We are through with the basics, then we can get started now. The MSI Optix MEG381CQR Plus is the first monitor to prove itself in our test. Yes, in terms of naming, all monitor manufacturers are trying to generate their own Da Vinci code. Basically, however, there is a certain logic behind it. MEG (MSI Enthusiast Gaming), 38 refers to the screen diagonal of 38 inches. The 1 means that it is the first generation. The CQR stands for: C = Curved; Q = UWQHD+ resolution (3840 x 1600p) and the R stands for the height-adjustable stand as well as the RGB lighting (front and back). The plus in the name refers to the G-Sync Ultimate module.
One topic is already burning under my fingernails. The monitor is advertised everywhere as 21:9. The sellers also advertise it. With a 38-inch ultrawide with a max resolution of 3840 x 1600p, how do you get 21:9? Anyone who can do the math will come up with 24:10, or alternatively 12:5. Words fail me.
The MEG381CQR+ has a nano IPS panel from LG with RGB subpixel layout (text display – no problem). The panel has 10 bit color depth (8 bit + FRC). 56 edge-lit dimming zones are used to enable HDR. Which are divided into 26 zones above and 26 zones below. But more about that later. The MEG381CQR+ represents the spearhead of MSI’s current monitor lineup. Thus, the top model also has a top price. The MSRP is 2,200 Euros, and you have to let that sink in first. We’ll take a closer look at whether this price is justified in the end today.
If you missed the unboxing, you can check out the short Sunday article. But I will include most of the pictures again in today’s article.
Guckst du: MSI macht Spaß für Zwei | Ein etwas anderes Monitor Unboxing
The monitor has a wide range of connections, which I like very much. 3x USB type A, jack in/out, etc. It even has a webcam built into the front, which is quite useful for Skype or Teams meetings (if you don’t have one). My first point of criticism is the HDMI ports. The MEG381CQR+ has been on the market for a year and has 2x HDMI 2.0b. For a price of over 2,000 euros MSRP – this is a no-go for me! A second DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1 would be mandatory and not optional. The limitation to only 85 Hz via HDMI 2.0b is not a disaster for pure work on the monitor, but it is still a significant point of criticism.
The USB and jack ports on the side are both practical and annoying. What kind of contradiction is that? Yes, for me the ports are very convenient and a blessing. However, if you have to place a second monitor to the left, you will hardly be able to use the ports. What always works from my point of view are USB dongles (mouse/keyboard/headset). They should not interfere! The OSD menu can be navigated via a small stick on the right back – as is more or less common today. MSI has today’s standard gaming features at the start. Crosshairs, black brighteners, etc., but more on that later.
The RGB lighting on the front and rear are also a nice gimmick. If you like that, you can even use it for your games (steelseries GameSence as a keyword). The small OLED display on the bottom left… Yes, what can I say? In the end, this is one of the gimmicks that makes the monitor so expensive, but doesn’t really bring the added value. It is nice to be able to configure the OLED display (via MSI Center). But do you really need it? This allows you to view the CPU data (utilization, clock rates, etc.). The whole thing also works with the GPU, but unfortunately only with one from MSI. That’s where the hare is in the chase again. Difficult, and therefore not really justifiable!
The workmanship is very good from my point of view. While plastics are predominantly used, that doesn’t mean you’re buying a plastic bomber. On the contrary. The stand can hold the large display securely on the desk. Yes, the display can wobble. Due to its size a little more than expected. But you can’t cheat physics. Leverage law and all… I hope that rings a bell? To trigger this, you have to thunder against it properly. This does not happen when operating the joystick.
Here is MSI’s summary again in a nutshell.
msi-optix-MEG381CQR_Plus-Datasheet-v1.3
What remains to be said about the equipment in the end: The port variety is very good, the HDMI 2.0b ports are critical. A webcam as well as microphone on the front (bottom center) are a nice “nice to have”. The small OLED display and GameSence are unnecessary. The RGB lighting is a matter of taste. But all this is not the essential and that’s where we start now. Next page!
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