If you are budget-conscious but still want a high-resolution display suitable for productivity and digital photo editing, the Gigabyte M32U with its larger screen and sharper text quality is a solid choice. However, if you prioritize an immersive gaming experience and often engage in competitive gaming, the MSI 45GS96QB's superior contrast and responsiveness make it a better option, despite its higher price. For tasks that require accurate color reproduction, like print photo editing, neither is ideal, although the Gigabyte does offer decent sRGB coverage. Keep in mind, the MSI has an ultrawide aspect ratio which can enhance media consumption, but may not be supported by all games. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Gigabyte M32U (IPS)
Very good for productivity
Good text clarity
Good image clarity
Advantages of the MSI 45GS96QB (W-OLED)
Best in class for casual gaming
Very good refresh rate
Best in class contrast
Best in class response time
Key differences
Casual Gaming
6.2/10
9.5/10
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
3440 x 1440
144Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
1125:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
Inf:1
350 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
275 nits
456 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
Unknown
87.0 %
DCI-P3 COLOR GAMUT
98.5 %
Matte
COATING
Matte
The MSI 45GS96QB (W-OLED) is best in class for casual gaming, while the Gigabyte M32U (IPS) is only fair.
Competitive Gaming
4.5/10
5.9/10
144Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
7.1 ms
TOTAL RESPONSE TIME
0.0 ms
20 - 144 Hz
VARIABLE REFRESH RATE
48 - 240 Hz
Yes
STROBING / BFI
No
350 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
275 nits
The MSI 45GS96QB (W-OLED) and Gigabyte M32U (IPS) are both poor for competitive gaming, though the MSI 45GS96QB (W-OLED) is somewhat better.
Productivity
8.0/10
2.7/10
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
3440 x 1440
140 PPI
PIXELS PER INCH
Yes
ADJUSTABLE STAND
Yes
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Gigabyte M32U (IPS) is very good for productivity, while the MSI 45GS96QB (W-OLED) is poor.
Media Consumption
6.7/10
5.4/10
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
3440 x 1440
1125:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
Inf:1
350 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
275 nits
456 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
Unknown
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Gigabyte M32U (IPS) is only fair for media consumption, while the MSI 45GS96QB (W-OLED) is poor.
Cost
$650
$1,700
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The Gigabyte M32U (IPS) has a price of $650 and the MSI 45GS96QB (W-OLED) costs $1,700.
HDR Gaming and Media Consumption
No
Yes
The Gigabyte M32U (IPS) is not suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption while the MSI 45GS96QB (W-OLED) is suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption.
Print Photo Editing
No
Yes
The Gigabyte M32U (IPS) is not suitable for print photo editing while the MSI 45GS96QB (W-OLED) is suitable for print photo editing.
Key similarities
Digital Photo Editing
Yes
Yes
Both the Gigabyte M32U (IPS) and MSI 45GS96QB (W-OLED) are suitable for digital photo editing.
HDR Video Editing and Color Grading
No
No
Both the Gigabyte M32U (IPS) and MSI 45GS96QB (W-OLED) are not suitable for HDR video editing and color grading.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Gigabyte M32U (IPS) and the MSI 45GS96QB (W-OLED) compare to other monitors
"The Gigabyte M32U gaming monitor is almost a slam-dunk choice, considering everything you get as part of the package. Gigabyte goes for broke with things like its built-in KVM switch and GameAssist, and those come close to paying off. Add in the well-executed, more familiar offerings, and this is a monitor that deserves serious thought if you’re in the market for what it delivers."
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec monitors team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest monitor information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the monitor team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Monitors Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.