Gigabyte's "M" monitor lineup is designed with the intention to offer both excellent gaming performance and various productivity-related features, which are rarely seen on other gaming monitors. For example, Gigabyte's excellent 32-inch M32U, which I reviewed last year, combines a 144 Hz 4K IPS panel, obviously targeting hardcore gamers, with the convenience of a USB-C port with an integrated 3-port USB 3.0 hub and a fully operational KVM switch for seamless, one-button switching between two connected computers.
Why am I mentioning all of this in the introduction of the 34-inch Gigabyte M34WQ? Because the M34WQ offers a nearly identical productivity feature set with the added benefit of having an ultrawide 21:9 panel, which for many users successfully replaces two monitors positioned side by side. Judging by the technical specifications alone, it has all the markings of a productivity beast, although the gaming prowess of the M34WQ is just as important. The built-in 3440x1440 IPS panel comes with a refresh rate of 144 Hz and specified 1 ms MPRT response time. The monitor also promises 91% DCI-P3 and 117% sRGB coverage and carries the VESA DisplayHDR 400 certificate. Interestingly, unlike most other 34-inch ultrawides, the panel of the M34WQ is completely flat rather than curved. How that impacts the overall user experience is one of the things we'll examine in this review.
Specifications
Gigabyte M34WQ
Screen Size
34" ultrawide
Native Resolution
3440x1440 (21:9)
Panel Technology
IPS, 10-bit (8-bit + FRC)
Refresh Rate
144 Hz (48–144 Hz VRR range)
Supported Adaptive Synchronization Technologies
AMD FreeSync Premium, NVIDIA G-SYNC
Brightness
400 cd/m²
Contrast
1,000:1 (static)
Viewing Angles
178° (horizontal) / 178° (vertical)
Response Time
1 ms MPRT
Adjustability
Tilt (-5° to +20°), swivel (±30°), height (130 mm)