If cost is a major concern and you're looking for solid performance across casual gaming, productivity, and some digital photo editing, the Gigabyte M34WQ could be a suitable option. However, the MSI MPG 491CQP excels in media consumption and HDR gaming with its superior contrast and color performance, so if you're ready to invest more for top-notch image quality and a wider screen, it is an excellent choice. Keep in mind, though, that for competitive gaming, neither option stands out, and the MSI's larger screen might not improve productivity tasks as much as you would expect from the additional screen real estate. 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 M34WQ (IPS)
Good text clarity
Good image clarity
Advantages of the MSI MPG 491CQP (QD-OLED)
Best in class for casual gaming
Best in class for media consumption
Best in class contrast
Best in class brightness
Best in class color volume
Best in class response time
Key differences
Casual Gaming
5.9/10
9.9/10
3440 x 1440
RESOLUTION
5120 x 1440
144Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
1074:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
Inf:1
379 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
1000 nits
372 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
Unknown
87.7 %
DCI-P3 COLOR GAMUT
99.0 %
Matte
COATING
Matte
The MSI MPG 491CQP (QD-OLED) is best in class for casual gaming, while the Gigabyte M34WQ (IPS) is poor.
Competitive Gaming
4.5/10
5.5/10
144Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
8.5 ms
TOTAL RESPONSE TIME
0.0 ms
20 - 144 Hz
VARIABLE REFRESH RATE
48 - 144 Hz
Yes
STROBING / BFI
No
379 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
1000 nits
The MSI MPG 491CQP (QD-OLED) and Gigabyte M34WQ (IPS) are both poor for competitive gaming, though the MSI MPG 491CQP (QD-OLED) is somewhat better.
Productivity
6.3/10
5.8/10
3440 x 1440
RESOLUTION
5120 x 1440
110 PPI
PIXELS PER INCH
108 PPI
Yes
ADJUSTABLE STAND
Yes
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Gigabyte M34WQ (IPS) is only fair for productivity, while the MSI MPG 491CQP (QD-OLED) is poor.
Media Consumption
6.0/10
9.8/10
3440 x 1440
RESOLUTION
5120 x 1440
1074:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
Inf:1
379 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
1000 nits
372 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
Unknown
Matte
COATING
Matte
The MSI MPG 491CQP (QD-OLED) is best in class for media consumption, while the Gigabyte M34WQ (IPS) is only fair.
Cost
$330
$1,100
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
The Gigabyte M34WQ (IPS) has a price of $330 and the MSI MPG 491CQP (QD-OLED) costs $1,100.
HDR Gaming and Media Consumption
No
Yes
The Gigabyte M34WQ (IPS) is not suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption while the MSI MPG 491CQP (QD-OLED) is suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption.
HDR Video Editing and Color Grading
No
Yes
The Gigabyte M34WQ (IPS) is not suitable for HDR video editing and color grading while the MSI MPG 491CQP (QD-OLED) is suitable for HDR video editing and color grading.
Print Photo Editing
No
Yes
The Gigabyte M34WQ (IPS) is not suitable for print photo editing while the MSI MPG 491CQP (QD-OLED) is suitable for print photo editing.
Key similarities
Digital Photo Editing
Yes
Yes
Both the Gigabyte M34WQ (IPS) and MSI MPG 491CQP (QD-OLED) are suitable for digital photo editing.
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How the Gigabyte M34WQ (IPS) and the MSI MPG 491CQP (QD-OLED) compare to other monitors
"If you want a 34″ 3440×1440 ultrawide gaming monitor with a fast response time speed, smooth VRR performance, vibrant colors and crisp details, the Gigabyte M34WQ is one of the best options below $450. Additionally, it has an ergonomic stand, rich connectivity options and plenty of extra features, such as a built-in KVM switch. Some users might not be pleased by its flat screen, but at a certain viewing distance, it feels completely natural."
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
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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
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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.