Bottom Line
The MSI MPG 321URX is one of the best gaming monitors available. However, there are plenty of other OLED displays expected in 2024 as well, so make sure you check out all alternatives and upcoming models
The MSI MPG 321URX is yet another 32″ 4K 240Hz OLED gaming monitor! Let’s see how it compares to its alternatives.
Image Quality
The MSI MPG321URX is the third monitor we’ve reviewed that’s using Samsung’s 31.5″ 4K 240Hz QD-OLED panel. As expected, this means we’re getting mostly identical image quality and performance.
You get the same 99% DCI-P3 wide color gamut for vibrant colors, true 10-bit color depth for smooth gradients, 178° wide viewing angles and solid brightness performance with 250-nits peak for a 100% white window, up to 500-nits for 10% and up to 1000-nits for small < 3% white windows.
There are two HDR modes: HDR 400 True Black and Peak 1000. We recommend sticking with the Peak 1000 mode as it achieves 1000-nits, whereas the former is limited to ~450-nits.
Unlike the other models, the MSI 321URX has forced Uniform Brightness in SDR mode, which is what most users would prefer anyway since it avoids brightness fluctuations depending on the size of white windows or APL (Average Picture Level).
MSI’s model also offers dedicated picture presets for sRGB, DCI-P3 and Adobe RGB color gamuts. However, you can only adjust brightness in these modes, color temperature settings are locked. In comparison, the Dell and ASUS models only have sRGB and DCI-P3 presets.
One downside of MSI’s model is that it doesn’t support Dolby Vision (nor do they plan to add it later via a firmware update). There aren’t a lot of games with Dolby Vision support at the moment, so if you don’t plan on watching HDR movies on your monitor, this shouldn’t be a deal-breaker.
Moving on, the MPG 321URX is factory-calibrated at Delta E < 2 for excellent image accuracy out of the box.
Other characteristics shared among all 31.5″ 4K 240Hz QD-OLED panels include the infinite contrast ratio with per-pixel dimming for true blacks and no backlight bleeding, haloing or glowing artifacts.
Next, thanks to the improved triangular subpixel layout of the third-generation panel paired with the high pixel density of 140 PPI (pixels per inch), text fringing is not noticeable on small text and fine details. Text and details are sharp, and you get plenty of screen real estate.
Finally, as it’s the case with all OLED displays, there’s a risk of permanent image burn-in and temporary image retention. However, MSI offers a 3-year warranty for peace of mind and they have the most feature-rich burn-in prevention features.
Besides the standard screen saver, screen move and pixel refresh methods, MSI also offers Multi Logo Detection, Taskbar Detection and Boundary Detection.
Some of these features are not enabled by default, so make sure you enable them after turning on the display.
Performance
The high 240Hz refresh rate paired with the instantaneous pixel response time speed of OLED displays results in a buttery-smooth and responsive gaming experience.
Further, the MSI MPG 321URX has low input lag of around 3ms, which is imperceptible.
While the monitor is not officially certified by NVIDIA as G-SYNC Compatible, variable refresh rate works without issues for tear-free gameplay up to 240FPS. HDMI 2.1 VRR is also supported for the PS5.
Lastly, the monitor is flicker-free and there’s a hardware solution low-blue light filter.
Features
Beneath the bottom bezel of the screen, there’s a directional joystick for quick and easy navigation through the OSD (On-Screen Display) menu. Alternatively, you can use MSI’s Gaming Intelligence application. Next to the joystick, you’ll also find a macro key to summon the desktop app and a dedicated power button.
Apart from the standard image adjustment tools (brightness, contrast, color temperature, etc.), you’ll also find some advanced settings, including sharpness, aspect ratio control (auto, 4:3, 16:9, 16:10 and 1:1) and automatic input detection, though there are no gamma or color saturation options.
Useful gaming features include Night Vision (improves visibility in dark scenes by altering the gamma curvature), Smart Crosshair (changes color depending on background), Optix Scope (zooms in the area around your crosshair), on-screen timers and a refresh rate tracker.
The monitor also supports PiP/PbP and has MysticLight RGB lighting at the rear.
Design & Connectivity
The stand of the monitor is sturdy and offers a good range of ergonomics, including up to 110mm height adjustment, -5°/15° tilt, +/- 30° swivel, +/- 10° pivot for balancing and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.
The screen has a semi-glossy finish, which makes the image more vivid as there no graininess associated with matte anti-glare coatings.
However, it’s also more reflective and raises blacks when hit with direct lighting. For optimal viewing experience, it’s recommended to have ambient lighting behind the screen.
The MSI MPG 321URX has an integrated heatsink for cooling, as opposed to an audible fan.
Connectivity options include DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC, two HDMI 2.1 ports with full 48 Gbps and CEC support, USB-C with DP Alt Mode and 90W Power Delivery, a dual-USB 2.0 hub (2 downstream + 1 upstream type B), a headphone jack and built-in KVM functionality.
Price & Similar Monitors
The MSI MPG 321URX goes for $950 in the US, which makes it the most affordable 32″ 4K 240Hz QD-OLED model. In other regions, however, it usually goes for ~1400€.
| Dell AW3225QF | ASUS PG32UCDM | Samsung G80SD | Gigabyte FO32U2 | Gigabyte FO32U2P | MSI 321URX | MSI 321UPX | |
| Screen | Glossy (Curved) | Glossy | Matte | Glossy | Glossy | Glossy | Glossy |
| Video Ports | DP 1.4, 2x HDMI 2.1 | DP 1.4, 2x HDMI 2.1, USB-C 90W | DP 1.4, 2x HDMI 2.1 | DP 1.4, 2x HDMI 2.1, USB-C 18W | DP 2.1, mini-DP 2.1, 2x HDMI 2.1, USB-C 65W | DP 1.4, 2x HDMI 2.1, USB-C 90W | DP 1.4, 2x HDMI 2.1, USB-C 15W |
| Other Ports | 3x USB-A, USB-B, USB-C | 3x USB-A USB-B, HP, SPDIF | 2x USB-A, USB-B | 2x USB-A, USB-B, HP, Mic, 2x5W | 2x USB-A, USB-B, HP, Mic, 2x5W | 2x USB-A, USB-B, HP | HP |
| Dolby Vision | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| KVM | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Cooling | Fan | Heatsink | Pulsating heat pipes | Heatsink | Heatsink | Heatsink | Heatsink |
| Burn-in warranty | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years |
| Price (MSRP) | $1200 | $1300 | $1300 | $1100 | $1200 | $950 | $900 |
So, if you’re in the US, we definitely recommend going with the MPG321URX as you will save $250 – $350 while getting essentially the same image quality and performance as that of other 32″ 4K 240Hz QD-OLED models.
Now, the ASUS PG32UCDM does have a few extra features, such as BFI up to 120Hz, Dolby Vision and SPDIF-out, but these aren’t worth the $350 price difference. If they were priced the same (and in some regions they are), you should obviously go with ASUS’ model.
Dell’s model, the Alienware AW3225QF, also has Dolby Vision, but it lacks USB-C and KVM, and has a subtle 1700R screen curvature which some users might dislike (or prefer).
MSI also offers two more variants: the MAG 321UPX and MEG 321URX based on the same panel.
The MAG model has fewer features (no USB ports, no KVM and only 15W PD over USB-C) at a lower $900 price. The first batch of MAG 321UPX models also don’t support firmware updates, whereas newer variants (firmware newer than FW.014) will support firmware updates via DisplayPort.
The MEG version will be more expensive ($1,700) with DisplayPort 2.1, USB-C / KVM and built-in RGB / AI features. It’s unknown when it will be available though.
Finally, ASUS offers the ASUS PG32UCDP model with a 32″ 4K 240Hz W-OLED panel and the 1080p 480Hz Dual Mode for $1,300. While it has a higher white luminance of up to 1300-nits for < 3% APL, it doesn’t have as high color luminance or as wide color gamut.
There are also plenty of other OLED displays expected to be released in 2024.
Conclusion
Overall, the MSI MPG 321URX is an excellent gaming monitor. It offers just as good image quality and performance as the other more expensive models.
So, unless you must have BFI or Dolby Vision, we highly recommend it for $950.
In other regions, however, you’ll have to compare prices and decide based on what features you need.
Specifications
| Screen Size | 31.5-inch |
| Resolution | 3840×2160 (Ultra HD) |
| Panel Type | OLED |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 (Widescreen) |
| Refresh Rate | 240Hz |
| Response Time | 0.03ms (GtG) |
| Adaptive-Sync | FreeSync Premium (48-240Hz), HDMI 2.1 VRR |
| Ports | DisplayPort 1.4, 2x HDMI 2.1, USB-C (DP Alt Mode, 90W PD) |
| Other Ports | Headphone Jack, 2x USB-A 2.0, USB-B |
| Brightness (1 – 3% White Window) | 1000 cd/m² |
| Brightness (10% White Window) | 500 cd/m² |
| Brightness (100% White Window) | 250 cd/m² |
| Contrast Ratio | Infinite |
| Colors | 1.07 billion (true 10-bit) 99% DCI-P3 |
| HDR | VESA DisplayHDR 400 True Black |
| VESA | Yes (100x100mm) |
The Pros:
- Infinite contrast ratio, decent peak brightness, wide color gamut
- High pixel density
- Instant response time
- Plenty of features, including VRR up to 240Hz
- Ergonomic design and rich connectivity options; KVM, USB-C 90W PD
The Cons:
- Risk of burn-in (though covered by 3-year warranty)
