The Asus ROG Swift PG34WCDM is a groundbreaking 34-inch OLED gaming monitor that demands attention. While not the first in its category, it distinguishes itself by utilizing LG Display’s WOLED technology, finally pitting it against Samsung’s OLED in a head-to-head battle. Boasting unparalleled brightness for an OLED and a plethora of features, the PG34WCDM is undoubtedly impressive. However, its $1,300 price tag raises questions, especially considering the abundance of more affordable alternatives.
Asus ROG Swift PG34WCDM Specifications
| Feature | Asus ROG Swift PG34WCDM |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 34 inches |
| Panel Type | LG Display MLA OLED (WOLED) |
| Resolution | 3440 x 1440 |
| Peak Brightness | 450 nits (SDR) |
| HDR | DisplayHDR True Black 400 |
| Local Dimming | 4,954,600 zones |
| Contrast Ratio | 1,500,000:1 |
| Response Time | 0.03ms (GtG) |
| Refresh Rate | 240Hz |
| Curve | 800R |
| Speakers | N/A |
| Inputs | 2x HDMI 2.1, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x USB-C w/ 90W Power Delivery |
| Ports | 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1x USB 2.0 Type-A, 1x 3.5mm |
| Adjustments | 4.3 inches height, 25 degrees tilt, 30 degrees swivel |
| List Price | $1,300 |
Design and Ergonomics
The rear panel of the Asus ROG PG34WCDM showcasing its design.
The PG34WCDM inherits the signature ROG aesthetic with its sleek black frame and robust tripoint stand. This stand elevates the monitor, minimizing desk space intrusion, and projects a stylish ROG logo beneath the display. Complemented by customizable RGB lighting on the stand’s base and the rear logo, the PG34WCDM exemplifies Asus’ design prowess. While visually appealing, the stand’s adjustments are somewhat limited, offering height, tilt, and swivel, but lacking pivot functionality. Fortunately, a VESA mount option is available. A notable design element is the aggressive 800R curve, mirroring the LG UltraGear OLED 45. This pronounced curvature, while potentially immersive, might feel excessive for a 34-inch display, especially compared to the gentler 1800R curve found on alternatives like the Alienware 34 QD-OLED.
The ROG logo projected beneath the Asus Swift PG34WCDM.
Feature-Rich Functionality
The Swift logo prominently displayed on the ROG PG34WCDM.
Beyond its WOLED panel, the PG34WCDM offers a compelling feature set. The inclusion of a 90W power delivery USB-C port, integrated with a SmartKVM switch, facilitates seamless peripheral sharing and file transfer between two sources. While KVM switches are invaluable, their utility on ultrawide monitors is somewhat contingent on having dual 21:9 aspect ratio sources. Additional features include a quarter-inch tripod mount on the stand, a conveniently placed top-mounted USB port, and Black Frame Insertion (BFI), branded as Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB). While BFI enhances motion clarity, its practicality on the PG34WCDM is limited by constraints like reduced refresh rate, HDR and VRR incompatibility, and diminished brightness.
Connectivity and On-Screen Display
The intuitive on-screen display menu of the Asus ROG Swift PG34WCDM.
The PG34WCDM offers a comprehensive selection of ports, including USB-C with 90W power delivery, two HDMI 2.1 ports, and a DisplayPort 1.4 connection with Display Stream Compression (DSC), which can be disabled. While a DisplayPort 2.1 connection might be desired by some for uncompressed output, the existing configuration is robust. An integrated USB hub with USB 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 2.0 ports, along with optical audio and a 3.5mm headphone jack, complete the connectivity options. Asus further enhances the user experience with a highly customizable on-screen display (OSD) and the Asus DisplayWidget Center software, providing granular control over monitor settings directly from the desktop.
Visual Performance: Brightness vs. Color
An HDR demo showcasing the vibrant visuals of the PG34WCDM.
The PG34WCDM’s WOLED panel delivers exceptional brightness, reaching a peak of 1,139 nits in HDR, surpassing all other OLED monitors tested. This impressive brightness is maintained even at larger window sizes. However, achieving this peak requires careful configuration, as certain settings and profiles can significantly impact brightness output. In SDR mode, the monitor reaches a respectable 393 nits, ensuring comfortable viewing in well-lit environments. While brightness is a clear strength, color performance is slightly less remarkable. Covering 100% of sRGB, 96% of DCI-P3, and 89% of AdobeRGB, the PG34WCDM falls short of QD-OLED alternatives like the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 in terms of color gamut coverage and accuracy. The LG Display panel’s matte finish, while not detrimental, lacks the immediate visual impact of glossy-coated Samsung Display panels.
Another HDR demo highlighting the impressive brightness of the PG34WCDM.
Gaming Prowess and Ultrawide Immersion
Alan Wake 2 displayed on the Asus ROG Swift PG34WCDM.
The PG34WCDM is a gaming powerhouse, delivering stunning HDR visuals in titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Forza Horizon 5. Its 240Hz refresh rate, combined with low response times and G-Sync Compatible, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, and VESA AdaptiveSync certifications, ensures a buttery-smooth gaming experience. The 21:9 aspect ratio enhances immersion for PC gaming, although it can be less ideal for console use due to the resulting black bars.
Warranty and Burn-in Protection
Addressing the concern of OLED burn-in, Asus offers a two-year warranty covering this issue. The monitor also incorporates various burn-in prevention features, including a screen saver, pixel cleaning, pixel shifting, and automatic dimming for static logos. These measures, combined with the uniform brightness feature, should effectively mitigate burn-in risk for an extended period.
Conclusion: A Premium Choice with a Premium Price
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart gameplay displayed on the PG34WCDM.
The Asus ROG Swift PG34WCDM stands out with its unique combination of ultrawide aspect ratio, WOLED technology, and a 240Hz refresh rate. Its exceptional brightness and feature set make it a compelling option for PC gamers. However, the $1,300 price tag is a significant hurdle, especially when considering more affordable QD-OLED alternatives. While the PG34WCDM offers undeniable advantages, the value proposition needs careful consideration. It’s a monitor worth keeping on your radar, but a price drop or sale might make it a more justifiable purchase.
