[Bordi93]

Hello, I am looking to buy a new 3440×1440 144hz monitor to pair to my 2080ti/9600k, I quite like the price of the AOC CU34G2X but happened to find and LG 34GK950F used for around 450£ (I am UK based so don’t get as much choice as in the US). Assuming the LG doesn’t have any defects which one would you recommend? Or shall I wait for Black Friday, which I don’t mind doing, and maybe hope for a discount on the AOC or eventually hope the LG 34GN850 becomes a bit more affordable/in the same price range? I keep reading very good things about AW3418/20 but I’d like to have 144hz in order to still have a good monitor in ages years time.

[PCM2]

That’s an apples to oranges comparison and it depends where your preferences lie. They both have distinct strengths and weaknesses. Buying used monitors always carries more risk, although if proper returns policies apply then perhaps go for it and see how you find it as that is a decent offer for the monitor. At this stage it may be worth waiting for Black Friday, but there are no guarantees about what will or won’t be on offer.

[Skier]

I read this entire thread and I see lots of good comments about the AOC CU34G2X, but I have a pair of GX1070 in SLI and the screen blanking, flickering, and no direct support G-Sync concerns me a bit. It seems like there might have been some newer options since this thread started, but I’m not clear on what would be the best for my situation…

I currently run three 1600×1200 monitors in portrait mode with nVidia surround, which yields a total resolution of 3600×1600, so the 3440×1440 is pretty close to that, and I’m not that concerned about losing a little resolution (should make frame rates a little faster), but I’d like to not lose too much screen size.

Current measurements [which fill my desk nicely] are, ignoring bezels are about:
33.5″ wide (side to side, though if you subtract out the two rather large bezels in the middle, would yield ~31.5)
37.5″ diagonal (screen corner to screen corner, but again, there’s the two ~1″ bezels)
40″ wide (side to side measuring with a measuring tape pressed against the screens)
17″ tall (top of screen to to bottom of screen (not including bezels)

I like the total space it takes up and wouldn’t mind sticking close to that, but not really finding many options with that much vertical height, unless it gets really expensive (I’m trying to stick to about $800 or less). I’ve looked at some 35″-38″ but they either get really expensive or refresh rates start dropping significantly. As such, I’m thinking that the 3440×1440 34″ like the CU34G2X might be a close as I can get in budget, but I’d be curious if you have any better suggestions for either something a little larger in budget, or maybe similar, but with GSync, so I don’t have to worry about the screen blank/flicker issues as much.

I use my screen for both work (just IT stuff, nothing like graphic design or anything), as well as gaming, mostly FPS games, and since just about anything I get will probably work for the work related stuff, I’d be most interested in something that covers the gaming aspects, knowing that work stuff should be fine, no matter what I get.

The only reason I’m really thinking about upgrading is that I wouldn’t mind getting rid of the bezels in between monitors, and since I’ve been using three monitors for a while, I like the “curve” (all monitors are roughly/equally 29-30″ from my face the make when working/gaming), so it seems only natural go with a curved model.

[PCM2]

I’m not sure about the screen blanking per se, but there are many general issues with ‘G-SYNC Compatible Mode’ with the older GTX10 Series GPUs that affect all models sharing the AOC’s panel (CELL). And indeed affect other models. What sort of frame rate do you get in your games? Do you think you’re sensitive enough to tearing and stuttering to forgo Adaptive-Sync altogether? Really I see the CU34G2X as your best bet even with those issues in mind. Have you also considered the Acer XV340CK? I haven’t seen extensive feedback from GTX10 Series GPU owners, but have received feedback from one user who said it worked “fine” or he didn’t notice any issues. And IPS-type models like that are less prone to various VRR issues in general.

[elstevo]

Hi,

First I just wanted to say a huge thank you for creating this site and forum. A huge help it has been!

I recently purchased the CU34G2X, unfortunately for me the monitor died after about 3 weeks. I spent another 6-8 weeks trying to get this repaired through warranty before finally receiving a refund due to stocking issues. Whilst I appreciate I’ve had a touch of bad luck, I seem to have another chance at a monitor purchase at least!

Whilst the CU34G2X was a very decent monitor I wasn’t blown away by the colour or image quality if I’m honest. For a replacement I’ve been reviewing different brands and models to find that they might indeed share the same panel. Not sure if that’s the case but I’m a bit concerned about going through this again!

My use case is typically office work, some coding and casual gaming – flight simulators, RPG (Witcher etc.) and the odd FPS but by no means competitive. This has got me perhaps leaning towards a 34″ IPS display instead of a VA panel, whilst this may mean sacrificing the refresh rate from 144hz to 100hz or perhaps even 75hz. I’d happily have a higher quality image than FPS performance, but only have around £500 to spend so something has to give!

Some of the panels I’ve been considering are:
G34WQC-EK – Believe this might have the same panel as the CU34G2X.
Philips 345B1C
Acer CB342CK
iiyama Red Eagle GB3461WQSU – Ticks all boxes but am a little concerned that it appears that roughly 1/3 of these are received with issues on delivery.

Just wanted to know others thoughts on any of these above or if I’ve missed something I should be considering.

Thanks in advance!

[PCM2]

Hi elstevo,

I’ve merged your thread with this one as most of those models are discussed here. Indeed many of them do share the same CELL (panel minus backlight). I’d advise taking a look through the thread, but from what you’ve said I suspect you’ll find any VA options unsatisfactory and should focus on your IPS-type options. Be aware that the Acer CB342CK uses the 75Hz version of the panel used in the XV340CK(P) that’s discussed here and that I’ve recommended to people previously.

[Raspibit]

Hi there, I’d like to take advantage of this thread to ask you about the (new, I think) MSI Optix MAG342CQRV because is right now at €400. I don’t know much about its panel but the brightness seems to be a problem (250 cd/m2).

[PCM2]

It uses the same Samsung CELL as the other 100Hz 34″ UltraWides discussed here. The 250 cd/m² certainly isn’t particularly bright, but does that matter? It would for a ‘proper’ HDR experience, but that model doesn’t offer any sort of HDR whatsoever and if it did it would be far from a ‘proper’ HDR experience. I measured similar luminance on the CU34G2X but note what I targeted for the ‘Test Settings’. Brightness is an individual thing and set according to individual preferences and lighting, but most users use between 100 – 200 cd/m². Of course there are exceptions but perhaps consider how bright the monitors you currently use are and what brightness settings you’re using.

[Skier]

I’m not sure about the screen blanking per se, but there are many general issues with ‘G-SYNC Compatible Mode’ with the older GTX10 Series GPUs that affect all models sharing the AOC’s panel (CELL). And indeed affect other models.

I saw a video of it somewhere, but don’t remember details (might have been your video), but it seemed like the video went black for a full 1-3 seconds. That’s not too cool.

What sort of frame rate do you get in your games?

Well, I’ve been using three 1600×1200 60Hz monitors in portrait mode for quite some time now, for a total surround resolution of 3600×1600, and if I turn off vSync to get actual FPS, I’m seeing things like this:
7 Days to Die: 45-60FPS (Roughly Medium settings. Still in Alpha, so not well optimized)
Rainbow 6 Siege: 40FPT (Max settings)
PUBG: 50-70FPS (Ultra)
Squad: 55-65 (Epic/High)
Contagion: 103-160 (Highest)

Those are the settings I’ve been playing with, but will sometimes tone things down a bit to get a solid 60+ FPS all the time, depending on whether I’m playing single or multi-player. I sometimes wonder if there is overhead to using Surround (multi-monitor) compared to using a single monitor with the same resolution. Also, it might be noted that if I go with one of these 3440×1440 monitors, I’ll actually lose a few pixels (14% less), so should see a bit of a performance gain there too. I’m not that concerned about losing those pixels, but if I could get into a 38″ somewhere around $700, I’d probably go that, just to keep closer to the same physical screen size.

Do you think you’re sensitive enough to tearing and stuttering to forgo Adaptive-Sync altogether?

I’m not sure I’m too sensitive to it, but I think I’ve often run with vSync on, just due to thinking it’s theoretically better…

Really I see the CU34G2X as your best bet even with those issues in mind.

There’s a lot to like about that one, but you wouldn’t be concerned about the black screen problem? That worries me a lot. A couple seconds of black screen in a fast-paced game seems like it get old quick.

Have you also considered the Acer XV340CK? I haven’t seen extensive feedback from GTX10 Series GPU owners, but have received feedback from one user who said it worked “fine” or he didn’t notice any issues. And IPS-type models like that are less prone to various VRR issues in general.

Hadn’t really looked at it… I had the impressions that in most cases, gamers would be way better off with VA panels with high refresh rates… Sometimes I also think maybe I’m overthinking things, and that I’ll probably like just about anything better compared to my Samsung SyncMaster 213Ts that are pretty old tech, but if I’m spending this much on a monitor, I still want to get the best upgrade/value I can. As I said, I think I’d like to get into a 38″, but they all seem to be too expensive for me right now. Then I find myself debating 34″ with 144Hz Refresh Vs. 35″ with 100Hz Refresh. Also, since I’ll likely have any monitor I buy longer than I’ll have video cards, it makes we think of future proofing a bit. I think I’d like to fast forward a year or two to when I can get a 38″ 1500R 3440×1440 (or maybe a ~3XXXx1600 ) 144Hz+ monitor for <$800, but I have an opportunity right now to expense part of the cost, so I hate to wait too long and lose that opportunity.

Too many variables make for a tough decision… Argh.

Additional points from edits:

– I forget how much it matters, but I currently have my 3 monitors connected using DP cables, but adapted to DVI, since that’s the best my current monitors use.

– I looked at the Acer XV340CK, but it’s flat, and I was really looking for a curved monitor, as I’m used to the curve I’ve implemented with my 3 monitor setup, but as a single monitor (though my guess would be that my current curvature would be about 700R, though I know I’m not going to get that much, so focusing on 1500R, or maybe 1800R, worst case.

[Raspibit]

Your are right, even more if I’m planning to use it in my room (which it’s not luminous at all) for several hours but PWM flickering worries me because the eye fatigue. Does the cell on the MSI have PWM or DC brightness control? Could you tell me where I can check this kind of more technical details and info? Thank you.

[PCM2]

Skier,

It most likely was my video of the CU34G2X where you saw the screen blanking in action. It sure is annoying, but it doesn’t happen if you’re in triple digit frame rates (you wouldn’t be) or if you disable Adaptive-Sync. Given what you’re used to and the fact you seem happy enough to use VSync, you could continue to do so with the AOC. Not an issue. If you don’t find the current stuttering you get with VSync annoying then you may not find Adaptive-Sync all that beneficial. Furthermore, I’ve seen various reports of additional issues (large performance penalties, unexpected stuttering, additional flickering) more generally when using G-SYNC under SLI. So you’d probably be happy enough disabling it. You make a good case for a curved monitor and I understand why you’d prefer one, given what you’re used to with your current ‘encapsulating’ setup. I couldn’t get the images to load so excluded them from your post, but I know the sort of setup you’re referring to.

Raspibit,

You’d need to look at reviews from people who specifically test for PWM, it isn’t something a manufacturer specifies. Manufacturers don’t reveal information about the specific CELL they use or panel they use publicly, you can tie things together based on specifications or can determine this as a reviewer if it’s listed in an accessible service menu. Or in some cases by tearing down the monitor (I don’t do this).

[Skier]

If I decided to spend more to try and get into a 38″ instead of the 34″, any suggestion for a good value in that size?

[PCM2]

You’d be looking at a significant increase in price, especially if you wanted a higher refresh rate than 75Hz. Anything above 75Hz on a 3840 x 1600 monitor would be wasted with your current GPU setup so perhaps this restriction is fine. You’re passing into the price territory of curved high refresh rate IPS-type UltraWides such as the 34GN850 and AW3420DW, but you could consider something like the ASUS MX38VC mentioned over in this thread – focused more on the productivity side of things. Or a similar LG model with better ergonomics, like the 38WN75C.

[Riki]

First thanks for all the great reviews and advices.

I’m looking to change my old 24″ Philips monitor and I really don’t know what to choose.
I’ll prefer a 34″ curved monitor.
I’ll use it for work and for some gaming through Stadia.
I’ve got a couple of Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga, first and second gen that I use with a HDMI and USB KVM.
Most of the time I also use monitor integrated speakers for conferencing.

I’ve found that the Philips 346B1C has an integrated KVM but I’m not sure how it works cause it has only 1 HDMI. I suppose it will work with the 2nd gen Yoga with the USB-C/Thunderbolt3 connection for (audio, video, USB, power) and with the HDMI and USB connection for the 1gen of the Yoga.

I also checked AOC CU34G2X, MSI MAG341CQ and LG 38WN75C.

The LG38WN75C it’s now at 700€ on Amazon.it, I’ve found it following your advice about the LG 34GN850 that’s too much high price for me.

Could you give me a feedback about the KVM functionality of the Philips, if it’s worth the price or I’ll go on with my 30€ KVM and search for a better display. I’m going to search something around 300/500€ but also considering going to 700€ if it’s a big deal like the LG38WN75C (if it is).

Thanks again for your support

[PCM2]

The KVM functionality of the 346B1C is like most monitors with such a feature. It works by using the USB-C port as an upstream port in addition to the main USB upstream port. And you can switch between those for your ‘downstream’ peripherals connected to the monitor. The functionality is explored in the OSD video. I don’t have any detailed feedback on to give on the 38WN75C, but agree it’s a nice deal at that price if you feel you want to leverage the expansive on-screen real-estate. Then again even a 34″ 3440 x 1440 would be a significant upgrade from your current monitor, which is presumably Full HD. And it sounds like you like the functionality and other aspects of the Philips, which are of course covered in the review.

[elstevo]

Hi

Thanks again for the info, really helpful thread this. I’ve been searching for a good few days to try and find something workable around £5-600 34, IPS, curved, freesync,.I have managed to locate:

HP 34f around £499
Acer ED347CKR £370

The Acer appears to be somewhat older (around 2015). Other than the obvious is there anything to be concerned about when buying an older IPS panel such as this?

Thanks!

[PCM2]

Pixel responsiveness isn’t as good as the likes of the (flat) XR340CK and significantly weaker than the latest (curved) LG Nano IPS panels. But significantly improved compared to the competing VA options, still. You’re also stuck at 100Hz maximum, whilst it’s common to see ‘dynamic interlace pattern artifacts’ during motion. We describe these in our reviews or note their absence (example), they’re simply not something everyone will notice or is sensitive to. In terms of the core image performance, it’s similar to one of the ‘OG’ curved UltraWides we tested – the Acer XR341CK. Was reviewed a while back and not as comprehensive as our newer reviews, but you can expect a decent sRGB performance and the sort of strong colour consistency you’d expect from an IPS panel.

[PCM2]

The ASUS VG34VQL1B is a relevant and interesting addition to this thread. In contrast to the other 34″ VA options discussed, this one appears to use an AUO panel. More specifically the new AUO M340QVR01.0 that’s listed in this thread. Some things that stand out to me include that the monitor has a 4000:1 static contrast, 165Hz refresh rate and supports a 550 cd/m² typical maximum luminance. ASUS mentions variable overdrive on their product page, but its not clear how well that is implemented or how the overall responsiveness compares to the models using Samsung panel at this stage. I think it’s an interesting addition nonetheless and it will be nice to see this panel and other new AUO panels used on other new UltraWides.

Edit: Now confirmed the ASUS is based on a CSOT panel.

[Raspibit]

Hi again. Finally I was given the MSI but I had to return it due to poor panel uniformity (green tone on the left and top, pink tone on the right, low luminosity on the edges) so I’ve changed my mind and now I’d like to try with an IPS pannel: the Philips 288E2A, a €300 28″ 4K 60Hz IPS monitor. Would you recommend it to me or should I wait for newer panels to arrive? Any plans on reviewing it? I’ve seen something about an Innolux panel on this website but I don’t know much beyond its Amazon opinions. Thank you in advance.

[PCM2]

Due to lack of US availability at the moment, no current plans to review the Philips 288E2A/E. I’ve received some good positive feedback on the ASUS VG289Q which is based around the same panel, so the Philips is probably a pretty solid product. Might be worth having a go with it and seeing how you find it, you should find the consistency a lot better than the MSI simply due to the IPS-type panel.

[Author]

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