MSI MAG QD-OLED with firmware updates after all
The company faces criticism after not providing updates for its cheapest QD-OLED monitor line.
When we learned about MSI’s strange decision not to provide updates for its MAG monitors, we decided to share this story. This was initially stated by an MSI product manager on Reddit in response to the community. While we do not believe that our story was the sole reason MSI changed its course, we do believe it triggered a series of reports by other media, which eventually led to MSI adding firmware updates to the series.
All modern gaming monitors should support firmware updates, and by releasing a large update for another QD-OLED monitor from the MPG series, MSI has confirmed that this feature is essential for such an expensive product. After all, the MAG monitor is still a $900 device.
The good news is that the company has just announced it will support updates for two of its MAG monitors.
- MAG 321UPX QD-OLED
- MAG 271QPX QD-OLED
The first monitor is the one that gained most attention: the MAG 321UPX. The reason is simple: MSI has three nearly identical monitors with the exact same panel. MSI’s lineup is divided into three tiers: MAG (entry-level), MPG (mainstream), and MEG (enthusiasts). The latter has not yet been released but was showcased at MSI’s booth during the recent Computex expo.
All three monitors feature a 31.5″ QD-OLED panel with 4K resolution and 240 Hz refresh rate support. Essentially, they are the same monitors, but the MPG 321URX included software updates, USB Type-A ports, Mystic RGB light support and so on, all features the MPG 321UPX does not have. The MAG series goes further by supporting newer DisplayPorts and adding some AI features.
So MSI announced that 27 inch and 32 inch MAG monitors will support the firmware update. But it only works if the monitor shipped with a newer firmware already. Otherwise customers will have to visit or send the monitor to MSI servicing center where updates will be performed for them (only once).
Firmware version, Source: MSI
According to TFT Central, all MAG monitors shipped in Europe will have the newer firmware and will not require customers to visit a service center. However, customers in other regions will need to check if their monitor has the new firmware version. If not, servicing may be required to enable updates.
- 27” MAG 271QPX requires firmware FW.012 or newer
- 32” MAG 321UPX requires firmware FW.015 or newer
As mentioned, the MAG monitor doesn’t have a USB Type-A or B connector, so how are updates even possible? Technically, the monitor has USB Type-C but as it turns out you don’t need USB at all, as this is performed using a DisplayPort connection and a special utility. The only requirement is a DisplayPort cable without any adapters in between (it must be a direct GPU-to-monitor connection).
MSI MAG QD-OLED update tool, Source: TFT Central
What did the first firmware update include? It corrected translation errors in the menu, added updates for the scaler firmware, and improved HDMI CEC functionality. Although the list of changes is brief, these updates are essential. MSI plans to release more firmware updates in the future, with this being the first minor update. The next firmware release is expected around mid-July, according to TFT Central.
| MSI 4K 32″ QD-OLED Series | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| VideoCardz.com | MEG 321URX QD-OLED | MPG 321URX QD-OLED | MAG 321UPX QD-OLED |
| Picture |  |  |  |
| Panel Size | 31.5″ Flat QD-OLED | 31.5″ Flat QD-OLED | 31.5″ Flat QD-OLED |
| Panel Resolution | 3840×2160 (UHD) 16:9 | 3840×2160 (UHD) 16:9 | 3840×2160 (UHD) 16:9 |
| Typical Brightness (nits) | 250 nits (1000 nits peak) | 250 nits (1000 nits peak) | 250 nits |
| Refresh Rate | 240Hz 0.03ms (GtG) | 240Hz 0.03ms (GtG) | 240Hz 0.03ms (GtG) |
| Dynamic Refresh Rate | AMD FreeSync™ Premium Pro | AMD FreeSync™ Premium Pro | Adaptive-Sync |
| VRR Range | 48 ~ 240Hz | 48 ~ 240Hz | 48 ~ 240Hz |
| HDR Support | DisplayHDR True Black 400 | DisplayHDR True Black 400 | DisplayHDR True Black 400 |
| Video ports | 1 x DisplayPort 2.1 2 x HDMI™ 2.1 (4K@240Hz) 1 x Type-c (DP alt.) w/PD 90W | 1 x DisplayPort 1.4a 2 x HDM 2.1 (4K@240Hz) 1 x Type-c (DP alt.) w/PD 90W | 1x Display Port (1.4a) 2x HDMI 2,1 (4K@240Hz) 1x Type-C (DP alt.) w/ PD 15W charging |
| USB ports | 2x USB 2.0 Type-A 1 x USB 2.0 Type-B | 2 x USB 2.0 Type-A 1 x USB 2.0 Type-B | N/A |
| Adobe RGB / DCI-P3 / sRGB | 97% / 99% / 138% | 97% / 99% / 138% | 97.5%/99%/138.2% |
| Surface Treatment | Anti-Reflection | Anti-Reflection | Anti-Reflection |
| Dimension (W x D x H) | TBC | 718 x 242 x 483 mm 718 x 69 x 418 mm (without stand) | 717 x 242 x 457 mm 717 x 72 x 419 mm (without stand) |
| AI Skysight | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Software Updates | ✅ | ✅ | Requires FW.012 or newer Uses DisplayPort |
| MSRP | ~$1,699 | $949 | $899 |
| Warranty (including burn-in) | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years |
Source: MSI , TFT Central