Alienware AW3423DW Gaming Monitor Review: QD-OLED Impresses

Curved with 175 Hz, G-Sync, HDR, extended color and infinite contrast.

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Alienware AW3423DW
Editor's Choice
(Image: © Tom's Hardware)

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Uncalibrated – Maximum Backlight Level

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Alienware AW3423DW
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

Alienware claims 250 nits peak in the AW3423DW’s SDR mode, and I achieved close to that with a 247.9610 score. That’s enough light for any indoor environment though you’ll want to avoid the brightest spaces and sunlit windows. Black levels cannot be measured as the panel is essentially turned off, so contrast is theoretically infinite. It cannot be measured by any instruments currently in existence. The same story is true for the Aorus FO48U.

After Calibration to 200 nits

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Alienware AW3423DW
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

Calibration doesn’t change the contrast results. Both OLEDs have no measurable black levels and therefore, infinite dynamic range. No LCD can even come close in this test. Because the black levels cannot be measured, there is no way to determine an OLED panel’s ANSI contrast either.

Christian Eberle
Christian Eberle
Contributing Editor

Christian Eberle is a Contributing Editor for Tom's Hardware US. He's a veteran reviewer of A/V equipment, specializing in monitors. Christian began his obsession with tech when he built his first PC in 1991, a 286 running DOS 3.0 at a blazing 12MHz. In 2006, he undertook training from the Imaging Science Foundation in video calibration and testing and thus started a passion for precise imaging that persists to this day. He is also a professional musician with a degree from the New England Conservatory as a classical bassoonist which he used to good effect as a performer with the West Point Army Band from 1987 to 2013. He enjoys watching movies and listening to high-end audio in his custom-built home theater and can be seen riding trails near his home on a race-ready ICE VTX recumbent trike. Christian enjoys the endless summer in Florida where he lives with his wife and Chihuahua and plays with orchestras around the state.

28 Comments Comment from the forums
  • Historical Fidelity
    Why only 250 nits in SDR mode? Is there a way to get the ~450 nits of the full window HDR mode but restricting the monitor to 256 brightness steps? Playing game at 250 nit peak brightness is too dull even in dark environments
    Reply
  • warezme
    Having and OLED for my home theater I was impressed with the overall ratings of this monitor for my office/game computer. I have already ordered one from Dell. I'm excited about the color accuracy and speed.
    Reply
  • Steweh
    I want one!
    Reply
  • Hellbound
    It would have been nice if you mentioned the non-standard triangle RGB subpixel layout (green on top, red and blue on bottom)..
    Because OS's and rendering tools are not built around this layout, you will get text and window border fringing.
    Reply
  • SkyBill40
    This looks to be an outstanding display and I, like others, would love to have one. The price is much lower than initially expected and while that's great, it's also caused an issue with regard to availability. Checking the Dell site before posting this, the delivery is currently June 15th and that's with it being expedited (and at additional cost). That pretty much sucks for someone looking to spend money and get it soon, but I guess this is the way it goes for wanting to be on the bleeding edge... along with everyone else.

    Looks like I'll have to "suffer" on with my HP OMEN 27 for the time being. It's TN and not as pretty, but it was priced nice when I got it and does the job with full G-Sync.
    Reply
  • hotaru.hino
    SkyBill40 said:
    Checking the Dell site before posting this, the delivery is currently June 15th and that's with it being expedited (and at additional cost). That pretty much sucks for someone looking to spend money and get it soon, but I guess this is the way it goes for wanting to be on the bleeding edge... along with everyone else.
    This at least springs hope that if you order now, you'll get one eventually. Or Dell doesn't want to an indefinite "sold out" button.

    Either way, they won't charge you until the order actually ships, so there's that.
    Reply
  • SkyBill40
    hotaru.hino said:
    This at least springs hope that if you order now, you'll get one eventually. Or Dell doesn't want to an indefinite "sold out" button.

    Either way, they won't charge you until the order actually ships, so there's that.

    I suppose... but life has priorities and this one is at the back of the line at this point. :confused_old:
    Reply
  • catraveler
    Admin said:
    Alienware brings OLED to the desktop with its AW3423DW 34-inch Curved Ultra-Wide gaming monitor. It features 175 Hz, G-Sync Ultimate, HDR, extended color and infinite contrast. And it takes imaging to a completely different level.

    Alienware AW3423DW Gaming Monitor Review: QD-OLED Impresses : Read more
    This sounds supper ! I have an LG C1 OLED, it is the best I have ever seen. What controller is required for the AW3423DW ?
    Reply
  • A Stoner
    Man, would love to see this in 40 inches!
    Reply
  • jacob249358
    gotta make sure I get the extended warranty and financing. Wait are you interested in the extended warranty and financing? ltt enjoyers :)
    Reply