The MSI MPG 321URX Gaming Monitor.
MSI

MSI may have some high-end gaming monitors, but unfortunately, some are obviously more desirable than others. A Reddit thread revealed that MSI won’t allow firmware updates for much of its QD-OLED display lineup, and customers aren’t happy.

MSI is fairly new to the gaming monitor game, but has been releasing some monitors that tick all the boxes and combine vibrant QD-OLED panels with a reasonable screen size. The series is divided into MSI MAG series and MSI MPG series. The former includes 27-inch, 32-inch and 34-inch (curved) QD-OLED displays, while the latter serves two flat displays (27-inch and 32-inch) and a 49-inch curved display. Refresh rates range from 360 Hz to 144 Hz, and you can choose a variety of resolutions, from standard 2K to 4K or 5,120 x 1,440.

While all the models look great at first glance, if you care about being able to receive firmware updates, you should avoid most of the MAG versions of MSI’s monitors. This Reddit Positionshared by VideoCardzstarted by an MSI employee in an attempt to introduce the displays in the OLED_Gaming community. One section of the post draws attention: firmware updates via USB-B are referred to as “MPG Exclusive Mode”.

A screenshot from Reddit talking about MSI monitors.
Reddit

Several users followed up with questions, in which the MSI employee made it clear that two of the six monitors will not receive any firmware updates at all. All three MPG models will get them, as will the MAG 341CQP monitor – but the other two MAG monitors are out of luck. The MAG271QPX and MAG321UPX cost $750 and $900, respectively, which is a good deal for a QD-OLED panel — but the lack of updates may be a deal breaker for some buyers.

MSI can probably get away with not providing this fairly basic feature this time around. Its QD-OLED displays are competitively priced compared to its competitors — for example, the fantastic Alienware 32 QD-OLED costs $1,200. It’s hard to imagine anyone spending $200 to $500 more out of the box when MSI’s MPG monitors are available for just $50 more than their MAG counterparts. Hopefully, the company will take the harsh feedback on board and allow firmware updates across its entire lineup in the future.

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