3440×1440 MSI MEG 342C QD-OLED monitor – Review

Presenting the 34-inch ultrawide MSI MEG 342C QD-OLED monitor, a display made with gamers in mind. Its sleek black plastic body, accented with gold details, exudes a gamer-oriented aesthetic. The build quality is top-notch, offering a solid feel without any flex in the plastic body. Rubber feet on the stand prevent easy sliding, but the screen does wobble slightly, necessitating a stable desk for optimal positioning. The only minor drawback is the 59″ (1.5 m) power cable, which may prove too short if your power source is far from the monitor.

Ergonomically, the monitor performs well for an ultrawide display, though it lacks swivel range, making it challenging to adjust the screen for others to view comfortably. The back features a matte plastic finish with vents on top, and cable management is facilitated through the stand. Speaking of which, the V-shaped stand takes up considerable space, and the thickness from the sides to the back measures 8.9″ (22.5 cm).

In terms of controls, the monitor offers a power button, a Gaming Intelligence button (if installed), and a joystick for navigating the on-screen menu.

The MSI 342C boasts an outstanding near-infinite contrast ratio thanks to its OLED panel, delivering perfect black levels and vibrant highlights in dark rooms. However, in brighter environments, the black levels may appear closer to purple due to ambient light.

Notably, the MSI MEG 342C doesn’t require a backlight, eliminating the need for local dimming. The OLED panel’s near-infinite contrast ratio effectively achieves the same effect without any blooming around bright objects.

The monitor exhibits excellent gray uniformity, with solid colors across the screen appearing uniform and no noticeable dirty screen effect in the center. However, like most OLED displays, it does exhibit thin vertical lines in dark scenes, although they are hardly noticeable unless actively sought.

In terms of HDR color volume, the MSI 342C impresses with its QD-OLED panel, capable of displaying both bright and dark colors vividly.

When it comes to text clarity, the monitor is good but not as stellar as traditional RGB monitors due to its triangular RGB subpixel layout. This results in slightly worse text rendering and color fringing around text and windows, especially with ClearType enabled.

Gaming performance is exceptional, with a maximum refresh rate of 175Hz, VRR support, and near-instantaneous response times. However, like other OLED displays, it still exhibits some persistence blur due to the sample-and-hold method. It lacks an option to adjust pixel overdrive.

For macOS users, the MSI 342C works seamlessly with VRR and HDR support, and the Automatic Brightness Limiter (ABL) in HDR is not overly aggressive. It also has features like KVM switch, Picture-in-Picture, and Picture-by-Picture modes, enhancing the overall user experience.

To address the risk of burn-in associated with OLED panels, the monitor includes settings like Pixel Shift, Static Screen Detection, and Panel Protect, effectively mitigating the potential for permanent image retention.

The MSI MEG 342C QD-OLED monitor truly shines when it comes to gaming. With its 175Hz refresh rate and support for variable refresh rate (VRR), gamers can enjoy a buttery-smooth experience with minimal motion blur. The low input lag further ensures that your inputs are translated instantly, providing a highly responsive gaming environment.

Not only does the MSI 342C excel in PC gaming, but it also offers support for 4K @ 120Hz gaming on consoles. However, due to its ultrawide format, you may encounter black bars on the sides when using it with consoles. Nevertheless, its near-infinite contrast ratio allows for deep, rich blacks, making it especially advantageous for gaming in dark rooms where every detail can be accentuated.

For office use, the ultrawide screen of the MSI MEG 342C provides ample space for multitasking, while its impressive reflection handling ensures visibility in well-lit environments. However, the subpixel layout does introduce some challenges with text clarity and color fringing around windows, which might be a concern for extended office work.

The Pros:

• Instantaneous response time, low input lag, and VRR support up to 175Hz.
• Infinite contrast ratio, wide color gamut, and high peak brightness for exceptional visual quality.
• Abundance of useful features.
• Height adjustable stand and versatile connectivity options, including a USB hub, USB-C with 65W PD, and KVM functionality.

The Cons:

• Slightly bulky design.
• Text clarity issues stemming from the uncommon subpixel layout.
• Potential risk of burn-in

The inclusion of extra features tailored for everyday use further enhances its versatility. The USB-C port with DisplayPort Alt Mode and 65W power delivery simplifies connectivity to compatible devices, and the KVM switch allows seamless switching between sources using the same keyboard and mouse connected to the monitor. The Picture-in-Picture and Picture-by-Picture modes offer additional convenience, enabling users to view two images simultaneously with various display settings.

MSI has implemented settings like Pixel Shift, Static Screen Detection, and Panel Protect to mitigate this risk, but users must remain mindful of static elements that may be displayed for extended periods. The MSI MEG 342C QD-OLED monitor is a superb choice for gamers with its high refresh rate, smooth motion, and incredible contrast ratio. For office use, it offers plenty of screen space for multitasking and excellent reflection handling but faces challenges with text clarity and potential burn-in risk. Its QD-OLED panel and gaming-centric features make it a compelling choice for those seeking an immersive gaming experience with the added convenience of everyday use features. MSI MEG 342C QD-OLED monitor price: $1,099.99  *currently out of stock