The review
The Asus PG34WCDM monitor introduces the second generation WOLED panel from LG, marking a departure from the conventional QD-OLED panels predominantly sourced from Samsung. This development positions the PG34WCDM as the initial product to incorporate this advanced panel technology. The LG WOLED panel offers distinct features compared to the QD-OLED counterparts, including an aggressive 800R curvature, a matte finish, and enhanced frame rates. This monitor’s introduction raises questions about its performance relative to existing QD-OLED monitors and whether the technological enhancements can justify its pricing, which remains higher than many competitors. Given its pioneering technology and comprehensive feature set, the Asus PG34WCDM is positioned to challenge the current market dominated by QD-OLED displays. This monitor is particularly suited for users seeking cutting-edge technology with enhanced visual performance and extensive connectivity options. The PG34WCDM could potentially influence future trends in monitor technology, especially in how WOLED panels are perceived against the established QD-OLED technology. Unlike Quantum Dot OLED (QD-OLED) monitors, which cap at a maximum refresh rate of 175Hz, the PG34WCDM supports a higher refresh rate of 240Hz. Achieving this high refresh rate requires a robust computer setup, particularly a high-end graphics card capable of rendering 240 frames per second. The high refresh rate and advanced capabilities mark the PG34WCDM as a premium component in a sophisticated gaming system.
The technical specifications of the Asus PG34WCDM are as follows:
- Display Size and Type: 34-inch WOLED panel with a 21:9 aspect ratio.
- Screen Curvature: 800R, providing a more immersive viewing experience.
- Surface Treatment: Matte coating to reduce glare and reflections.
- Resolution: 3440 × 1440 pixels, which equates to a pixel density of 110 pixels per inch (ppi).
- Brightness: Standard brightness is rated at 275 nits across the full screen, with a peak brightness of 450 nits for Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) content.
- Refresh Rate: 240 Hertz, suitable for high-speed gaming and smooth video playback.
- Response Time: Ultra-fast 0.03 milliseconds from grey to grey, minimizing motion blur and ghosting in dynamic images.
- Color Accuracy: Coverage includes 100% of the sRGB and 99% of the DCI-P3 color spaces, ensuring vivid and accurate color reproduction.
- Connectivity Options: Includes HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4 with Display Stream Compression (DSC), and USB-C, facilitating a wide range of input sources and streamlined connectivity.
The PG34WCDM is designed to cater to both general and gaming-specific needs. The monitor’s functionalities are particularly beneficial for fast-paced gaming genres such as shooters and strategy games, where rapid response times are crucial. OLED technology plays a key role here, offering response times below one millisecond. A distinctive feature of the PG34WCDM is its motion blur reduction function, which is operational exclusively at 120Hz and is not supported when gaming on consoles. This feature is unique among OLED monitors and enhances clarity during rapid movement scenes in games. Initial tests of the monitor straight from the box indicated that the default settings do not optimize color accuracy, although the performance remains strong. The monitor also supports High Dynamic Range (HDR) color reproduction, delivering robust color quality. While it does not achieve the peak brightness levels of top-tier LCD monitors, OLED displays generally exhibit lower brightness.
| Asus ROG Swift
PG34WCDM |
|
| Screen size | 34 inches |
| Panel type | 2nd-gen W-OLED (LG) |
| Resolution | 3440 × 1440 |
| Peak brightness | Standard brightness is rated at 275 nits across the full screen peak brightness of 450 nits for Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) content. |
| HDR | Yes |
| Contrast ratio | 1,500,000:1 |
| Response time | 0.03ms (GtG) |
| Refresh rate | 240Hz |
| Curve | 800R |
| Speakers | N |
| Inputs | 2x HDMI 2.1, 1x DisplayPort 1.4 |
| Ports | USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen Type-C w/ 90W power delivery |
| List price | $1,399 |