MSI Unveils World's First Dual-Mode Curved 4K Gaming Monitor

[GGforever]

As CES 2025 approaches, a surfeit of OEMs are introducing new gaming displays with innovative new features. MSI clearly does not wish to be left out either, hitting the scene with the MAG 321CUPDF. The 31.5-inch curved monitor also happens to the first of its kind to sport dual-mode functionality, which basically means the monitor can switch between high-refresh rate and high-resolution modes.

To be precise, the MSI MAG 321CUPDF supports 4K at 160 Hz, and 1080p at a maximum of 320 Hz. This allows the monitor to be an excellent fit for fast-paced gaming, as well as visually immersive titles which can take advantage of the added visual fidelity. If MSI's claims are anything to go by, the monitor will also sport decent color reproduction capabilities, thanks to its 97% coverage of the DCI-P3 color gamut.




One major downside of the monitor is its VA panel. This likely means that the monitor will suffer from poor viewing angles, although its contrast levels should be better than IPS panels, but nowhere near as great as OLEDs. VA panels also have slower response times, which may be a major turn-off for a good chunk of prospective customers. The monitor is already available in China, and is expected to hit American and European shores soon with a price tag of $499 and €649 respectively. At that price, though, the monitor does present commendable value.

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[Space Lynx]

@GGforever

MSI's new RapidVA tech is not the VA panels of old, it's actually a really damn good panel, and yes I am an OLED fanboy. If the contrast is 5000:1, I may get this as my 4k monitor, as some games/movies I want on 32" 4k, but most games will be on my OLED

 

[LabRat 891]

Thought this was an OLED for $500.

I already have a LG 32" 1440p 165Hz VA, that I don't really like.
I begrudgingly upgraded to the LG from a Microboard 32" 1080p 144hz VA, and the upgrade was not worthwhile enough. Plus, the move to 1440p often forces me to use FSR/XeSS, AFMF etc. in some titles that 1080p didn't need.

'Been chasing the CRT dragon, and high-refresh LCDs just ain't cuttin' it no more. I'm not spending another dime on another LCD monitor of any flavor at least not for my main PC. Next display's going to be some flavor of self-emissive (WO-LED, QD-OLED, OLED, uLED, etc.)

 

[Space Lynx]

Thought this was an OLED for $500.

I already have a LG 32" 1440p 165Hz VA, that I don't really like.
I begrudgingly upgraded to the LG from a Microboard 32" 1080p 144hz VA, and the upgrade was not worthwhile enough. Plus, the move to 1440p often forces me to use FSR/XeSS, AFMF etc. in some titles that 1080p didn't need.

'Been chasing the CRT dragon, and high-refresh LCDs just ain't cuttin' it no more. I'm not spending another dime on another LCD monitor of any flavor at least not for my main PC. Next display's going to be some flavor of self-emissive (WO-LED, QD-OLED, OLED, uLED, etc.)

most VA is pure shit.

I assure you Rapid VA 5000:1 is not. I have seen it first hand, it is a different beast. It's not as good as OLED obviously, but it beats everything else imo


I just searched, and MSI does not have the official page up for this monitor yet, sadly I think it is 3000:1, so a pass for me. If this was 5000:1 Rapid VA though I would def have considered it.

 

[Ruszli]

Thought this was an OLED for $500.

I already have a LG 32" 1440p 165Hz VA, that I don't really like.
I begrudgingly upgraded to the LG from a Microboard 32" 1080p 144hz VA, and the upgrade was not worthwhile enough. Plus, the move to 1440p often forces me to use FSR/XeSS, AFMF etc. in some titles that 1080p didn't need.

'Been chasing the CRT dragon, and high-refresh LCDs just ain't cuttin' it no more. I'm not spending another dime on another LCD monitor of any flavor at least not for my main PC. Next display's going to be some flavor of self-emissive (WO-LED, QD-OLED, OLED, uLED, etc.)

It's pretty much this. I've been looking for a dual-mode curved OLED panel, so the news got me real hyped. Except this is just another VA monitor, and not even a mini LED.

 

[Wirko]

I thought that all high refresh rate monitors are capable of this, within the limits of HDMI or DP bandwidth of course. What is new here? Ability to change resolution in each frame, without blinking?

 

[AcE]

650€ makes this monitor hardly worth while in Europe. You can invest another 200 or so and get a 4K 240 OLED. The issue here isn’t the panel, VA isn’t that bad, and viewing angles are good enough, you don’t buy a monitor so someone else can look on it. But with only HDR400 (aka wannabe HDR) it’s simply not good enough.