MSI’s MPG 321URX QD-OLED monitor underwent a rigorous burn-in test over 15 months, simulating everyday use. The results reveal minimal effects of burn-in, thanks to advanced OLED protection features like OLED Care, making it a solid choice for both gaming and content creation.
While OLED technology is known for its vulnerability to image burn-in, manufacturers like MSI have introduced solutions that help extend the lifespan of these displays.
The test, conducted by Monitors Unboxed, aimed to push the monitor to its limits with 8-hour daily usage, static apps, and brightness set to 200 nits. They also ran Windows 11 in light mode with a dark taskbar, further intensifying the potential for burn-in. The outcome? For the first 2–3 months, no noticeable burn-in was observed
. After six months, some mild burn-in appeared, but it was mostly imperceptible unless carefully inspected.
At the 9-12 month mark, the burn-in became more apparent, with a distinct mark from the taskbar and a noticeable middle line from snapping applications. However, even at 15 months, the burn-in wasn’t an issue for most users, especially those who use dynamic visuals, like gamers. The cumulative burn-in effect is gradual, and while the monitor might show noticeable signs after 15 months of heavy static use, it’s not something that will drastically impact normal usage.
The conclusion drawn by Monitors Unboxed is that, under the worst-case scenario, the MSI QD-OLED monitor should last around three years before burn-in becomes more prominent. This is significantly less than the lifespan of traditional LCDs, but the MSI monitor’s OLED protection means that burn-in won’t be as severe as in the test. For gamers who use dynamic visuals, this should be a non-issue, while content creators who rely on static apps may need to consider the potential lifespan of around 2-3 years. However, with the right care, it could last even longer.