a few additional steps that are crucial for maximizing the performance of your monitor.

Verdict: Another Superb 32-Inch OLED

The MPG 321URX QD-OLED offers exceptional picture quality for various activities such as watching movies, playing games, and browsing the internet. As previously mentioned, the distinctions between this monitor and other OLED panels in its category are minimal, making the choice largely dependent on personal preference and budget constraints. MSI's monitor is the most affordable option at $950, and the cost savings could outweigh any compromises in features. The MPG 321URX QD-OLED delivers outstanding picture quality for movie-watching, gaming, and internet browsing. As previously stated, the differences between this monitor and other OLED panels in its class are negligible, so the decision may ultimately boil down to personal preference and financial considerations.MSI's monitor is the most budget-friendly option, and the savings could justify any potential trade-offs. Overall, the MPG 321URX QD-OLED projects excellent picture quality while watching movies, playing games, and simply browsing the internet. As I said earlier, the differences are so slight the decision among recent OLED panels in its class might come down to personal preference and your budget. MSI’s monitor is the easiest on the wallet, selling for just $950, and that savings might be worth some of the sacrifices here.

PROS