The MSI Mag 341CQP: A Quantum Leap in Gaming Monitors
Sitting in front of MSI’s Mag 341CQP gaming monitor is almost intimidating. The 34-inch curved, ultrawide display engulfs your field of vision, but it’s not the size that strikes you so much as the clarity. The monitor uses a quantum dot OLED panel that’s so clear and vivid that it’s hard not to get sucked into the games you play.
MSI’s curved gaming monitor is one of a few recent displays that have brought QD-OLED panels to the desktop gaming space. A couple of our top picks in our "Best TVs" guide use the tech, but monitors that use it have only recently started to dip below the four-figure price point. This relatively new type of display brings some of the benefits of quantum dots—like more precise colors and less wasted light—to OLED panels, which only light up the pixels you need, leading to perfect blacks.
Starting at $900, this display from MSI is shockingly affordable for what you’re getting (and it’s worth noting that even at the time of writing this review, it was already seeing it on sale for less than $800). On top of all the benefits of QD-OLED, it has a 3440×1440 resolution, 175Hz refresh rate, HDR support, and some nifty features to prevent burn-in that all add up to a premium monitor.
Pixel Perfection
I’ve preferred OLED displays since the very first time I laid eyes on one, but this display from MSI still managed to impress me. Naturally, it has those characteristic perfect blacks, and in HDR mode, it can reach a peak brightness of 1,000 nits, which is convenient for those who have a desk right next to a window that gets a lot of sun. Once evening sets in, though, the maximum brightness can be almost blinding.
When I was playing games like Overwatch 2, this contrast helped lend itself to an extra level of immersion. The blast from D.Va bombs going off feels intense, as the bright flash from the explosion lights up your face. The vivid red outlines of enemies pop, making it just a touch easier to spot that Widowmaker from across the map.
MSI claims the display reaches 99.3 percent of the DCI-P3 color space, though in my testing using the Spyder X2 Ultra, it got closer to 95 percent, leaning a tiny bit more on the reds. It was even further off from AdobeRGB, with MSI rating the display at 97.8 percent of this color space, but my test results showing it at closer to 86 percent. If you want to use this display for professional photo or video work, this might be a concern for you, but for most people it’s still fine.
On the color accuracy front, the panel reached an average delta E level of 1.23. For reference, a delta E of less than 2.0 is barely perceptible to the human eye if you look closely, and less than 1.0 is difficult for humans to tell the difference at all. To put it simply, this MSI monitor reproduces colors incredibly accurately, so you’re less likely to notice any off hues or tints unless there’s a software problem.
Enveloping Entertainment
The ultrawide field of view offered by the Mag 341CQP is truly game-changing for certain genres. When playing Overwatch 2, you can instantly appreciate the benefit. For Mercy players, constantly needing to check your surroundings for flanking enemies, or for Wrecking Ball players scoping out an enemy team before diving in, the more your monitor can show you, the better your gameplay becomes.
The wider view makes it easier to spot enemies, especially in chaotic situations. It also allows for a wider peripheral vision, providing a more immersive and realistic gaming experience.
Even if you aren’t playing a game where the wider field of view is a distinct advantage, the immersive experience is still a joy. Watching movies or shows on this monitor feels like being in a theater, thanks to its curved design that wraps around your vision. The combination of wide aspect ratio and curvature creates an incredibly immersive experience, making everything feel larger than life.
Beyond the Screen
The Mag 341CQP is not just about visuals. It also boasts several features that enhance the gaming experience.
- 175Hz Refresh Rate: This allows for smooth and responsive gameplay, especially in fast-paced games. You can react quickly to on-screen action with minimal lag.
- G-Sync Compatibility: Helps eliminate screen tearing and stuttering for a smooth, seamless gameplay experience.
- MSI’s "Anti-Burn-in" Tech: While QD-OLED is known for its longevity, MSI takes extra precautions with their monitor to ensure your screen remains pristine. The monitor constantly “shifts” the screen by a pixel to prevent static elements from leaving a permanent mark.
Conclusion
The MSI Mag 341CQP is a groundbreaking monitor that redefines the gaming experience. With its stunning QD-OLED panel, ultrawide screen, high refresh rate, and impressive features, it offers a truly immersive and enjoyable gaming experience. Even if you aren’t a die-hard gamer, the visual quality and wide field of view make it a great choice for anyone looking for a premium monitor for movies, shows, and more. While the price tag may seem steep, the combination of features and the overall experience make the Mag 341CQP a worthwhile investment for those looking for the best possible gaming experience.
