CONS

• Chunky build
• Slightly low brightness in testing

Panel Size (Corner-to-Corner)	34 inches
Native Resolution	3440 by 1440
Aspect Ratio	21:9

MSI is involved in various aspects of modern personal computing, ranging from keyboards to motherboards to monitors. One of their latest monitors, the MEG 342C QD-OLED is an OLED gaming display with a gentle curve and an ultrawide aspect ratio. Although it may not have the same slim and stylish design as its OLED competitors, such as the Alienware 34 Curved QD-OLED Gaming Monitor (AW3423DWF), this monitor stands out with its impressive performance, minimal input lag, and a refresh rate of 175Hz. While it may not be considered a budget option, it is reasonably priced. Additionally, it offers convenient ports and reliable software for preventing burn-in, making it a deserving recipient of our Editors’ Choice award.

Big-Screen OLED Goodness

The MEG 342C QD-OLED shares similarities with other curved OLED monitors that have been introduced this year. One notable feature is its gentle curve, measuring at 1,800mm or “1800R.” This measurement represents the radius of a circle that would be formed if these monitors were placed side by side in a ring formation. A lower number indicates a tighter curve on the monitor. Lower numbers are preferred as they closely imitate the natural curvature of the human eye, providing a more immersive viewing experience. While it is uncommon to find curved monitors with a radius below 1,000mm, there are a few exceptions such as the flexible Corsair Xeneon Flex (with a bend radius of 800R) and the LG OLED Flex (with a bend radius of 900R).

The MSI’s OLED panel surpasses IPS and VA screens in terms of power efficiency, color gamut, and viewing angles. However, the OLED price tag is the trade-off. Even smaller OLEDs like the Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 OLED can cost around. Nevertheless, the MSI is reasonably priced at slightly above  and occasional sales bring it below the four-digit threshold.

The MEG 342C QD-OLED boasts not only an attractive display but also a top-notch construction. The stand, control stick, and shortcut buttons are embellished with a touch of gold, adding a touch of elegance. While some may consider it flashy, I personally find the combination of gold and black to be visually appealing. Even the MSI logo is adorned with a hint of gold, further enhancing its overall aesthetic.

The monitor measures 14.76 inches by 32.10 by 11.54 inches (HWD), making it slightly smaller than the Alienware 34 and significantly lighter at just 20.5 pounds. Despite its compact size and attractive gold accents, it has a rather bulky appearance overall. However, this bulkiness is easily overlooked once you consider the extensive connectivity options available: including one DisplayPort, two HDMI 2.1 ports, two USB-A ports, a USB-C connector (with power delivery up to 65 watts), a USB-B port, and a headphone jack, all clearly labeled with corresponding icons. On the left side of the monitor, there are two additional USB ports and two extra audio jacks – one for headphone-out and the other for microphone-in. The bottom of the monitor features MSI’s SpectrumBar, which offers vibrant RGB lighting for users who appreciate a colorful light display on their monitor’s frame.

MSI has incorporated Gaming Intelligence and OLED Care features into its MSI Center software, which is exclusive to the OEM. Gaming Intelligence is designed to enhance monitor performance and manage firmware updates. It offers various functions such as game monitoring, in-game descriptions, game setting files, and system settings. In order to utilize the software, it is necessary to have both the USB-B port and either the HDMI or DisplayPort connected to your PC. Failure to detect the USB-B connection will result in the software being unable to recognize the screen.

MSI has introduced OLED Care as a measure to prevent burn-in issues that can occur with OLED monitors. This feature consists of three components: Pixel Shift, Panel Protect, and Static Screen Detection. Pixel Shift works by moving the pixels on the screen periodically to avoid static images. Panel Protect refreshes the panel after a specific duration to maintain its longevity, while Static Screen Detection automatically reduces the brightness of the monitor upon detecting static images displayed for an extended period.

During testing, I discovered that Gaming Intelligence was more difficult to configure with the necessary cables than it was beneficial, however, I did find the OLED Care features to be quite useful.

During the testing phase, it was evident that Gaming Intelligence posed more challenges in terms of cable configuration than the benefits it offered. Nevertheless, the OLED Care options proved to be quite advantageous.

The display additionally offers picture-in-picture and picture-by-picture modes. By utilizing various input sources, users have the ability to engage in activities such as gaming, watching videos, streaming content, and working simultaneously on a single monitor. This feature allows for separate windows to be displayed either side by side or nested within each other, making it a convenient tool for individuals who multitask.

The monitor also provides support for picture-in-picture and picture-by-picture modes. With the use of multiple input sources, individuals can engage in activities such as gaming, watching videos, streaming content, and working all at once on a single screen. This functionality enables separate windows to be displayed either side by side or nested within each other, catering to the needs of multitaskers.

Testing the 342C QD-OLED: Impressive Color Accuracy

MSI’s curved OLED monitor showcases stunning visuals at first glance, but its performance under scrutiny remains to be seen. In order to assess its capabilities, we conducted a thorough examination of color gamut, brightness, color accuracy, and contrast ratio utilizing our Calman monitor calibration software, Murideo Six-G signal generator, and Klein K-80 colorimeter.

The initial test we conducted evaluated the brightness of the monitor using an SDR signal in its default picture mode. The MEG 342C QD-OLED achieved a brightness of 220 nits, which is sufficient to combat glare from ambient lighting in a gaming environment, but may not be adequate for brighter settings. Nevertheless, this result aligns with its 250-nit SDR rating. Additionally, the monitor holds a VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification, and we observed a brightness of 441 nits with HDR enabled.

The evaluation of the monitor’s color-gamut coverage is up next. The MEG 342C QD-OLED displayed 100% of the sRGB color gamut, 76% of Adobe RGB, and 100% of DCI-P3. While the sRGB and DCI-P3 readings were satisfactory, the Adobe RGB coverage was lower than anticipated.

The color precision was outstanding. The MEG 342C QD-OLED achieved a Delta E of 0.8. The closer the Delta E is to 0, the more accurate the colors are to their original shade. An ideal value is below 1, but many gaming monitors typically range closer to 2, especially with default settings.

Following that, we will now examine the contrast ratio, which serves as an indicator of the disparity in brightness between the brightest white and darkest black that a monitor can display. This factor significantly impacts the quality of the visuals, particularly in dimly lit scenes during gameplay. The MEG 342C QD-OLED recorded a contrast ratio of 4,510:1, accompanied by a black level of 0. OLED technology is renowned for its ability to produce “true blacks,” wherein the pixels completely turn off, resulting in a complete absence of light and enhancing the picture contrast when compared to IPS, VA, or TN panels. Although the monitor is rated for a peak contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1, it is highly unlikely that you will ever witness such a figure in regular usage. In theory, OLED and mini LED panels have the potential to achieve significantly higher contrast ratios due to the inherent nature of true black pixels.

Game and Media Performance

In terms of gaming performance testing, we utilize the HDFury 4K Diva HDMI matrix to assess the input lag of the monitor. Our recorded input lag was less than 1 millisecond (ms), which is an outstanding result. A higher refresh rate allows for a higher frame rate ceiling, resulting in a smoother picture displayed on your screen. With the monitor’s maximum refresh rate of 175Hz, you can fully take advantage of these high frame rates, provided that your input device is powerful enough to support them. While this may not make a significant difference in single-player games, it becomes crucial in fast-paced shooters where speed and accuracy are paramount. Hardcore gamers prioritize high refresh rates and low input lags, and the MSI monitor delivers on both fronts.

The MEG 342C QD-OLED does not offer support for AMD Freesync or Nvidia G-Sync, but instead features variable refresh rates (VRR) to ensure smooth motion. The main goal of all three technologies is to synchronize the refresh rate of the monitor with the frame rate of the source, preventing screen tearing caused by fluctuations in frame rate.

During the real-world testing phase, Cyberpunk 2077, Returnal, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive were thoroughly evaluated. Each game exhibited excellent performance without encountering any significant problems or screen tearing. Additionally, there were no instances of glare or distortion when viewed from different angles, and the colors maintained their vibrancy throughout various 4K video tests.

Verdict: A Worthy Investment

The MSI MEG 342C QD-OLED has made quite an impact in the exclusive realm of big-screen OLED gaming monitors. It has pleasantly surprised us and we have no hesitation in recommending it to gamers seeking an immersive gaming experience. Despite being expensive, it is reasonably priced considering its impressive OLED technology. Additionally, this curved monitor offers various extras like HDMI 2.1 ports and USB-C jacks. Moreover, its OLED burn-in prevention features ensure that its quality remains consistently excellent for years to come. Although it could be brighter, the MSI MEG 342C QD-OLED is a versatile choice for connecting to a high-end PC or console, and serves as an outstanding entry point into the world of OLED gaming.