Latest news with #AlienwareAW3425DW
Tom's Guide
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Whoa! Amazon just slashed $130 off one of my all-time favorite gaming monitors
I review the best gaming monitors for a living, and one of the monitors I'd place in the "legendary" category is the Alienware AW3423DWF. While it's since been updated with the Alienware AW3425DW, the original model is still great. And guess what? It's on sale at a fantastic price. Right now, Amazon is selling the Alienware AW3423DWF gaming monitor for $649. That's not the lowest price we've seen for this device, but you're still saving $132. If you want an immersive gaming experience or need the extra screen real estate a curved ultrawide monitor offers (or both), then this is a deal I highly recommend. (For more deals, check out our guide to the best early Prime Day deals). This amazing display is one of the best gaming monitors you can buy. Its 21:9 aspect ratio gives you a wider field of view in games — particularly useful for first-person shooters — and ultrawides remain great for productivity tasks, too. In our Alienware AW3423DWF gaming monitor review, we said contrast, color reproduction and screen uniformity on this Alienware are all first class, and you really can't beat OLED when it comes to black levels. Just bear in mind you're going to need a pretty big desk to accommodate this sensational screen. Like I said in my Alienware AW3423DWF review, this is an awesome gaming monitor for playing the best PC games. It delivers stunning contrast levels thanks to its impressive OLED black levels and the boosted brightness of its quantum dot panel. Games are not only bright and colorful, but you get a wider field of view thanks to the 21:9 aspect ratio. The curved panel is also very immersive, as is the sharp 3440 x 1440 resolution. This monitor also delivers performance that's as good as its picture quality. The 165Hz refresh rate and 0.1ms response time help games move smoothly and with no perceptible input lag. While the new AW3425DW offers a faster 240Hz refresh rate and lower 0.03ms response time, you likely won't be able to tell the difference unless you're a professional gamer. There aren't many drawbacks with this monitor, but it has one big potential flaw. Thanks to its 34-inch curved panel and wide stand, the AW3423DWF can take up a lot of space on your desk. If you have a smaller desk, this is something you'll need to take into account. Though its latest model is an improvement, the Alienware AW3423DWF is still a great device for most gamers. At this discounted price, it's even better. Make sure to get this gaming monitor while the deal lasts.
Tom's Guide
6 days ago
- Tom's Guide
I review gaming monitors, but I prefer playing games on my LG OLED TV — here's why
I've been a gamer for most of my life, and I've almost exclusively played games on a TV. This hasn't changed, even now that I review the best gaming monitors for a living. While these devices are specifically designed for playing games at the best possible resolution, refresh rate, and response time, I still default to playing on my current LG OLED. That's not to say I haven't seriously considered switching to a gaming monitor. Devices like the Alienware AW3425DW, LG UltraGear 32GS95UE-B, and Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 have tempted me. But while those gaming monitors offer better performance and lower response times, I'm not making the leap from TV to monitors for gaming. I currently own a 55-inch LG CX OLED TV, which I purchased back in 2020 for playing PS5 and the best PC games. Despite being outclassed by better TVs like the LG C5, this older TV still provides the bare minimum I need for gaming. This includes an OLED display, HDR10 support, 4K resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, HDMI 2.1 support, and a 1ms response time in gaming mode. I typically get new TVs when a new gaming generation starts, so I'll likely keep this TV until the PS6 launches. I'm not writing this article to change anyone's mind. If you prefer playing games on a gaming monitor, then you're arguably getting the better overall gaming experience. However, if you're like me and like playing games on a TV, I'm here to tell you that you're not alone. Here's why I prefer playing games on my LG OLED TV. Introduced in LG's 2025 TV lineup, the new LG C5 OLED is here as the value pick of the year. Offering a slew of features, like a range of HDR certifications and gaming specs for the PS5 Pro crowd, the C5 proves a major improvement over its predecessor. 48" for $1,39655" for $1,596 65" for $2,296 77" for $3,29683" for $5,296 Gaming monitors larger than 34 inches used to be rare, but that's no longer true thanks to giants like the 45-inch LG UltraGear 45GX950A-B and the even larger 57-inch Samsung Odyssey Neo G9. That said, monitors like these are generally curved and ultrawide. These gaming monitors can make gaming feel more immersive and are also fantastic for productivity. However, they don't always make for the best gaming experience. The main issue I have with ultrawide gaming monitors is that not all games, especially console titles, support ultrawide aspect ratios. PS5 games generally have a 16:9 aspect ratio, for instance. Because of that, you'll have empty space on the sides if you're connected to a 32:9 monitor. This is also true for the majority of video content. While playing games with an ultrawide aspect ratio can be extremely immersive, that's only for select games with ultrawide support. Though I purchased and primarily use my TV for gaming, I prefer its standard 16:9 aspect ratio and flat panel since it's ideal for most games and video content. Again, ultrawide curved gaming monitors are fantastic, but they're not the best for most of the games I play. Most of the gaming monitors I've tested don't have speakers. When they do, the sound quality isn't exactly ear-pleasing. Because of that, you'd need to use one of the best gaming headsets. While I have a handful of headsets myself, I only use them when in a game chat session with friends. Most of the time, I'm getting sound from my TV's speakers. Yes, headsets deliver better sound quality and can be more immersive, but I don't enjoy wearing them for longer than two hours. Since I'm not an audiophile and don't want to wear something on my head for too long, I'm fine with my TV's speakers. If I had a gaming monitor, I'd be forced to wear a gaming headset to get better sound, or sound at all. And since I'm sure some of you will ask, I don't use one of the best soundbars since I live in an apartment and don't want to annoy my neighbors. No matter how loud I turn up my TV's speakers, they won't match a soundbar's output. I only started playing PC games around ten years ago when I purchased my first true gaming rig. Before that, I only played on gaming consoles ranging from the original NES all the way to the PS4. Sitting in front of a TV with a controller in hand is my ideal experience, so when I began playing PC games, I made sure to replicate the console experience. Right now, I have my gaming and work PC connected to my LG CX. When I want to play a PC game, I simply select my TV as a display option, fire up a game, and play using one of the best PC game controllers. While there are more steps involved than when I play on PS5 or Nintendo Switch 2, the actual act of playing PC games is effectively the same as the console experience. You might wonder what I do when I want to play RTS or MMORPGs, which have control schemes generally designed for the best gaming keyboards and best gaming mice. The answer is that I don't play those genres. Remember, I come from a console gaming background, so I didn't grow up playing games like Command & Conquer or EverQuest. And while I appreciate mouse and keyboard controls, they still feel alien to me, even for games that are designed for them. If I could only play PC games while at my desk, I wouldn't be a PC gamer. I'll explain why in a bit, but regardless, when I play games on any platform, I want to do it the way I always have — in front of my TV as if I'm playing on a console. If you're a competitive gamer, then you absolutely need a gaming monitor. That's because they offer high refresh rates for smoother gameplay and lower response times to improve (or virtually eliminate) input lag. For example, monitors like the Alienware AW2524H can achieve an absurd 500Hz refresh rate and super-low 0.5ms response time. This is something unheard of for TVs. While higher refresh rates and low response times can help some people play better, the majority of folks won't notice an appreciable difference. I'm not saying that playing a game on a 240Hz and 0.03ms capable monitor won't make a difference in gaming. If you're a professional gamer, you might be capable of discerning between 240Hz and 480Hz. That's awesome, but I'm just a normal gamer and don't have that ability. Because of that, I don't need the performance a gaming monitor provides. This is the last point, but it's actually the main reason I prefer gaming on my TV over a gaming monitor. It's also a sentiment that many of my fellow gaming friends and colleagues also share. After spending 8+ hours a day at my desk, the last thing I want to do is remain at my desk to play video games. I live in a studio apartment, so designating different 'rooms' is important, even if they're artificial separations. Sure, I only move a few feet to the right when going from my desk to my TV, but doing so tells my brain that it's time to relax. If I were to stay at my desk to play games, I'd still think I was working. That might sound weird, but if you've ever lived in a studio apartment or small space, you'll understand. I sit about eight feet away from my TV, which is a good distance that allows me to comfortably see everything without straining my eyes. When working, my eyes are about an arm's length away from my monitor(s). I don't get eye strain during a typical 8-hour work day, but my eyes definitely feel worn out when I have to work longer. I can only imagine the kind of eye strain I'd have if I also played games at my desk. There are probably things I could do to minimize this, but why do that when I can just leave my desk to play games on my TV? Playing video games on a gaming monitor is arguably the best way to do so since that's what they're designed for. As a gaming monitor reviewer, I will always recommend these devices to serious gamers. As much as I love testing gaming monitors and appreciate what they can provide, I'd still rather play on my LG OLED. Not only does it deliver everything I want/need when gaming, but it gets me away from my work desk so I can truly relax. I'm not saying I'll never switch to a gaming monitor, but for now, I'm going to continue playing games the way I always have — on my TV.
Tom's Guide
26-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
I just tested the new Alienware 34 QD-OLED gaming monitor — and I'm in love
The Alienware AW3423DWF popularized QD-OLED technology for gaming displays and has long been in our best gaming monitors list. Its successor, the Alienware AW3425DW, has everything that made the original great, along with several key updates. The fact that it costs $799 only makes this device more irresistible. As before, you get a lovely 1800R curved panel with an ultrawide 21:9 aspect ratio. Now, the new monitor sports a flat stand that takes up less space than the previous model's triangle stand. It also looks gorgeous thanks to its 'interstellar indigo' chassis. Performance-wise, the AW3425DW can run at a smooth 240Hz refresh rate, which is a nice upgrade from its predecessors' 165Hz. Response time is now faster at 0.03ms, which is perfect for fast-paced first-person shooters or twitchy RTS games. Combine that with the sharp 1440p resolution and vivid colors, and you get a superlative gaming experience. Though I wish the Alienware AW3425DW had brighter HDR, that's about the only qualm I have with an otherwise incredible gaming monitor. For what it offers at such a relatively low cost compared to its competitors, the AW3425DW is an absolute winner. Find out why in my full review. Alienware 34 AW3425DW Price $799 Display 32-inches Resolution 3440 x 1440 Aspect ratio 21:9 Refresh rate 240Hz Response time 0.03ms Panel type QD-OLED Ports 1x DisplayPort, 2x HDMI, 1x USB-A, 1x USB-B, 1x USB-C Dimensions 32.05 x 14.23 x 4.38 inches (without stand) Weight 17.95 pounds (with stand) The Alienware AW3425DW is just about the perfect gaming monitor thanks to its sleek design, vivid picture quality and smooth gaming performance. The Alienware AW3425DW retains some aspects of its predecessors' design while updating others. This makes for a monitor that not only looks great but is practical for both gaming and everyday work. As before, the panel's 1800R curvature does an excellent job of immersing you in whatever games you're playing. I prefer this panel over the LG UltraGear 45GX950A-B's more aggressive 800R curved display. The 21:9 aspect ratio helps games feel more cinematic and gives you more space for apps and windows. Except for the iconic Alienware logo on the back, this monitor is free of embellishments. The logo has AlienFX lighting if you want the AW3425DW to have a little more flair. The panel measures 32.05 x 14.23 x 4.38 inches, and the whole thing weighs 17.9 pounds with the stand. That's not exactly small and light, but it's also not difficult to set up and move around. Instead of V-shaped legs, this monitor now has a flat stand that takes up considerably less space on your desk, allowing more room for the best gaming keyboards and best gaming mouse. The stand's shaft has a cutaway for cable management, which helps keep your desk tidy. Sure, the stand is now somewhat boring, but it makes keeping the monitor on your desk less cumbersome. And if that doesn't work for you, you can mount the monitor on your wall via the VESA mounts on its back. Like the previous model, you can raise or lower the screen across a span of 4.3 inches along the stand's shaft. You can also tilt it backward -5 degrees or forward up to 21 degrees. The screen also swivels 20 degrees both left and right. Tilting and swiveling the display to your preferred viewing angle is as seamless as before. You get a decent number of ports on the back. This includes a pair of HDMI 2.1 ports, a DisplayPort, one USB-A, one USB-B, and a lone USB-C port. There's an OSD (on-screen display) joystick near the ports, and you can use it to enter and navigate the monitor's display settings. The QD-OLED panel is the star of the show here. It delivers excellent contrast between dark and light elements, while the 1800R curvature keeps you immersed and focused. Combine that with the vivid colors and 21:9 aspect ratio, and you get a spectacular gaming experience. And don't worry that this isn't a 4K display, as everything looks gorgeous at 3,440 x 1,440 resolution. Trust me, your eyes won't be disappointed. I tested Doom: The Dark Ages and Cyberpunk 2077 on the AW3425DW and marveled at how amazing they appeared. This monitor generally delivers oversaturated colors, which makes the holograms and neon signs in Cyberpunk 2077 really pop. The 21:9 aspect ratio also ensures demons don't get the drop on me in Doom: The Dark Ages. Alienware AW3425DW HP Omen Transcend 32 LG UltraGear 32GS95UE-B sRGB 199.2% 187.6% 149.4% DCI-P3 141.1% 132.9% 105.8% Delta-E 0.24 0.29 0.31 Our lab tests confirm my anecdotal testing. In its standard display mode, the AW3425DW produces oversaturated colors (sRGB and DCI-P3), along with good color accuracy (Delta-E). The HP Omen Transcend 32 tends to deliver more oversaturated colors in its standard mode, but the LG UltraGear 32GS95UE-B has more accurate colors. The Alienware AW3425DW has 11 display modes, which is five more than the previous model. There are modes dedicated to game genres like FPS, RTS and Sports. The monitor also has a Creator mode, which has better color accuracy for video and photo editors. Except for the latter, the modes are only slightly different from one another, depending on their function. The AW3425DW performs like a dream thanks to its smooth 240Hz refresh rate and fast 0.03ms response time. These are both upgrades from the 165Hz and 0.1ms of the previous model. Compatibility with Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync also helps deliver smooth gaming performance. For my testing, I had the AW3425DW connected to the Alienware Area-51, which is a bad-ass gaming PC packing an Intel Core Ultra 9 CPU, an Nvidia RTX 5090 GPU and 64GB of RAM. Though you don't need such a powerful PC for the AW3425DW, having a beastly rig that can run games at high frame rates doesn't hurt. I reviewed Doom: The Dark Ages on a PS5 Pro, where the game tops out at 60 frames per second. I immediately felt the difference when playing it at around 230 fps on a monitor with a refresh rate to match. Not only was I playing better, but I also didn't experience a hint of screen tearing or choppiness. If there was any input lag, I didn't notice it. Needless to say, the AW3425DW performs phenomenally. The Alienware AW3425DW has the same basic interface as its predecessor. As before, the UI features a black and grey background along with blue and white lettering. This is where you'll find the display modes and a bunch of settings to adjust the lighting and more. There's a lot to sift through, but the clean UI makes it easy to find what you need. The OSD joystick used for sorting through menus is very responsive and easy to reach. It has a nice rigidity despite being so small. The Alienware AW3425DW has just about everything you'd want from a gaming monitor. However, it suffers from an issue that's typical for OLED monitors. If you've read any of my OLED gaming monitor reviews, you'll know my main complaint is their relatively dim HDR modes. While the AW3425DW has vivid colors and sharp picture quality, don't expect overly bright HDR. Alienware AW3425DW HP Omen Transcend 32 LG UltraGear 32GS95UE-B Nits (brightness) 227 (standard) | 270 (HDR) 245 (native) | 241 (HDR) 255.8 (standard) | 262 (HDR) In general, the AW3425DW delivers around 250 nits of HDR brightness across 100% of the screen. That's still good enough for everything to come across clearly, but it's not super bright overall. But to its credit, the panel can hit around 420 nits of brightness on 10% of the screen, which means you'll see good contrasts on brighter elements. This monitor's HDR brightness is not a deal breaker since it's in line with other OLED gaming monitors. That said, it would have been nice if the panel got a little brighter than the competition. The Alienware AW3425DW is a spectacular update to its predecessor. It retains the same excellent picture quality as before, but now has better performance and a more streamlined design. The fact that it only costs $799 is simply icing on the proverbial cake. However, if you're looking for a more affordable monitor with brighter HDR, the $599 Alienware 27 4K Dual-Resolution is a solid alternative. Similarly, the $729 LG UltraGear 45GR75DC is another great option if you want a larger 45-inch curved gaming monitor. Minor complaints aside, the Alienware AW3425DW is a superlative gaming monitor for just about anyone. If you don't want to break the bank on a monitor to pair with your PC or console, you won't go wrong with the AW3425DW.
