
Recent tests conducted by Monitors Unboxed on modern QD-OLED gaming monitors indicate that these devices generally show solid performance and are less susceptible to burn-in issues compared to their predecessors.
MSI’s 4K QD-OLED Monitor: An In-Depth Burn-in Analysis
Image burn-in remains a significant drawback for OLED technology, which often leads to shorter lifespans when compared with traditional LCD panels. Acknowledging this, many manufacturers are integrating advanced burn-in protection measures to enhance the longevity of their OLED monitors. The primary factor contributing to image burn-in is the presence of static images, which adversely affect OLED displays more than dynamic visuals.

To thoroughly investigate this concern, Monitors Unboxed subjected the MSI MPG 321URX monitor to a comprehensive evaluation over a period of 15 months. This analysis was particularly focused on scenarios where static images are commonly displayed. Notably, the testing regime was designed to exaggerate the potential for burn-in by predominantly running static applications for eight hours daily, seven days a week.
The monitor was tested with a brightness setting of 200 nits while operating in Windows 11 light mode, featuring a dark taskbar. Remarkably, the results showed no visible signs of burn-in within the first couple of months. However, after approximately six months of continuous use, slight burn-in began to emerge, though it was only discernible upon close inspection.

Throughout the test, the dark taskbar left a subtle imprint on the screen. The most prominent evidence of burn-in appeared as a middle line, which resulted from snapping an application to the right side of the monitor. Over the course of nine to twelve months, this effect became somewhat more noticeable, culminating in clear evidence of burn-in after 15 months. However, this burn-in was not particularly bothersome unless the display predominantly showed green hues or utilized filters to enhance visibility.
This examination illustrates a gradual and cumulative burn-in effect that progresses visibly only when static images are shown consistently for extended periods. Monitors Unboxed estimates that under these challenging conditions, the QD-OLED MSI monitor could maintain functionality for up to three years. While this lifespan is notably less than that of LCDs, the inclusion of OLED protection features in the MSI QD-OLED MPG 321URX implies that burn-in may be less conspicuous than the test results might suggest.
For gamers, the impact of burn-in is minimal due to the fast-moving visuals typical in gaming contexts. In contrast, content creators relying on static applications, such as Adobe Premiere Pro, might find that the longevity of modern OLED monitors comfortably spans two to three years.
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