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MSI MPG 341CQR QD-OLED X36 Monitor Review: Improvements and Limitations
The MSI MPG 341CQR QD-OLED X36 monitor offers significant improvements over previous QD-OLED models, including deeper blacks, improved ambient light contrast, RGB stripe sub-pixel layout for clearer text display, and higher brightness. Despite these advances, there are still some issues with the HDR modes and ABL curve adjustment that could be fixed with firmware updates. Overall, however, the monitor is recommended due to its excellent image quality and features.
1. ⚫ Improved black levels and reduced magenta tint on newer QD-OLED panels
- ✅ The latest QD-OLED panels from Samsung Display offer deeper and more neutral blacks compared to older generations.
- ✅ The new MSI monitor shows significantly fewer gray tones and magenta tints under direct lighting.
- ✅ This represents a significant improvement in display technology since its debut in 2022.
00:01 - 00:48
1. ⚫ Improved black levels and reduced magenta tint on newer QD-OLED panels
- ✅ The latest QD-OLED panels from Samsung Display offer deeper and more neutral blacks compared to older generations.
- ✅ The new MSI monitor shows significantly fewer gray tones and magenta tints under direct lighting.
- ✅ This represents a significant improvement in display technology since its debut in 2022.
00:49 - 01:53
2. 🌈 RGB stripe sub-pixel layout and improved scratch resistance
- ✅ The new MSI model features an RGB stripe sub-pixel layout instead of the previous triangular layout.
- ✅ This is intended to improve text clarity and reduce color fringing.
- ✅ The surface of the panel is more scratch-resistant, as the hardness has been increased from 2H to 3H.
01:54 - 04:16
3. 🖥️ Panel specifications and HDR brightness
- ✅ The panel retains the familiar 34-inch ultrawide size with a resolution of 3440 x 1440 and a curvature of 1800R.
- ✅ It offers a brightness of up to 1300 nits and a faster refresh rate of 360 Hz.
- ✅ In True Black 500 mode, the monitor reaches a peak brightness of just under 540 nits on a 10% window.
- ✅ A special 1300 nits mode is also available, reaching over 1300 nits on a 3% window.
04:17 - 07:08
4. ⚠️ Issues with HDR modes and EOTF boost
- ⚠️ In 1300 Nits mode, HDR10 content with SD 2086 metadata is excessively brightened beyond 10,000 nits.
- ⚠️ Adjusting the HDR brightness to correct this reduces the overall light output.
- ⚠️ The EOTF Boost mode further exacerbates the over-brightness issue, and HDR brightness is not adjustable in this mode.
07:09 - 08:25
5. ⚙️ HDR ABL curve adjustment and color space coverage
- ⚙️ MSI has introduced a customizable HDR ABL curve to minimize brightness fluctuations.
- ⚠️ However, the user interface for ABL curve adjustment is cluttered and requires a lot of trial and error.
- ✅ The monitor achieves a DCI-P3 color space coverage of 99.6% and a REC 2020 coverage of 82%.
08:26 - 10:04
6. 🎨 SDR picture settings, calibration and uniformity
- 🎨 Most SDR picture presets are tuned to the native color space of the QD-OLED panel.
- ✅ The sRGB preset offers the most accurate color space coverage for SDR content.
- ✅ The monitor is very well calibrated out of the box in sRGB mode.
- ✅ Brightness and dark uniformity are excellent, typical of QD-OLED panels.
10:05 - 11:46
7. ⏱️ Input lag and Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
- ⏱️ The input lag is 15.2 ms at 60 FPS, 7.3 ms at 120 FPS, and 3.1 ms at 240 FPS.
- ✅ An end-to-end system latency of 9.5 ms at 360 FPS was measured with an Nvidia LD device.
- ✅ The combination of 360 FPS and 360 Hz refresh rate ensures high motion clarity.
- ⚠️ The Black Frame Insertion (BFI) function (MPRT) halves the light output and does not achieve the motion clarity of 360 Hz without BFI.
11:47 - 13:00
8. 🔌 Connectivity and console compatibility
- 🔌 The monitor offers two HDMI 2.1 ports and one DisplayPort 2.1A port.
- ✅ A USB Type-C port with 98 watt power delivery is also available.
- ✅ For console gaming in 4K 120 Hz HDR, the HDMI 2.1 mode must be switched from PC to console.
13:01 - 14:51
9. 🛡️ HDR settings for consoles and OLED burn-in protection
- ✅ It is recommended to leave the DisplayHDR at True Black 500 and adjust the HDR calibration on the Xbox Series X accordingly.
- ✅ VRR minimizes tearing and frame drops.
- ✅ The monitor features OLED Care 3.0 with an AI sensor to detect human presence.
- ✅ Comprehensive anti-burn-in measures are in place.
14:52 - 15:39
10. 📐 Design and ergonomics
- 📐 The 1800R curvature offers a good balance between immersion and subtlety.
- ✅ The included stand is stable and space-saving.
- ✅ The extended horizontal field of view is particularly advantageous in competitive games.
15:40 - 17:34
11. 🏆 Summary: Improvements, limitations and recommendation
- 🏆 The MSI MPG 341CQR QD-OLED X36 represents a significant upgrade over previous models.
- ✅ Improvements include deeper blacks, RGB stripe sub-pixel layout, higher brightness, and 360 Hz refresh rate.
- ⚠️ Issues with HDR modes and ABL curve adjustment persist.
- ✅ The monitor receives a clear recommendation.