Alienware AW3423DW Gaming Monitor Review: QD-OLED Impresses

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

Reviews
By Christian Eberle
last updated
Alienware AW3423DW
Editor's Choice
(Image: © Tom's Hardware)

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The desktop OLED monitor has been something of a unicorn for many years, but it seems that they are finally entering the realm of reality. Though a 48-inch screen is a lot of fun for gaming, it’s a bit clunky as a desktop display. It’s much easier to integrate a traditional 27- to 32-inch flat-panel or a 34-inch ultra-wide into an office setup than to find room for what is essentially a big-screen TV.

Alienware’s AW3423DW is the first OLED monitor I’ve seen that fits into the regular computer monitor category and its execution is nothing short of revolutionary. Even a premium LCD with Mini LED tech can’t match the image quality of an OLED. The greatest number of dimming zones found in the LCD camp is 1,152. This monitor has 4,953,600 dimmable pixels. Which do you think will look better?

(Image credit: Dell)

The AW3423DW delivers on every element. Its contrast is tremendous, with black levels that can’t be measured. It has plenty of brightness for both SDR and HDR images. In fact, it’s the first OLED screen of any kind that I’ve measured at 1,000 nits. Granted, that requires a tiny window pattern to achieve, but in practice, the HDR performance here is superb.

It also delivers a lot of color. With nearly 108% coverage of DCI-P3, its saturation is well above most screens. Only a handful of monitors have such a wide gamut. And out-of-box accuracy is at the professional level. There is no need to calibrate the AW3423DW; it hits the marks with no tweaking.

Video processing is equally impressive. No blur reduction and no overdrive? No problem. The panel has perfect motion resolution with zero loss of clarity from moving objects or during rapid camera pans. The screen draws at the same speed as a 240 Hz LCD while running at 175 Hz. Adaptive-Sync ensures that there are no frame tears, and I observed no artifacts whatsoever during many hours of gaming.

With premium build quality and slick styling, the Alienware AW3423DW is priced right. It is a substantial purchase, but it delivers substantial performance and the best picture you’re likely to see today. If you’re seeking a monitor that earns the "ultimate" descriptor, this one is it.

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