MSI MAG 321CUP QD-OLED with 165Hz 4K UHD panel
As an Amazon Associate and Newegg Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases made using the “Buy” button at the bottom of this post. Where possible, you'll be redirected to your nearest store. Further information on supporting our work.OLED screens provide attractive performance characteristics for gaming, including; exceptional contrast, consistent and vibrant colours and strong responsiveness. The MSI MAG 321CUP QD-OLED (not to be confused with the VA model sharing this model code) provides this experience. The monitor includes a ‘tripod style’ coated metal stand base finished in black. The top and side bezels are dual-stage with slim panel border flush with the rest of the screen plus thin hard plastic outer part. An overprovisioning of pixels or ‘active area’ surrounds the image, used for pixel shifting which is one of several ‘OLED Care 2.0’ image retention mitigation measures. Another is ‘taskbar detection’ which is designed to dim the taskbar – a prominent static element when you’re on the desktop. The OSD (On Screen Display) is controlled by a joystick beneath the central region of the bottom bezel.
A 31.5″ Samsung Display QD-OLED (Quantum Dot OLED) panel is used with 3840 x 2160 (‘4K’ UHD) resolution and 240Hz refresh rate. A glossy anti-reflective screen surface is used, whilst the screen has a 1700R curve – moderate but not extreme, to draw you into the experience. For games consoles such as the PS5 and Xbox Series X, up to 120Hz ‘4K’ UHD is supported alongside HDMI 2.1 VRR. Adaptive-Sync is also supported allowing technologies such as Nvidia ‘G-SYNC Compatible’ and AMD FreeSync to be used on compatible hardware, with a 48 – 165Hz VRR range plus LFC supported. A 150,000:1 static contrast ratio, 178°/178° viewing angles and 10-bit colour are specified. Factory calibration with specified DeltaE ≤2 is included, with ‘flicker-free’ illumination offering a 250 cd/m² (1000 cd/m² HDR peak) typical maximum luminance and 99% DCI-P3 (98% Adobe RGB, 138% sRGB) coverage. The monitor includes a TÜV Rheinland certified hardware solution for Low Blue Light (LBL), potentially aiding viewing comfort. A graphene film custom heatsink design is included for passive cooling, rather than a fan being used.
A dynamic HDR10 experience is offered with VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification. Additional HDR modes with higher brightness pulses are included. The monitor can put its per-pixel dimming, high brightness peaks, 10-bit colour support and generous gamut to good use here. A 0.03ms grey to grey response time is specified – pay little attention to the exact figure, though OLED technology is known for exceptional pixel responsiveness. The stand attaches centrally via a quick-release mechanism and can be removed to reveal provision for 100 x 100mm VESA mounting. The stand includes tilt, height (110mm or 4.33 inches) and swivel adjustment. The ports face downwards and include; 2 HDMI 2.1 ports (48Gbps), DP 1.4 (with DSC), USB-C (15W PD, DP Alt Mode, upstream data), a 3.5mm headphone jack and AC power input (internal power converter).
Further details can be found on the manufacturer’s website. The 3-year warranty included with the monitor covers OLED burn-in for peace of mind. Information on price and availability still to come.
