Design and Ergonomics

Cooler Master probably didn't spend a second doubting in what direction they're taking the GM34-CWQ ARGB design-wise. It's a gaming monitor, which is exactly what it looks like. With that, I'm not only referring to the ARGB lighting system integrated into its stand, but the entire frame of the panel being glossy. A more common matte black frame would be more suitable because it's less prone to collecting dust and fingerprints and doesn't reflect its surroundings. When using the monitor at night, I was able to see the reflection of my RGB keyboard under certain angles, as well as the movement of my fingers. I found both mildly distracting. A matte black frame instead of a glossy one would hardly do much to diminish the gaming aesthetic of the GM34-CWQ ARGB, so it's a shame Cooler Master didn't opt for it instead. Either way, the frame is very thin on three sides of the panel (9 mm/0.35 in.), adding to its perceived size. The bottom bezel has a centrally positioned Cooler Master logo.


The panel has a 1500R curve that is almost completely unnoticeable in everyday use and makes the panel look more natural from a normal sitting distance.


If the shape of the base looks familiar, it does look like the Cooler Master logo, which is a clever detail many owners of the GM34-CWQ ARGB probably won't even notice. The base itself is quite stable and fairly compact, measuring around 29 x 27 cm (11.4x10.6 in.). As such, it doesn't take up too much room on the table, especially when we take into consideration the 34-inch ultrawide panel towering above it. On the bottom part of the base, Cooler Master implemented a wide ARGB strip covered in milky white plastic. The ARGB strip has 47 fully addressable RGB LEDs whose light is visible from all sides of the monitor and beautifully diffused by the milky white plastic, making the individual LEDs completely indistinguishable. For what it is, the lighting system of the GM34-CWQ ARGB looks very good. If you're into such stuff, you'll surely enjoy using it.


The RGB LEDs require a Micro-USB connection with the PC to work. The appropriate connector is on the rear of the base. Cooler Master offers the MasterPlus app to control the lighting effects (Spectrum, Reload, Recoil, Breathing, Refill, and Custom). The app also lets you turn the LEDs off, although if that's your choice, it's simpler to disconnect the stand from the PC by cutting the power to the LED strip.


Both the base and stand are covered in gray plastic. The stand is round and offers no integrated cable management solution, but you do get a plastic clip to help with cable clutter.


The stand and panel are connected by a joint to swivel the panel to both sides. Removing the stand reveals four VESA 100x100 mounting holes. Those can be used to mount the monitor to a standard table or wall mount.


The screen can be swiveled in both directions by 15°. The swivel motion can be performed with one hand; you don't have to hold the base of the monitor in place as there's no risk of it accidentally moving.


Also adjustable is the height of the panel. In the topmost position, the distance from the table to the bottom edge of the screen is 160 mm (6.3 in.), and it drops to 75 mm (3 in.) after pushing the screen as low as it goes. That gives the monitor a total height adjustment range of 85 mm (3.3 in.). While this is slightly less than usual, it's still enough; you should have no trouble finding the optimum height for your desktop environment.


The monitor can also be tilted from -5° to +15°.