If you value sharper text and image clarity on a tight budget, the Gigabyte M32U with its higher resolution is a cost-effective choice for casual gaming and productivity. However, if you prioritize superior contrast, color performance, and an immersive experience for HDR gaming and media consumption, and are willing to invest more, the MSI MEG 342C with its OLED technology will deliver exceptional quality. The MSI's wider aspect ratio also offers a more expansive field of view, beneficial for immersive gaming and multitasking, but may be less suitable for typical productivity tasks that favor traditional aspect ratios. 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
Advantages of the MSI MEG 342C (QD-OLED)
Best in class for casual gaming
Excellent for media consumption
Good refresh rate
Best in class contrast
Best in class color volume
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
175Hz
1125:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
Inf:1
350 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
236 nits
456 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
446 nits
87.0 %
DCI-P3 COLOR GAMUT
99.5 %
Matte
COATING
Glossy
The MSI MEG 342C (QD-OLED) is best in class for casual gaming, while the Gigabyte M32U (IPS) is only fair.
Competitive Gaming
4.5/10
5.1/10
144Hz
REFRESH RATE
175Hz
7.1 ms
TOTAL RESPONSE TIME
1.4 ms
20 - 144 Hz
VARIABLE REFRESH RATE
20 - 175 Hz
Yes
STROBING / BFI
No
350 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
236 nits
The MSI MEG 342C (QD-OLED) and Gigabyte M32U (IPS) are both poor for competitive gaming, though the MSI MEG 342C (QD-OLED) is somewhat better.
Productivity
8.0/10
5.7/10
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
3440 x 1440
140 PPI
PIXELS PER INCH
110 PPI
Yes
ADJUSTABLE STAND
Yes
Matte
COATING
Glossy
The Gigabyte M32U (IPS) is very good for productivity, while the MSI MEG 342C (QD-OLED) is poor.
Media Consumption
6.7/10
9.4/10
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
3440 x 1440
1125:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
Inf:1
350 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
236 nits
456 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
446 nits
Matte
COATING
Glossy
The MSI MEG 342C (QD-OLED) is excellent for media consumption, while the Gigabyte M32U (IPS) is only fair.
Cost
$650
$850
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
The Gigabyte M32U (IPS) has a price of $650 and the MSI MEG 342C (QD-OLED) costs $850.
HDR Gaming and Media Consumption
No
Yes
The Gigabyte M32U (IPS) is not suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption while the MSI MEG 342C (QD-OLED) is suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption.
Digital Photo Editing
Yes
No
The Gigabyte M32U (IPS) is suitable for digital photo editing while the MSI MEG 342C (QD-OLED) is not suitable for digital photo editing.
Print Photo Editing
No
Yes
The Gigabyte M32U (IPS) is not suitable for print photo editing while the MSI MEG 342C (QD-OLED) is suitable for print photo editing.
Key similarities
HDR Video Editing and Color Grading
No
No
Both the Gigabyte M32U (IPS) and MSI MEG 342C (QD-OLED) are not suitable for HDR video editing and color grading.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Gigabyte M32U (IPS) and the MSI MEG 342C (QD-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.