Alienware AW3425DW 34″ Gaming Monitor – Immersive Display
▼ Summary
– The Alienware 34 AW3425DW is an updated 34-inch ultrawide OLED monitor with a higher 240Hz refresh rate but retains the same first-gen QD-OLED panel tech as its predecessors.
– While it offers excellent HDR performance and fast response times, its full-screen brightness (250 nits) and subpixel structure remain unchanged, leading to minor issues like font fringing.
– The monitor’s glossy panel coating can cause purplish/grey tones in strong ambient light, and its overly warm color temperature is still noticeable.
– Compared to newer 4K OLED monitors, the 3440×1440 resolution on this 34-inch panel results in lower pixel density, reducing sharpness and detail in games and text.
– Despite its strengths, the AW3425DW is a harder sell now due to the availability of similarly priced 4K OLED monitors with better resolution and newer panel technology.
Alienware’s latest 34-inch ultrawide OLED gaming monitor delivers stunning visuals and blazing-fast refresh rates, but faces stiff competition from newer 4K alternatives. The AW3425DW builds on its predecessor’s success with a 240Hz refresh rate while keeping the price competitive at around $770. However, with next-gen OLED panels emerging, this iteration feels more like a refresh than a revolution.
For gamers who love ultrawide displays, this monitor remains a strong contender. The QD-OLED panel delivers incredible contrast, near-instant response times, and vibrant HDR performance that outshines most LCD competitors. Yet, some familiar drawbacks persist, subpixel fringing, limited full-screen brightness (250 nits), and a warm color bias that hasn’t been corrected since the first-gen model.
Design-wise, Alienware has shifted to a new aesthetic dubbed “Interstellar Indigo,” featuring curved, organic shapes that evoke a retro-futuristic vibe. While some may appreciate the fresh look, others might prefer the cleaner, more utilitarian design of previous models.
Where the AW3425DW truly shines is in motion clarity. The jump to 240Hz makes fast-paced games feel buttery smooth—assuming your GPU can keep up. HDR highlights in games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Doom Eternal pop brilliantly, though the DisplayHDR 1000 mode can feel dimmer in bright outdoor scenes compared to the HDR 400 setting.
The biggest challenge for this monitor is its resolution. At 3440×1440, pixel density falls short compared to newer 4K OLEDs, making fine details in games and text less crisp. Upscaling technologies like DLSS also don’t perform as well here, since the native resolution is already relatively low.
Should you buy it? If you’re committed to ultrawide gaming and crave OLED’s unbeatable contrast, this monitor is a solid choice. But if higher resolution and newer panel tech matter more, waiting for 5K2K ultrawide OLEDs or opting for a 32-inch 4K model might be the smarter move.
Ultimately, the AW3425DW is a refined version of a proven favorite, not a groundbreaking upgrade. It’s great for HDR gaming, but the competition has raised the bar.
(Source: PC Gamer)
