The MSI MPG 321URX is a flat 32-inch, 4k gaming monitor with a 240Hz refresh rate. As a part of MSI's Performance Gaming (MPG) lineup, it sits alongside other QD-OLED monitors, like the 27-inch 1440p MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED. MSI also has a very similar monitor, the MAG 321UPX QD-OLED, which lacks some of the extra features of the 321URX, such as 90W of power delivery over USB-C. It competes with several other 32-inch OLED monitors, like the ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM and the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8/G80SD S32DG80. Unlike some monitors, it uses a heatsink instead of a fan to dissipate heat. It also has several non-gaming features, such as a KVM switch, making it easy to multitask with different computers. MSI also offers a three-year warranty on the monitor, which includes burn-in coverage.
The MSI MPG 321URX is remarkable for PC gaming. It has a high 240Hz refresh rate with very low input lag for a responsive feel, and motion also looks extremely crisp thanks to its near-instantaneous response time. Its near-infinite contrast ratio and perfect black uniformity are ideal for dark room gaming, as blacks look deep and inky. It also gets bright enough for highlights to pop, and colors look rich and vivid.
The MSI MPG 321URX is superb for console gaming. It has perfect compatibility with the PS5 and the Xbox Series X|S, as it has HDMI 2.1 bandwidth, and it supports all console features. Its near-instantaneous response time ensures crisp motion, and its input lag is low for a responsive feel. It also provides outstanding picture quality with deep and inky blacks, as well as bright and vivid colors.
The MSI MPG 321URX is great for office work but has some limitations. Its large screen makes it easy to multitask, and its high 4k resolution helps produce excellent text clarity without too much noticeable fringing around text. It also has wide viewing angles that make it easy to share your screen with others. However, while it works well with a few lights around, it doesn't get bright enough to fight strong glare. Additionally, it has the risk of permanent burn-in with constant exposure to the same static elements over time, which could be a problem if you're only using it for office work.
The MSI MPG 321URX is incredible for photo and video editing. It displays a wide range of vivid colors and is very accurate before calibration. Its large 4k screen provides a detailed workspace for editing content, and you can easily have multiple windows open at the same time. It's also great for editing content in HDR, as small highlights get bright enough to pop, and it displays a wide range of colors. However, if there's a lot of light shining on the screen, it appears slightly purple, so you'll have more difficulty editing very dark content accurately if this occurs. Also, there is the risk of permanent burn-in with constant exposure to the same static elements over time, like if you always have your editing programs on the screen.
The MSI MPG 321URX has adequate brightness. It's bright enough to fight glare in most well-lit rooms, but not if you have it opposite a sunny window. It also gets bright enough in HDR to make small highlights pop, but larger highlights are dimmer.
The MSI MPG 321URX has a near-instantaneous response time, resulting in exceptionally sharp motion.
The MSI MPG 321URX is outstanding for HDR. Thanks to its near-infinite contrast ratio and perfect black uniformity, it displays deep and inky blacks without any blooming around bright objects. It also displays a wide range of colors and makes them look vivid for a realistic image.
The MSI MPG 321URX has outstanding SDR picture quality, displaying deep, inky blacks and a wide range of colors.
The MSI MPG 321URX has exceptional color accuracy. It has remarkable accuracy before calibration, so calibration doesn't improve much. It also maintains an accurate image across the screen thanks to its superb gray uniformity.
We tested the 32-inch MSI MPG 321URX, which is the only size available. It's one of several monitors in MSI's lineup that features a QD-OLED panel, including the very similar MSI MAG 321UPX QD-OLED. However, that monitor is different as it only delivers 15W of power over USB-C. The results are only valid for this model.
Model | Size | Resolution | USB-C Power Delivery | KVM Switch | Panel Type | Refresh Rate |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MPG 321URX QD-OLED | 32" | 4k | 90W | Yes | QD-OLED | 240Hz |
MAG 321UPX QD-OLED | 32" | 4k | 15W | No | QD-OLED | 240Hz |
Our unit was manufactured in April 2024; you can see the label here. We tested it with firmware FW.011.
The MSI MPG 321URX is a superb gaming monitor for PC and console gamers. Its 4k resolution ensures a detailed image, and its 240Hz display provides a crisp and responsive feel. It displays deep blacks next to bright highlights in a dark room, and small highlights pop. Like several other 32-inch 240Hz OLEDs, such as the ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM and the Gigabyte AORUS FO32U2P, it has several features to help enhance productivity, such as a USB-C port with 90W of power delivery and a KVM switch. It has considerably less VRR flicker than most OLEDs, so it's a great option if you're sensitive to VRR flicker. However, it doesn't have Dolby Vision support, so if that's important, you may want to consider another similar monitor like the Dell Alienware AW3225QF.
Also, make sure to check out our recommendations for the best OLED monitors, the best gaming monitors, and the best HDR gaming monitors.
The ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM and the MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED are both 32-inch 4k @ 240Hz QD-OLED monitors. The ASUS is the better option for most people, as it has Dolby Vision support, and content available in that format will look better. Additionally, the ASUS has a black frame insertion feature to reduce persistence blur and three USB-A ports with much faster throughput. However, the MSI is a better option if you find VRR flicker distracting, as it has less VRR flicker.
The Dell Alienware AW3225QF and the MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED are both 32-inch 4k @ 240Hz QD-OLED monitors. The Dell is the better choice if video quality is important to you, as it has Dolby Vision support, and content available in that format will look better. It also has a curved screen, which you may or may not prefer, depending on your preferences. However, the MSI is better for productivity, as it has a KVM switch and delivers up to 90W of power over USB-C.
The Gigabyte AORUS FO32U2P and the MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED are 32-inch 4k @ 240Hz QD-OLED monitors. The MSI is better if you have a laptop that draws a lot of power, as it provides up to 90W of power delivery over USB-C. The MSI is also a better option if you're sensitive to VRR flicker. However, the Gigabyte is a better option if you want to use the monitor as a USB hub, as its USB-A ports are much faster.
The Samsung Odyssey OLED G8/G80SD S32DG80 and the MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED are 32-inch 4k @ 240Hz QD-OLED monitors. The MSI is the better option if USB connectivity is important to you, as it delivers 90W of power over USB-C and has a KVM switch. However, the Samsung is a better choice if you plan to use the monitor as a TV, as it has a remote and integrated apps like Netflix. You may also prefer the Samsung if you're in a room with a lot of ambient light, as it has a matte screen, and deep blacks look less purple when there's a lot of ambient light shining on the screen.
The MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED and the MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED are both QD-OLED gaming monitors with high refresh rates. The 321URX is the better choice if you want the most immersive experience, as it has a larger screen and a more detailed image. However, the 271QRX is a better option if you don't have a very powerful gaming PC or you want the most responsive feel while gaming, as your computer can run games at a higher frame rate on the monitor's native 1440p resolution than the 321URX at its native 4k resolution.
The ergonomics are reasonable. It has excellent height adjustment, so it's easy to place in your preferred position for a long gaming session. It also has a good swivel range, so it's easy to share your screen with someone else. The stand features a cutout for cable management.
The monitor has a near-infinite contrast ratio, as its QD-OLED panel can turn individual pixels on and off. This means it displays deep blacks next to bright highlights in dark rooms. However, in brighter environments deep blacks appear slightly purple, so it doesn't display the same deep blacks in bright rooms.
The MSI 321URX doesn't have a backlight, so it doesn't require a local dimming feature. However, with a near-infinite contrast ratio, there isn't any blooming around bright objects, and it's the equivalent of a perfect local dimming feature. We still film these videos on the monitor so you can see how the screen performs and compare it with a monitor that has local dimming.
Settings
The SDR brightness is adequate. It gets bright enough to fight glare in rooms with a few lights, though it can't overcome glare if bright light shines directly on the screen. It's best used in a darker environment anyway, as deep blacks appear slightly purple when enough light shines on the display.
Settings
The HDR brightness is okay. Very small highlights pop against the rest of the image, though larger highlights don't. The EOTF follows the target curve well, though it has a roll-off near peak brightness, so highlights don't get as bright as they could.
True Black 400 Mode
The 'Peak 1000 nits' DisplayHDR mode lets very small highlights get much brighter than in 'True Black 400'. However, in 'Peak 1000 nits, the screen's brightness varies depending on how much of your screen has very bright content, which could be distracting. An additional benefit to 'True Black 400' is the PQ EOTF curve has less roll-off than 'Peak 1000 nits'. You can see the results with 'True Black 400' below:
Percent Window | Peak | Sustained |
2% Window | 464 cd/m² | 463 cd/m² |
10% Window | 464 cd/m² | 462 cd/m² |
25% Window | 374 cd/m² | 374 cd/m² |
50% Window | 318 cd/m² | 318 cd/m² |
100% Window | 269 cd/m² | 267 cd/m² |
The horizontal viewing angle is outstanding. Although it technically isn't perfect, you visually won't see any inconsistencies when viewing from the sides or if you sit close to the screen.
Like with the horizontal viewing angle, the vertical angle is outstanding, and you won't notice any inconsistencies when standing up and looking down at the monitor.
The accuracy before calibration in the 'sRGB' picture mode is excellent. The color temperature is fairly close to the 6500K target, and the white balance is excellent. Also, while colors are slightly oversaturated they have excellent accuracy. Gamma follows the target curve fairly well, though darker and brighter parts of scenes are too dark.
Locked-out Settings
Using the sRGB mode locks out the following settings:
If you want to access those settings, then you need to use another mode with worse color accuracy, like User.
The accuracy after calibration is fantastic, and you won't notice any inaccuracies.
The SDR color gamut is remarkable. It displays all colors in the common sRGB color space and a wide range of colors in the Adobe RGB color space. That said, some colors are off in Adobe RGB, and it oversaturates red.
The HDR color gamut is fantastic. It displays nearly all colors in the common DCI-P3 color space and a wide range in the Rec. 2020 color space, though white is somewhat inaccurate in DCI-P3. The 'Display P3' setting in Pro Mode isn't as accurate as 'User.'
The MSI MPG321URX has an amazing HDR color volume. Thanks to its QD-OLED panel, it displays bright and vivid colors without any issues, and dark colors look fantastic, too.
The MSI 321URX has excellent text clarity. Thanks to its high pixel density, text looks very sharp, and enabling Windows ClearType (top photo) improves the boldness of letters. These photos are in Windows 10, and you can also see them in Windows 11 with ClearType on and with ClearType off.
Due to the triangular subpixel layout, there's still some color fringing around letters and at the edge of windows. It's hard to see unless you look closely at the monitor. Although we didn't experience any eye strain during testing, even with long periods of use, this is something that changes from person to person, and it depends on how sensitive you are to this subpixel layout.
The reflection handling is fantastic. It does an amazing job of reducing glare, even from bright light sources. However, considerable amounts of ambient light cause deep blacks to look somewhat purple, which is common with QD-OLEDs.
While you can reach the max refresh rate with a 4k resolution over DisplayPort and HDMI, both connections require Display Stream Compression (DSC) to do so. Most modern graphics cards support DSC on at least one of the connections. You can disable DSC on the monitor, but the resolution and/or refresh rate are lower.
NVIDIA | VRR Min | VRR Max |
DisplayPort | <20Hz | 240Hz |
HDMI | <20Hz | 240Hz |
AMD | VRR Min | VRR Max |
DisplayPort | <20Hz | 240Hz |
HDMI | <20Hz | 240Hz |
In addition to FreeSync and G-SYNC compatibility, this monitor also supports HDMI Forum VRR.
Refresh Rate | CAD Heatmap | RT Chart | Pursuit Photo |
239 | Heatmap | Chart | Photo |
165 | Heatmap | Chart | Photo |
144 | Heatmap | Chart | Photo |
120 | Heatmap | Chart | Photo |
100 | Heatmap | Chart | Photo |
80 | Heatmap | Chart | Photo |
60 | Heatmap | Chart | Photo |
The MSI 321URX has outstanding motion handling across its entire refresh rate range with VRR enabled. CAD remains low throughout, and there's minimal blur with fast-moving objects.
The refresh rate compliance is outstanding. As it has a near-instantaneous response time, it makes full color transitions before drawing the next frame.
The monitor doesn't have an optional black frame insertion feature to reduce persistence blur further.
The MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED has occasional VRR flicker with changing frame rates, though it's better than most OLEDs. However, there are occasionally some very quick flashes that occur randomly, which can be distracting. That said, this doesn't happen if your PC can maintain consistent frame rates.
The input lag is very low, especially at its max refresh rate. The input lag is not affected by Display Stream Compression (DSC) or VRR being on or off with firmware FW.011. The previous firmware revision causes significant input lag at 120Hz and 60Hz when DSC is on, and significant input lag when using VRR at 120Hz and 60Hz when DSC is off.
The DisplayPort Alt Mode on the USB-C port allows you to connect a compatible laptop to display an image from it and charge it at the same time with up to 90W of power.
Connection | HDMI 2.0 | HDMI 2.1 | USB-C (M1) | USB-C (M2) |
Max Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 240Hz | 120Hz | 240Hz |
VRR Range | N/A | 48-240Hz | 48-120Hz | 48-240Hz |
HDR | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
The MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED has no compatibility issues with macOS. If you're using a MacBook, windows move to the monitor's screen when you close the laptop's lid, and they return to their original position when you reopen it again over any type of connection. VRR works well, though colors in HDR look a bit oversaturated.
The MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED has several extra features to improve the user experience. It has a KVM switch that makes it easy to switch between sources and use the same keyboard and mouse connected to the monitor.
As with other OLED panels, this monitor has a few settings to help mitigate the risk of permanent burn-in when exposed to the same static elements over time. MSI also offers a 3-year burn-in warranty.
The monitor has some other extra features, including: