Correction October 4, 2021: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that this monitor did not have FreeSync certification, DCI-P3 and sRGB display modes. This monitor has AMD FreeSync Premium Pro certification and both DCI-P3 and sRGB display profiles, thus the score was adjusted.

High-resolution, high-refresh gaming has been a bit of a pipe dream, but thanks to a handful of 4K 144Hz monitors coming at the end of 2021, it looks like this dreamy set of gaming monitor features is finally here.

The Optix MPG321UR is one of MSI's new flagship monitors, and based on the long list of top-of-the-line specs, it looks like a pretty impressive product; a bit more expensive than Asus' TUF gaming monitor VG28UQL1A or Eve Spectrum, but more larger, brighter, and have a more impressive color gamut.

The 32-inch Optix MPG321UR is huge, so you won't have a problem displaying two or even three windows side by side; the 3,840 x 2,160 pixel resolution is enough to prevent pixelation across this generous screen, making it easy to work with and, when gaming very clear.

This is about the largest 16:9 monitor you would really consider putting on a desk, but the extra size makes it a viable living room device if you want to game in an armchair. Also, if you own a next-generation console, the HDMI 2.1 input allows you to play current console games at 4K 120Hz peak output settings without having to buy a new TV.

In addition to being able to run this monitor at the full 144Hz refresh rate with DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.1 input, PC gamers, anyone using an Nvidia GPU, will be able to play their games at the full 144Hz refresh rate without screen tearing or other unwanted benefit from G-Sync compatibility, which eliminates artifacts.

Despite its price point, this monitor does not have a physical G-Sync chip, instead relegating G-Sync compatibility to adaptive synchronization. This means it misses out on variable overdrive technology designed to prevent ghosting and trailing of fast-moving objects. Also, since no effort has been made to incorporate custom variable overdrive features, one should expect these artifacts to occur with fast-moving objects.

Although MSI does not publicly advertise it, the Optix MPG321UR also supports AMD's highest level of variable refresh rate compatibility: FreeSync Premium Pro. This certification means that games like "Assassin's Creed Odyssey" and "Borderlands 3" are guaranteed to run in 4K HDR regardless of the refresh rate supported by the GPU. AMD's best GPUs today are only capable of pushing these titles to 60fps and beyond power yet, so there is plenty of overhead to gain additional performance benefits if you upgrade to a more powerful GPU in the future. This display offers a professional-level gray-to-gray (GTG) response time of less than 1 ms, which, coupled with the high-resolution screen, makes games feel snappy and responsive without losing the ultra-high-resolution image. GTG is easier to achieve than some test benchmarks, but this level is still comparable to the fastest response time possible on a gaming display.

The Optics MPG321UR takes screen brightness to the next level by offering a peak brightness of 600 nits, achieving Vesa HDR 600 certification. While this falls short of the minimum 1000 nits required for a TV to achieve HDR certification, it goes a long way toward making it a good-looking option when sitting on the couch, and much brighter than most monitors. Combine this with 97% DCI-P3 color reproduction capability and you have a stunningly vibrant screen that is accurate enough to use for professional color grading.

Some game viewing presets (especially the racing mode) were not well calibrated right out of the box, and colors looked more cartoonish than they should. However, there are at least color-accurate DCI-P3 and sRGB display modes that can be toggled for a more realistic viewing experience. In fact, I couldn't find these presets in the menu system at first, but they are there, and MSI says it will make them more prominent in a future software update.

While there are some enhanced on-screen gaming features, such as crosshairs and scope filters, the monitor is a bit lighter than its competitors in this department. Instead, the Optix MPG321UR uses technologies like "Smart Brightness."

MSI suggests that this feature prevents blinding when the monitor is turned on in a dark room, and while some may certainly find this useful, it is the sort of thing that can go awry by making unnecessary changes to the screen brightness during gaming.

Stupid brightness is fine, thanks.

Of the "gaming intelligence" features, the one that seems to deserve a bonus is "Sound Tune," which supposedly uses software trained by the AI to remove unwanted background noise from incoming and outgoing communications. This feature could be of great use when background noise is unavoidable or when one wishes to dull the obnoxiously loud blue switch of others.

Another important feature of the Optix MPG321UR for power users is the inclusion of four KVM USB 3.0 ports. This KVM compatibility saves a great deal of time by allowing users to seamlessly switch between PCs, consoles, and all peripherals connected to them with the press of a single button.

It is refreshing to see that MSI can offer a premium gaming device that looks a bit more discreet than the usual full-throttle red gaming units. There is a strip of RGB lighting along the back of the monitor that can still show those around you that you are a gamer if you want, but overall MSI has almost over-corrected to the point of losing this in the roundup of business monitors.

Considering the market the Optix MPG321UR is targeting, we don't necessarily consider the lack of onboard speakers a drawback, but we do wonder why a pair of functional 2W drivers wouldn't be added for when nothing else works.

The only other limitation is that the huge square base is neither particularly stylish nor overly stable on the front edge. It won't fall over on its own, but don't put it in a place where it could easily be bumped from behind.

While it certainly comes with a high price tag, the MSI Optics MPG321UR makes the most of a larger and more accurate color gamut; HDR is still a bit of a scare on the PC, but at least the peak brightness of 600 cd/m2 makes HDR games look more vivid than SDR games gives us the possibility of seeing them more vividly than SDR games.

It is a bit difficult to make broad statements about value, as they vary widely from region to region. At the time of this writing, UK prices are unknown, but in the US, the MSI Optix MPG321UR costs $999, only a few hundred dollars (20%) more than the Asus TUF gaming monitor VG28UQL1A. However, its MSRP in Australia is A$1599, A$634 (40%) higher than TUF's competitor. So, basically, it is so-so value in the US, but may be worth reconsidering in Australia.