Connectivity

In terms of video inputs, the Cooler Master GM34-CWQ ARGB has a pair of HDMI 2.0 ports, DisplayPort 1.4, and a USB Type-C port. Using HDMI 2.0 inputs limits you to 100 Hz at native resolution (3440x1440), while the USB Type-C interface can be pushed to 144 Hz at 3440x1440 assuming you activate the Type C 3.0 Mode option in the OSD.


The USB Type-C port is more than just an ordinary video input. It also delivers 65 W of charging power to any connected device, such as your smartphone or laptop.


Unfortunately, although there are two USB Type-A downstream ports on the left edge of the panel, they don't work with the USB-C interface. Devices connected to these USB Type-A ports are only going to work on the PC connected to the monitor through its USB Type-B upstream port.


The GM34-CWQ ARGB also has a 3.5-mm headphone output. You can also use the integrated 5 W stereo speakers, but don't expect much in terms of their quality. They aren't unusable, but can't be considered a permanent solution either.

Power Consumption

The power supply unit is integrated, so there's no external power brick we need to deal with. A simple IEC power cable will be enough to power the Cooler Master GM34-CWQ ARGB.

I've used the Brennenstuhl PM 231 E power meter to determine the power consumption of the monitor at various brightness levels, as well as in Power Saving mode, which it triggers as soon as the PC goes to sleep. My power consumption measurements are summed up in the chart below. They've been made after resetting the monitor to factory defaults.



Power efficiency of the Cooler Master GM34-CWQ ARGB is excellent. Compared to other 34-inch ultrawide gaming monitors I have tested, it uses around 12–15 W less power for equvilant screen brightness, and that's with ECO Mode set to Standard, which basically means we aren't trying to save any extra power at all. This chart also tells us that the brightness can be pushed past 400 cd/m², an obvious benefit of a Quantum Dot display, and that the actual brightness increase is fairly gradual in relation to the OSD Brightness setting.