MSI are the three letters that form in our gamer mind every time we think of excellence in terms of “tools of the trade”. There are not gamer peripherals and accessories that the company has not touched and in its passage the bar of quality standards has risen more and more. When we got the opportunity to test the new MSI Optix MEG381CQR for you, therefore, we could not but be ecstatic but we never thought of going out totally enraptured. To find out the persuasion techniques that this MSI Optix MEG381CQR Plus curved monitor used on us, here is the review.
Our review of the MSI Optix MEG381CQR Plus monitor
The MSI Optix MEG381CQR Plus monitor is a curved 38 ″ monitor with HDR support and Rapid IPS technology for exceptional response times. It boasts a UWQHD + resolution for 3840 × 1600 pixels and a 175Hz refresh rate as well as integration to Nvidia G-Sync Ultimate and the innovative Human Machine Interface. What do all these beautiful things mean?
Let’s start in order with a clear …
…data sheet
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 896.5 x 325.8 x 466.4 mm
- Weight: 10.7 Kg
- Stand: Tilt -5 ° ~ 15 ° – Rotation -30 ° ~ 30 ° – Height 0 ~ 100mm
- Screen size: 38 inches
- Resolution: 3840 x 1600 WQHD+
- Aspect Ratio: 21:9
- Panel technology: In-Plane Switching (IPS)
- Refresh Rate: 175Hz
- Response Time: 1 ms
- Contrast: 1000: 1 (Static)
- Brightness: 600 cd/m²
- Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.4 x 1, HDMI 2.0 x 2, USB 3.2 x 4, 3.5mm Audio Jack x 3
Design
Let’s start immediately by saying that the MSI Optix MEG381CQR Plus presents itself excellently with a high-end design and materials. Basically the monitor and stand are black with some shades of gray and matte textures for a great aesthetic mix. The edges are practically nonexistent except the lower edge, much wider to collect theHMI interface. It is basically a knob on the lower left side of the screen flanked by a piccolo display OLED. From here you can select various screen settings or change various saved profiles. Obviously, the classico Joystick OSD located on the back of the monitor with which to explore all settings. In the perimeter of the lower part we also find a strip of RGB LED lights divided into five fully customizable sections to give a touch of lights and truly unique design.
The dimensions of the monitor (excluding the stand) are 896.5 x 121.9 x 421.8 and require a deep desk to best enjoy the images. There monitor curvature is 2300R which results in a curvature not as pronounced as other monitors on the market but certainly effective in its intent: to follow the natural curvature of the eye to enjoy the images to the fullest.
The supplied stand maintains the design and grandeur of the screen but without being bulky. In a few simple steps you will be able to combine the two components and make the most of the potential of the stand. In fact, we can adjust, tilt or lower and lift the screen very easily to obtain the best position according to our needs. In the package we also find the VESA 100 x 100mm support to mount the screen on the wall.
Staying on the subject of accessories, with the monitor there will also be a practical support for the webcamand bungee to keep the mouse wire and all necessary cables (power, HDMI) in place.
Technology
The real magic of this monitor happens inside and then hits us with furious quality on the display. The latter consists of a 38 ″ curved IPS panel with a resolution of 3840 x 1600, a refresh rate of 175Hz and an incredible response time of just 1ms. The HDR 600 certification, along with 56 areas of implementation guarantee excellent performance with vivid colors thanks to a brightness up to 600 cd / m2. The size of the monitor ensures a view ultrawide to give the best definition during gaming but also more space for multitasking.
Support for technology is worth noting G-SYNC ULTIMATE di Nvidia which dynamically matches the refresh rate of the display to the frame rate of the GPU. This results in gameplay free of various stuttering and flickering for a truly smooth and seamless gaming experience.
Our test of the MSI Optix MEG381CQR Plus
We tested MSI’s Optix MEG381CQR Plus monitor for about two weeks, during which it replaced our usual MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD. We used it for everything but to savor the nature of the screen, gaming was the main working tool. We searched far and wide for flaws but they were overshadowed by this monitor’s incredible video quality. Every game we have tried has given its best supported by the technology of this Optix. There are no FPS, RPG, or strategy games to hold, every game, thanks to the screen settings, explodes in an incredible mix of colors and fluidity. Of course, great powers come with great responsibilities and you know that Older video games that do not support the high resolution of this Optix, could bring with them some annoying side black bands.
Particularly positive note should be given to the ease of use, a true plug-and-watch with a few screws to insert to connect the base to the screen and a few minutes to understand the monitor settings. In this regard, we cannot fail to appreciate theHMI interface which, although not such an important detail, is pleasant to use and gives a futuristic look to the monitor.
In this regard, we must do some praise to the incredible design and materials used, really at the top. The sinuous shapes of the curved monitor blend perfectly with the solidity of the base which is stable but not bulky. Particularly pleased also the integrated LED strip that can also adapt to the game action for an experience more than immersive. Last but not least, the details on the back of the monitor characterized by a luminous groove and the unmistakable MSI logo.
The MSI Optix MEG381CQR Plus monitor review at a glance
At this point it is necessary to make a comparison of everything we have seen with the price which, as you will have understood, is not low. We are talking about around € 2,200 for a high-end monitor and premium performance which, in our opinion, is worth the necessary expense. We are obviously not faced with a monitor suitable for all budgets but know that it will be able to satisfy all needs, whether it is gaming, multitasking, video editing, graphics work and so on.
Anything is possible with this MSI Optix MEG381CQR Plus and it is in the best quality.