MSI Announces Future-Proofed OLED Gaming Monitor with DisplayPort 2.1a

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As a long-time PC gamer with a penchant for high-performance hardware, the announcement of the MSI MPG 322URX monitor has me practically dancing with excitement! With its DisplayPort 2.1a connectivity and 4K 240Hz gaming capabilities, this baby is a dream come true for those of us who refuse to compromise on performance.

Manufacturers of gaming monitors strive to extract the maximum performance from existing technology. However, substantial advancements in highest resolution and refresh rates typically necessitate a new communication protocol. The newly unveiled 32-inch MSI MPG 322URX is among the initial 4K QD-OLED screens equipped with DisplayPort 2.1a. This advanced connection allows gamers to experience smooth 4K 240 Hz gameplay, without any compromises. MSI has yet to disclose the monitor’s North American pricing, but it is anticipated to hit the market following CES 2025.

Earlier this month, MSI unveiled their latest monitor in Asia. While the official product page isn’t linked in today’s announcement, the specifications for the MPG 322URX can be found on their website.

Key MPG 322URX Specs

  • Panel Size: 31.5″
  • Resolution: 3840 x 2160 (UHD)
  • SDR/HDR Brightness: 250/450 nits Peak 1000 nits
  • Contrast Ratio: 1500000:1
  • Response Time: 0.03ms (GtG)
  • HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
  • Video Ports: 2 x HDMI 2.1 (UHD at 240 Hz), 1x DisplayPort 2.1a (UHBR20), 1x Type-C w/ 98 watt power draw
  • Viewing Angle: 178°(H) / 178°(V)

Of course, the new DisplayPort 2.1a input differentiates the monitor from competitors. The MPG 322URX achieves a maximum bandwidth of 80 gigabits per second (Gbps), more than twice that of the DisplayPort 1.4’s 32 Gbps mark. DisplayPort 2.1a is also superior to HDMI 2.1 monitors and should be the first choice for PC gamers in 2025. The end result is flawless 4K gameplay at a 240 Hz refresh rate.

The advantages of DisplayPort 2.1a may not seem groundbreaking, but it’s significant that the MPG 322URX no longer needs Display Stream Compression (DSC) to maximize its potential. Most gamers don’t realize it’s active, but DSC uses clever tricks to transmit higher-resolution signals using less bandwidth. Performance impacts are minimal, but the technology slightly increases latency. For competitive gamers, any input delay is concerning. DisplayPort 2.1a also eliminates any chance of visual artifacts resulting from compression.

Before making a purchase of a DisplayPort 2.1a monitor, it’s important to be aware that only a limited number of compatible graphics cards (GPUs) are available on the market. Some AMD Radeon 7000 series consumer cards offer this faster port, but their Ultra High Bit Rate 13 (UHBR13) specification restricts bandwidth to 54 Gbps. If you’re a gamer looking for the best performance from DisplayPort 2.1a, you’ll need to invest in the expensive NVIDIA RTX 5090 graphics card. Additionally, locating compatible cables can be challenging, with many being too short for certain setups.

How Else Does the MPG 322URX Excel?

Despite not having DisplayPort 2.1a compatibility, the MSI MPG 322URX is an impressive 4K display. Similar to other QD-OLED monitors, it’s capable of delivering extraordinarily dark blacks. Its contrast ratio aligns with that of the MSI MPG 321URX, which utilizes DisplayPort 1.4a. However, there are some distinctions in USB connectivity. The MPG 322URX boasts a USB-C port that can charge laptops at 98 watts, a 8-watt increase compared to its predecessor. From an aesthetic standpoint, the two monitors share nearly identical appearances.

Without the latest DisplayPort, Xbox Series X and PS5 gamers still have sufficient bandwidth for 4K gaming at a 120 Hz refresh rate. The MSI MPG 322URX thrives as a PS5 Pro monitor, but PC gamers benefit from G-Sync support. When combined with a minuscule 0.03 ms GTS response time, frantic FPS gaming feels ultra-smooth without tearing. Other features, like AI Vision, boost brightness in games without obscuring objects in darker parts of images.

If you’re seeking monitors with DisplayPort 2.1 that are currently on the market, your choices are limited. One of the early models to make a splash is the Gigabyte AORUS FO32U2 Pro, which came out earlier this year as a pioneer in DisplayPort 2.1 4K OLED displays. Similar to the MPG 322URX, it can handle 240 Hz at 4K resolution, but its USB-C charging is relatively slower and it doesn’t have G-Sync verification.

The MSI MPG 322URX boasts an exceptional array of features, making it one of the most forward-looking gaming monitors currently available. As soon as we have concrete information about its pricing and release date, we’ll be sure to share it with our readers.

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2024-12-18 16:05