The MSI Optix G321CQP E2 offers a large and immersive 1440p screen for the price of a regular-sized 1080p model. It’s a big leap from the first Optix models, which were mostly in 1080p and had simpler or limited specifications. Let’s take a look and see if it should be your next purchase in building up an effective gaming rig that doesn’t cost a small fortune.
MSI Optix G321CQP E2 Specifications
- Screen Size: 32 Inches
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440p QHD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Technology: Vertical Alignment (VA)
- Refresh Rate: 240Hz
- Response Time: 1ms MPRT
- Contrast Ratio: 2500:1
- Brightness: 250 cd/m²
- Built-in Speakers: None
- Stand: Height – Yes
- Stand: Tilt – Yes
- Stand: Swivel – Yes
- Stand: Pivot –Yes
- VESA Compatibility: Yes (75 x 75)
- Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.2 x 1, HDMI 2.0 x 2, USB 2.0 x 3, 3.5mm x 1
- Dimensions With Stand (WxHxD): 27.76″ x 21.97″ x 11.3″
- Weight: 15.32 lbs
Design and Features
The MSI Optix G321CQP E2 employs a simpler design than the older models but without completely eliminating the gaming characteristics. The monitor has a matte black finish with a red accent ring at the back of the chassis. The display has a bezel-free design, but it still has inner borders like most modern displays.
It’s a large monitor, so scoping out how much space you have first before pulling the trigger might be wise. It needs over 11 inches of depth due to the deep radius, so shallow desks might not be able to accommodate it. It’s light for a 32-inch model at 15.32 pounds, so it’s still very easy to move around.
Its build quality doesn’t feel as great as the premium models, but it’s still decent, especially when compared to other extra-affordable models. The plastic panels don’t feel thick, but they won’t easily crack or flex. The included stand can hold the screen upright, but it has some wobble when the screen is nudged.
The MSI Optix G321CQP E2 has cut-out buttons on the OSD instead of a more flexible joystick. The keys are clicky, but it’s a chore to get to a specific setting in the submenus after multiple key presses. However, this is a minor inconvenience, so it’s forgivable if the monitor in question is extra affordable.
The included stand offers tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustments for your comfort and convenience. Pivoting is limited to 5 degrees each way, so you can’t really use the monitor as a portrait display. You can use VESA mounts, but that’s only necessary for special instances.
Another aspect that took a hit to help the price is the monitor’s connectivity layout. It only includes a DisplayPort 1.2 slot, two HDMI 2.0 ports, and a 3.5mm jack for headphones. Others have valuable extras like USB slots, but those are not essential to make the monitor usable.
You also don’t get speakers with this model, but that’s okay since it deserves immersive headsets. Built-ins can be useful at times, but it is not necessary to have them, especially if the monitor was made to be more affordable.
Display and Performance
The MSI Optix G321CQP E2 boasts a 32-inch VA panel with a 2560 x 1440 resolution, a 170Hz refresh rate, and a 1ms response time. The backlight is limited to 250 cd/m2, while the contrast is listed at 2500:1. This model doesn’t advertise HDR certification, but that’s okay since true HDR performance can’t be found in this pricing category yet.
Larger 1440p monitors slightly lose the mystique of that extra sharpness due to the lower pixel density. It’s just about as sharp as a 24-inch 1080p screen, but the better level of detail is still there since the higher pixel count is still apparent. You will need a better GPU here for consistent framerates, but 1440p isn’t too heavy for most GPUs nowadays.
The MSI Optix G321CQP E2 covered 99% of sRGB and 87% of DCI-P3 for decent colors in games and movies. It is not accurate out of the box since the deltaE average reached 3.15, so some shades might not look natural. It needs a bit of tweaking, but it is still within a range where gamers won’t mind the extra vibrancies here and there.
Calibrating it reduced the dE average to 1.54, which is more balanced and natural-looking than the default setting. It needed a colorimeter to reach this point, and those aren’t exactly cheap or something you can borrow from a neighbor. We only recommend it for those who are into color-critical work, but prioritizing a better monitor in this regard is a better path.
The MSI Optix G321CQP E2’s backlight reached 261 cd/m2 at 100%, while its contrast reached 2811:1 at 50% brightness. It can’t fight off glare from an open window, but it can produce deep blacks and convincing nighttime scenes. HDR performance is nonexistent here, but that’s understandable since it’s an extra affordable monitor.
Panel uniformity isn’t perfect since there were backlight leaks on the top and bottom edges of the screen. They weren’t noticeable against light backgrounds, but darker scenes will reveal them. This is common with curved monitors like this, but it can vary, so not all will have the same defect.
Its pixel response time isn’t the best either since no amount of overdrive could completely get rid of the persistence. Maxing out the overdrive helped, but darker scenes showed blurring and overshoot. This is a known weakness of VA panels, although some implementations have gotten over it.
The MSI Optix G321CQP E2 is compatible with both FreeSync and G-Sync for stutter and tear-free gaming. Its invaluable to have dual compatibility since it allows you to keep the monitor even if you switch to the other GPU brand. Its input lag sits at 4ms at 170Hz, so it is as fast and responsive as the best 170Hz monitors out there.
Thoughts on the MSI Optix G321CQP E2
the MSI Optix G321CQP E2 is a suitable choice for budget gamers who want a large display that’s perfect for immersive gaming. It doesn’t have a lot of features, but you get that high-contrast panel with a sharp curve in exchange for that. It supports both Nvidia and AMD VRR solutions and has low input lag, so it has the essentials for a gaming display.
There are some limitations, but most of them can be expected from a VA monitor, let alone a budget model. It’s a good buy overall, but those who are looking for E-Sports grade performance might need to look elsewhere.
Pros:
- Very Low Price
- Excellent Contrast
- Working Overdrive
- Fully Adjustable Stand
Cons:
- Dismal HDR
- Prone to Blurring
- Limited Features
About the Author: 
Paolo has been a gaming veteran since the golden days of Doom and Warcraft and has been building gaming systems for family, friends, and colleagues since junior high. High-performance monitors are one of his fixations; he believes that every citizen’s right to enjoy one. He has gone through several pieces of hardware in pursuit of every bit of performance gain, much to the dismay of his wallet. He now works with Monitornerds to scrutinize the latest gear to create reviews that accentuate the seldom explained aspects of a PC monitor.
Leave a Reply