MSI
MSI Optix MEG381CQR Plus
Best ultrawide monitor for competitive gamers seeking immersive, high-performance visuals.
Immerse yourself in extreme gaming with the MSI Optix MEG381CQR Plus, a 37.5-inch curved ultrawide monitor. Experience breathtaking UWQHD+ visuals on its Rapid IPS panel, boasting a 175Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time for fluid, lag-free gameplay. G-SYNC ULTIMATE certification eliminates screen tearing, while HDR 600 delivers vibrant colors and deep contrast. Navigate settings intuitively with the unique HMI interface and Gaming Dial. Customizable RGB lighting and included accessories like a camera cradle and mouse bungee enhance your personalized gaming setup.
$1399.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
24
/ 3545
#24 in Computer Monitors
Price vs Category Average
+117%
Above average
Panel Type
Rapid IPS
/ Rapid IPS
Who it's for
- Competitive gamers seeking expansive, high-speed visual immersion
- Serious players demanding tear-free, low-latency performance
- Power users preferring quick, tactile hardware-based settings control
Who should skip it
- Users with limited workspace or compact desk setups
- Budget-conscious shoppers prioritizing value over flagship features
- HDR enthusiasts requiring deep blacks and superior contrast depth
Performance breakdown
Gaming Fluidity
The 175Hz refresh rate and G-SYNC ULTIMATE ensure buttery smooth motion.
Visual Immersion
The 2300R curvature and ultrawide aspect ratio create a truly enveloping experience.
Color Accuracy
Rapid IPS technology delivers vibrant, consistent colors across the entire wide panel.
Interface Innovation
The unique HMI Gaming Dial makes navigating complex settings remarkably intuitive.
HDR Performance
DisplayHDR 600 provides a noticeable boost to contrast and highlight detail.
Setup Ergonomics
Integrated cable management and included accessories keep your desktop clean and organized.
Key Specs
Panel Type
Rapid IPS
Resolution
3840 x 1600 UWQHD+
Refresh Rate
175 Hz
Response Time
1 ms
HDR
VESA DisplayHDR 600
Connectivity
1 x DisplayPort 1.4a, 2 x HDMI 2.0b, 1 x USB 3.0 Upstream, 3 x USB 3.0 Type-A Downstream
Stand Adjustments
Height, Swivel, Tilt
Curvature
2300R
Features
- World's first HMI Curved Gaming Monitor for intuitive control
- G-SYNC ULTIMATE for tear-free, ultra-smooth gameplay
- Immersive 2300R curved display enhances peripheral vision
- IPS panel ensures accurate colors and wide viewing angles
- High-speed 175Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time
- VESA DisplayHDR 600 for vivid visuals and enhanced contrast
- Mystic Light and Steelseries GameSense for customizable RGB
- Includes camera cradle and mouse bungee for optimized experience
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the MSI Optix MEG381CQR Plus for its stunning visual quality and immersive ultrawide design. The large 38 inch panel delivers vibrant colors and smooth motion, making it a top tier choice for serious gamers. Reviewers frequently highlight the robust build and the unique HMI dial as genuinely useful features that enhance the user experience. While the monitor commands a premium price, the consensus is that the exceptional performance and high end construction justify the investment for those seeking the best in class display technology.
Know before you buy
The HMI Gaming Dial acts as a physical controller integrated into the monitor, allowing you to adjust settings like brightness, volume, and input sources without needing to reach for the OSD buttons on the back of the screen.
Yes, the 2300R curve is relatively subtle compared to tighter curves, which helps reduce distortion while still providing a more immersive, wrap-around feel that improves peripheral awareness during wide-angle gameplay.
While the Rapid IPS panel offers excellent color reproduction and wide viewing angles, it is primarily tuned for gaming performance. It is well-suited for creative hobbyists, but professionals requiring strict color calibration should verify if the color gamut coverage meets their specific industry standards.
To fully utilize the 3840 x 1600 resolution at 175Hz, you will need a powerful GPU capable of pushing high frame rates at an ultrawide resolution. If your hardware cannot reach those frame rates, the G-SYNC ULTIMATE technology will still help by synchronizing the monitor to your GPU to prevent screen tearing.
Yes, the monitor features a built-in USB hub with three USB 3.0 Type-A downstream ports. This allows you to connect your mouse, keyboard, or other accessories directly to the monitor for a cleaner desk setup.
VESA DisplayHDR 600 provides a noticeable improvement in contrast and brightness compared to standard monitors, making highlights pop and shadows more defined. It is a significant step up for gaming immersion, though it does not reach the same peak brightness levels as high-end HDR 1000 displays.
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