Best cheap, curved 1440p ultrawide monitor?

AusWolf · Sep 23, 2023

I don't know in which subforum monitors go, so I'll drop this here - mods, feel free to move it as appropriate.

So... which cheap, curved 1440p ultrawide monitor is the best?

So far, I've looked at these:

MSi PRO MP341CQ (seems nice),
MSi MAG 342CQPV (seems okay),
AOC CU34G2X (the HU review is a bit meh, but okay),
AOC CU34V5CW (I haven't found any review),
Samsung Odyssey LC34G55T (the HU review is quite positive about the colour space, just not the stand, which I don't care about too much as long as it does its job - a bit expensive, though).

It'll probably be a Christmas surprise from me to me (if I even decide to buy, which I might not), so there's no rush.

My preference is a VA panel, as the monitor will have to serve as close to a lifetime as possible, with no burn-in or discolouration over time.

The budget is around 350-400 Great British coins, so messages like "these are all crap, you should buy this $1000 model" will be ignored.

Thanks.

FoulOnWhite · Sep 23, 2023

I'm using a dell S3422DWG which is pretty good, I think there are some deals ATM on these. VA panel and 144hz if that is enough for you.
https://www.rtings.com/monitor/reviews/dell/s3422dwg

There is probably better monitors than this, but more likely cost more, and imo Dell are usually pretty good(or used to be)

Belfaborac · Sep 23, 2023

No knowledge of any of them, but I wholeheartedly endorse your Christmas wish. Moving to 1440UW was maybe the best move I've ever made in terms of gaming upgrades and I've no intension of going further until cards exist which can handle 4KUW at good native framerates.

I second the choice of a VA panel too, although my current OLED has zero indication of burn-in after 6+ months. My previous Acer VA UW was a really nice screen and if there was no OLED I would have been looking at VA myself.

AusWolf · Sep 23, 2023

FoulOnWhite said:
I'm using a dell S3422DWG which is pretty good, I think there are some deals ATM on these. VA panel and 144hz if that is enough for you.
https://www.rtings.com/monitor/reviews/dell/s3422dwg

There is probably better monitors than this, but more likely cost more, and imo Dell are usually pretty good(or used to be)

This looks nice too!

I used to have a Dell 1920x1200 monitor that I loved to bits - I gave it to my brother when I moved, otherwise, I'd still be using it.

I'll add this to the list.

FoulOnWhite · Sep 23, 2023

Belfaborac said:
No knowledge of any of them, but I wholeheartedly endorse your Christmas wish. Moving to 1440UW was maybe the best move I've ever made in terms of gaming upgrades and I've no intension of going further until cards exist which can handle 4KUW at good native framerates.

I second the choice of a VA panel too, although my current OLED has zero indication of burn-in after 6+ months. My previous Acer VA UW was a really nice screen and if there was no OLED I would have been looking at VA myself.

I would have gone for a OLED if i had the moulah, but got a good deal on this, and agree on the 1440UW, i will never go back to a normal monitor now.

There is a dell driver for this too which is a good thing

AusWolf · Sep 23, 2023

FoulOnWhite said:
I would have gone for a OLED if i had the moulah, but got a good deal on this, and agree on the 1440UW, i will never go back to a normal monitor now.

I don't want OLED because I'm scared of burn-in. I've had my current monitor for 7 years now, and I still wouldn't even remotely think of upgrading if it wasn't for UW.

FoulOnWhite · Sep 23, 2023

AusWolf said:
I don't want OLED because I'm scared of burn-in. I've had my current monitor for 7 years now, and I still wouldn't even remotely think of upgrading if it wasn't for UW.

OLED looks good i know, but can't complain at this at all.

Can get one on amazon with prime delivery but it's £429

AusWolf · Sep 23, 2023

FoulOnWhite said:
OLED looks good i know, but can't complain at this at all.

Can get one on amazon with prime delivery but it's £429

You mean the Dell? It's a bit of a stretch over the budget, but not I'm not against it if it's worth it over the other options.

It also says "AMD FreeSync Premium Pro". What's that? Also, how does its HDR work? The Samsung is also advertised as HDR-compatible, but it's really not according to the HU review.

Tatty_Two · Sep 23, 2023

My cousin has the Cooler Master GM34 CWQA model, he raves about it especially comparing it to his last 34 inch UW that failed out of warranty and cost over 200 quid more, TPU also has a review of it here ......... Cooler Master GM34-CWQ ARGB Review - Quantum Dots For the Win | TechPowerUp

There are other reviews out there but for £350 it's worth considering IMO (it was released considerably pricier)

CMI-GM34-CWQA-EK, Cooler Master CMI-GM34-CWQA 34" | Box.co.uk

Remeca · Sep 23, 2023

FoulOnWhite said:
I'm using a dell S3422DWG which is pretty good, I think there are some deals ATM on these. VA panel and 144hz if that is enough for you.
https://www.rtings.com/monitor/reviews/dell/s3422dwg

There is probably better monitors than this, but more likely cost more, and imo Dell are usually pretty good(or used to be)

I've had good experiences over the long term with their desktop monitors, but the opposite with their laptop screens. Not sure what's up with that.

AusWolf · Sep 23, 2023

Tatty_Two said:
My cousin has the Cooler Master GM34 CWQA model, he raves about it especially comparing it to his last 34 inch UW that failed out of warranty and cost over 200 quid more, TPU also has a review of it here ......... Cooler Master GM34-CWQ ARGB Review - Quantum Dots For the Win | TechPowerUp

There are other reviews out there but for £350 it's worth considering IMO (it was released considerably pricier)

CMI-GM34-CWQA-EK, Cooler Master CMI-GM34-CWQA 34" | Box.co.uk

It seems great, except for the ARGB, which I'm allergic to when it comes to peripherals.

FoulOnWhite said:
I'm using a dell S3422DWG which is pretty good, I think there are some deals ATM on these. VA panel and 144hz if that is enough for you.
https://www.rtings.com/monitor/reviews/dell/s3422dwg

There is probably better monitors than this, but more likely cost more, and imo Dell are usually pretty good(or used to be)

Picture-in-picture mode using two separate sources at the same time? Oh my God, I want this NOW!

Beginner Micro Device · Sep 23, 2023

AusWolf said:
ARGB, which I'm allergic to

But that's insane. ARGB is meant to be configurable. Switching it off is not a problem. It's FRGB which commits some X-mas tree (pun intended) want you that or not.

Can't help you with the purchase because I'm extremely allergic to curved models. I sit twice as far as people who are the target audience of curved displays. All curved displays deliver worst image quality possible if you are 4+ feet afar.

As far as I heard though, Xiaomi displays seem to be a reasonable choice since you're not willing to pay a fortune.

AusWolf · Sep 23, 2023

Beginner Micro Device said:
But that's insane. ARGB is meant to be configurable. Switching it off is not a problem. It's FRGB which commits some X-mas tree (pun intended) want you that or not.

True, but don't you need software to disable it and make sure it stays disabled?

Beginner Micro Device · Sep 23, 2023

AusWolf said:
True, but don't you need software to disable it and make sure it stays disabled?

Sometimes you can disable this feature in the monitor menu. Got no clue about the display in question though.

Belfaborac · Sep 23, 2023

That's something I would certainly check before buying. I would find it unacceptable not to be able to turn RGB off in the settings.

wNotyarD · Sep 23, 2023

AusWolf said:
I don't want OLED because I'm scared of burn-in. I've had my current monitor for 7 years now, and I still wouldn't even remotely think of upgrading if it wasn't for UW.

Can't say about 7 years, but I have an LG 48C1 OLED TV (not as my PC monitor, mind it) for 2 years already and it doesn't show any signs of deterioration. I just love it.

Remeca · Sep 23, 2023

wNotyarD said:
Can't say about 7 years, but I have an LG 48C1 OLED TV (not as my PC monitor, mind it) for 2 years already and it doesn't show any signs of deterioration. I just love it.

My Zune HD has had pretty regular use for over 10 years with no screen burn and is bright as ever (which wasn't great to start). That's a Samsung OLED screen.

jallenlabs · Sep 23, 2023

I have a Viotek 144hz 3440x1440p. Had it a couple years. Great screen for the money.

Tatty_Two · Sep 23, 2023

AusWolf said:
True, but don't you need software to disable it and make sure it stays disabled?

The TPU review of the monitor I linked states:

"The RGB LEDs require a Micro-USB connection with the PC to work. The appropriate connector is on the rear of the base. Cooler Master offers the MasterPlus app to control the lighting effects (Spectrum, Reload, Recoil, Breathing, Refill, and Custom). The app also lets you turn the LEDs off, although if that's your choice, it's simpler to disconnect the stand from the PC by cutting the power to the LED strip."

So you can either just not connect the Micro-USB and you will get no ARGB, then you don't even need to install the app to control it/switch it off.

FoulOnWhite · Sep 23, 2023

AusWolf said:
It seems great, except for the ARGB, which I'm allergic to when it comes to peripherals.

Picture-in-picture mode using two separate sources at the same time? Oh my God, I want this NOW!

Not tried the PIP but it is pretty cool i guess.

AusWolf · Sep 24, 2023

Tatty_Two said:
The TPU review of the monitor I linked states:

"The RGB LEDs require a Micro-USB connection with the PC to work. The appropriate connector is on the rear of the base. Cooler Master offers the MasterPlus app to control the lighting effects (Spectrum, Reload, Recoil, Breathing, Refill, and Custom). The app also lets you turn the LEDs off, although if that's your choice, it's simpler to disconnect the stand from the PC by cutting the power to the LED strip."

So you can either just not connect the Micro-USB and you will get no ARGB, then you don't even need to install the app to control it/switch it off.

That's great to know, thanks!

FoulOnWhite said:
Not tried the PIP but it is pretty cool i guess.

I tend to get computers for troubleshooting from friends and colleagues from time to time. Right now, I'm using a HDMI splitter, which is not a perfect solution, as the display disconnects from my PC when I'm switching sources, which completely messes up the window positions on my dual screen setup (I have a 7" "diagnostic" screen). PIP would solve this issue. Right now, this makes the Dell my top choice, overtaking the Samsung with its 1000R curve.

FoulOnWhite · Sep 24, 2023

AusWolf said:
You mean the Dell? It's a bit of a stretch over the budget, but not I'm not against it if it's worth it over the other options.

It also says "AMD FreeSync Premium Pro". What's that? Also, how does its HDR work? The Samsung is also advertised as HDR-compatible, but it's really not according to the HU review.

The monitor works fine with my Nvidia GPU so i think it is GSYNC compatible as long as having premium pro, not tried HDR

Chomiq · Sep 24, 2023

I'll just leave this here:
https://www.reddit.com/r/ultrawidemasterrace/comments/t4npjg

FoulOnWhite · Sep 24, 2023

Chomiq said:
I'll just leave this here:
https://www.reddit.com/r/ultrawidemasterrace/comments/t4npjg

I have had mine ages now and have never seen anything like this. He also has a gtx1080, mine is a rtx3080, could be his gtx1080 causing his issue

Outback Bronze · Sep 24, 2023

Got the G34WQC myself. Been good for the last couple of years. Haven't noticed any issues in game or picture quality yet.

System Name	Nebulon-B Mk. 4
Processor	AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
Motherboard	MSi PRO B650M-A WiFi
Cooling	be quiet! Dark Rock 4
Memory	2x 24 GB Corsair Vengeance EXPO DDR5-6000
Video Card(s)	Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 7800 XT
Storage	2 TB Corsair MP600 GS, 2 TB Corsair MP600 R2, 4 + 8 TB Seagate Barracuda 3.5"
Display(s)	Dell S3422DWG, 7" Waveshare touchscreen
Case	Kolink Citadel Mesh black
Power Supply	Seasonic Prime GX-750
Mouse	Logitech MX Master 2S
Keyboard	Logitech G413 SE
Software	Windows 10 Pro
Benchmark Scores	Cinebench R23 single-core: 1,800, multi-core: 18,000. Superposition 1080p Extreme: 9,900.

System Name	BigRed
Processor	I7 12700k
Motherboard	Asus Rog Strix z690-A WiFi D4
Cooling	Noctua D15s
Memory	TEAM GROUP 32GB DDR4 4000C16 B die
Video Card(s)	MSI RTX 3080 Gaming Trio X 10GB
Storage	Crucial P5 500GB PCIe M.2/WD SN850X 4TB PCIe M.2/WD SN850X 2TB PCIe M.2
Display(s)	Dell s3422dwg 34" 3440x1440p 144hz ultrawide
Case	Corsair 7000D
Audio Device(s)	Topping D10s DAC/PCamp TC 1680 AMP/MS M10 Speakers/Bowers and Wilkins P7 Headphones
Power Supply	Corsair RM850x 80% gold
Mouse	Logitech G604 wireless
Keyboard	Logitech G413 carbon
Software	Windows 10 Pro
Benchmark Scores	Who cares

Processor	AMD Ryzen 7900X
Motherboard	MSI MPG X670E Carbon WiFi
Cooling	Custom Loop (Watercool/HWLabs)
Memory	G.Skill Trident Z5 DDR5-6000 64GB (F5-6000J3040G32GX2-TZ5K)
Video Card(s)	Gainward RTX 4090 Phantom GS
Storage	7 x M.2, 4 x SSD, 2 x HDD.
Display(s)	Alienware AW3423DW
Case	Corsair 7000D Airflow
Audio Device(s)	Logitech Z207, Shanling UA1 Plus
Power Supply	Corsair HX1200
Mouse	Logitech MX Master
Keyboard	Logitech k360
Software	Windows 11 Pro
Benchmark Scores	None, but I think they'd be fairly decent.

System Name	Nebulon-B Mk. 4
Processor	AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
Motherboard	MSi PRO B650M-A WiFi
Cooling	be quiet! Dark Rock 4
Memory	2x 24 GB Corsair Vengeance EXPO DDR5-6000
Video Card(s)	Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 7800 XT
Storage	2 TB Corsair MP600 GS, 2 TB Corsair MP600 R2, 4 + 8 TB Seagate Barracuda 3.5"
Display(s)	Dell S3422DWG, 7" Waveshare touchscreen
Case	Kolink Citadel Mesh black
Power Supply	Seasonic Prime GX-750
Mouse	Logitech MX Master 2S
Keyboard	Logitech G413 SE
Software	Windows 10 Pro
Benchmark Scores	Cinebench R23 single-core: 1,800, multi-core: 18,000. Superposition 1080p Extreme: 9,900.

System Name	BigRed
Processor	I7 12700k
Motherboard	Asus Rog Strix z690-A WiFi D4
Cooling	Noctua D15s
Memory	TEAM GROUP 32GB DDR4 4000C16 B die
Video Card(s)	MSI RTX 3080 Gaming Trio X 10GB
Storage	Crucial P5 500GB PCIe M.2/WD SN850X 4TB PCIe M.2/WD SN850X 2TB PCIe M.2
Display(s)	Dell s3422dwg 34" 3440x1440p 144hz ultrawide
Case	Corsair 7000D
Audio Device(s)	Topping D10s DAC/PCamp TC 1680 AMP/MS M10 Speakers/Bowers and Wilkins P7 Headphones
Power Supply	Corsair RM850x 80% gold
Mouse	Logitech G604 wireless
Keyboard	Logitech G413 carbon
Software	Windows 10 Pro
Benchmark Scores	Who cares

Best cheap, curved 1440p ultrawide monitor?

AusWolf

FoulOnWhite

Belfaborac

AusWolf

FoulOnWhite

AusWolf

FoulOnWhite

AusWolf

Tatty_Two

Gone Fishing

Remeca

AusWolf

Beginner Micro Device

AusWolf

Beginner Micro Device

Belfaborac

wNotyarD

Remeca

jallenlabs

Tatty_Two

Gone Fishing

FoulOnWhite

AusWolf

FoulOnWhite

Chomiq

FoulOnWhite

Outback Bronze

Moderator

Processor	Rocket Lake Core i5 11600K @ 5 Ghz with PL tweaks
Motherboard	MSI MAG Z490 TOMAHAWK
Cooling	Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120SE + 4 Phanteks 140mm case fans
Memory	32GB (4 x 8GB SR) Patriot Viper Steel 4133Mhz DDR4 @ 3600Mhz CL14@1.45v Gear 1
Video Card(s)	Asus Dual RTX 4070 OC
Storage	WD Blue SN550 1TB M.2 NVME//Crucial MX500 500GB SSD (OS)
Display(s)	AOC Q2781PQ 27 inch Ultra Slim 2560 x 1440 IPS
Case	Phanteks Enthoo Pro M Windowed - Gunmetal
Audio Device(s)	Onboard Realtek ALC1200/SPDIF to Sony AVR @ 5.1
Power Supply	Seasonic CORE 650w Gold Semi modular
Mouse	Coolermaster Storm Octane wired
Keyboard	Element Gaming Carbon Mk2 Tournament Mech
Software	Win 10 Home x64

System Name	myPC
Processor	i5-11600k @ stock
Motherboard	Asus TUF Z590 Gaming Plus
Cooling	Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE
Memory	Corsair Vengeance LPX 2x8GB DDR4 3200
Video Card(s)	Asus Dual RTX 3060 ti
Storage	Boot: WD Black SN770 1TB - Game Storage: WD Black SN770 2TB - Other Storage: 4TB
Display(s)	Samsung Odyssey G5 curved 27" 1440p 144hz
Case	Thermaltake v100 perforated
Audio Device(s)	Some headphones and some speakers
Power Supply	Gigabyte UD750GM
Mouse	Logitech G203
Keyboard	Redragon K509
Software	W11 Pro

System Name	DLSS
Processor	i5-12400F
Motherboard	Gigabyte B760M DS3H
Cooling	Liquid metal under the IHS + Laminar RM1
Memory	2x8 GB
Video Card(s)	RX 6700 XT [main] / RX 480 8 GB Reference [backup]
Storage	More than enough.
Display(s)	Compit HA2704 / Viewsonic VX3276-MHD-2
Case	None.
Audio Device(s)	Want loud, use headphones. Want quiet, use satellites.
Power Supply	Gerrymandering.
Mouse	Don't disturb, cheese eating in progress...
Keyboard	Makes some noise. Probably onto something.
VR HMD	I live in real reality and don't need a virtual one.
Software	Windows 10 and 11

System Name	G-Station 1.15
Processor	AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
Motherboard	Gigabyte X470 Aorus Gaming 7 Wi-Fi
Cooling	DeepCool AK620 Digital
Memory	Asgard Bragi DDR4-3600CL14 2x16GB
Video Card(s)	Sapphire Pulse RX 7900 XTX
Storage	240GB Samsung 840 Evo, 1TB Asgard AN2, 320GB+1TB 7200RPM HDD
Display(s)	Aorus CV27Q
Case	Thermaltake Level 20 MT
Audio Device(s)	Astro A40 TR + MixAmp
Power Supply	EVGA 750 GQ
Mouse	Razer Viper Ultimate
Keyboard	Razer Huntsman Elite (Red)
Software	Windows 11 Pro

System Name	Core
Processor	Intel 12700k
Motherboard	ASRock z690 Extreme
Cooling	Artic Cooling Freezer 420 AiO
Memory	GSkill 32GB 3600mhz Cas 18
Video Card(s)	Nvidia RTX 3090 FE
Storage	Optane 900p x1, SK Hynix p41 Pro
Display(s)	ACER 250hz 1080p 25" IPS display
Case	Phanteks Evolve X with all Noctua Redux fans
Audio Device(s)	Schiit Dac, SMSL and Yamaha amps with Polk Audio speakers and Altec Lanzing THX sub
Power Supply	EVGA 1300w Plat.+
Mouse	Corsair Sabre Champion
Keyboard	Corsair mech
Software	Win 11 Pro
Benchmark Scores	3dmark TimeSpy 20240

Processor	Ryzen 7 5800X
Motherboard	Gigabyte X570 Aorus Elite
Cooling	BeQuiet Dark Rock 4
Memory	2x16 GB Crucial Ballistix 3600 CL16 Rev E @ 3800 CL16
Video Card(s)	RTX3080 Ti FE
Storage	SX8200 Pro 1 TB, Plextor M6Pro 256 GB, WD Blue 2TB
Display(s)	LG 34GN850B
Case	SilverStone Primera PM01 RGB
Audio Device(s)	SoundBlaster G6 \| Fidelio X2 \| Sennheiser 6XX
Power Supply	SeaSonic Focus Plus Gold 750W
Mouse	Endgame Gear XM1R
Keyboard	Wooting Two HE

System Name	Everyday
Processor	13900KS w.c.
Motherboard	Z790 Hero
Cooling	Custom Water
Memory	32GB Hynix
Video Card(s)	Zotac 4080 w.c.
Storage	2TB Kingston KC3K
Display(s)	Gigabyte 34" Curved
Case	Corsair 460X
Audio Device(s)	Onboard
Power Supply	PCIe5 850w
Mouse	Asus
Keyboard	Corsair
Software	Win 11
Benchmark Scores	Cool n Quiet.

Best cheap, curved 1440p ultrawide monitor?

Gone Fishing

​

Gone Fishing

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