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With the graphics and display hardware currently available, it’s difficult to buy or build a gaming PC without some compromise. 4K delivers the sharpest picture, but you sacrifice frame rates. You can run at some ridiculous speeds with a 360 or 500 Hz monitor but then you give up resolution. And putting two premium monitors on your desk runs up the bill even more.
Alienware has found a great balance by employing some simple math. 4K has four times the number of pixels as Full HD. That means it can engineer a monitor that runs both resolutions by doubling the refresh rate and halving the pixel count. It is truly two monitors in one.
The AW2725QF truly delivers a lot for $600. You get superior pixel density in 4K, 163ppi for the 27-inch screen. 180 Hz is faster than many 4K displays and coupled with a precise overdrive, a premium system can drive it smoothly and with low input lag. And when you want even more performance, two clicks of the OSD joystick makes a quick and seamless change to FHD and 360 Hz where you’ll enjoy even smoother motion and no perceptible input lag. In the video processing metric, it's a win-win.
The AW2725QF also delivers an excellent image with good SDR contrast and excellent HDR contrast. The 24-zone dimming edge backlight hit over 11,200:1 in my tests which puts it ahead of nearly all edge-backlit screens and within striking distance of many Mini LEDs. To see better, you’ll have to spend a lot more money. I also noted very accurate color with calibration. And even in its out-of-box mode, the picture is very colorful and satisfying.
The Alienware AW2725QF presents an effective and innovative solution to the issue of balance between display and video card. It’s versatile enough to be paired with gaming systems that cover a wide range of costs. And at $600, it’s priced below premium Mini LED and OLED monitors. At this point in time, it has no real competition. Definitely check it out.
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