The Dell 34-inch Alienware is a Quantum Dot OLED (QD-OLED) curved screen gaming monitor. This monitor is the successor to Dell’s popular QD-OLED monitor (AW3423DW) released in 2022. In this review, I’ll discuss the newer model’s (AW3423DWF) design, ergonomics, connectivity, panel, performance, controls, and share my final thoughts.
Alienware 34″ QD-OLED monitor design
The Alienware QD-OLED has a sleek all-black design differentiating itself from other gaming monitors by focusing the user’s attention on the curved panel instead of loud, overt gaming aesthetics. The monitor features minimalist and tasteful Alienware branding with subtle RGB LEDs. The back sports a RGB LED illuminated Alienware logo on one side and the number 34 on the other side, reflecting the size of the monitor. On the front of the monitor there are no RGB LEDs, except for the small and subtle power button on the bottom right side.
Ergonomics and adjustments
Given its large 34″ size, the Alienware monitor comes with an average stand. Out of the box, this stand allows users to adjust the height, tilt forwards and backwards, as well as swivel left and right. While not essential, I would’ve liked the monitor stand to have the option of tilting left and right. This would provide additional flexibility and allow users to make micro adjustments to the display.
For those seeking more flexibility and customization the monitor comes equipped with VESA mounts. Using these mounts you’re able to attach the monitor to a monitor arm of your choosing.
Gorgeous 34″ curved QD-OLED panel
The monitor comes with a curved 34” Quantum Dot OLED (QD-OLED) display with a resolution of 3440 x 1440 pixels. The panel is extremely fast with a refresh rate of 165Hz and a response time of 0.1ms. You may be wondering what differentiates QD-OLED from other OLED displays. There’s a lot of technical jargon that’s beyond the scope of this review, but the technology in QD-OLEDs result in higher peak brightness, a wider colour gamut, and better viewing angles than traditional OLED panels.
Overall, the Alienware AW3423DWF has an impressive panel that gives other gaming panels a run for their money.
Alienware QD-OLED monitor controls
On the bottom center of the Alienware monitor is a single joystick to control the monitor’s On-Screen Display (OSD). The OSD has options that allow you to change picture settings based on different types of games and uses. The Alienware also comes with settings meant to enhance a gamer’s experience. These are nested under the “Alien Vision” settings and allows users to do things such as create crosshairs, and for dark areas of a game, users can brighten the center of the screen.
In the OSD, users also have the option to control the monitor’s RGB LEDs. Under these settings you can manually change each of the RGB LEDs to the desired colours or you can activate pre-set behaviours.
Alienware 34″ monitor connectivity
This gaming monitor offers a good number of connectivity options. Along the back of the monitor you will find one HDMI (ver2.0), two DisplayPort, four USB 3.2 ports, and one 3.5mm headphone jack. During testing I found that the Alienware was more than capable of accommodating my peripherals and computing devices.
If I could add one connection port to the monitor it would be a USB-C Thunderbolt 3 or 4 connection. This inclusion would allow the monitor to take advantage of docking stations and allow for more peripherals to be connected.
Alienware 34″ QD-OLED performance
Gaming and media on the Alienware monitor is amazing. It goes without saying, images look gorgeous on OLED panels. These panels are known for their colour reproduction and high contrast ratios. Playing games, watching movies, and even casual web browsing just looks better on OLED screens.
With its 165Hz refresh rate and 0.1ms response time, the Alienware monitor is incredibly fast. It also comes enabled with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro. This allows the monitor’s refresh rate to match the frame per second (FPS) produced by your computer’s graphics processing unit (GPU). During my testing I played fast-paced games like Call of Duty: Warzone and Titanfall 2. I found the gameplay on the Alienware to be incredibly smooth and didn’t notice any artifacts, screen tearing, or ghosting.
The monitor is also VESA Display HDR TrueBlack 400 certified. This means that it is capable of displaying HDR video and game content. When this content is available, the monitor is capable of producing more realistic colour tones and shows more detail in both light and dark areas.
While playing games and consuming media, I found myself appreciating the Alienware’s curved screen. Given the wide 21:9 aspect ratio of the monitor, the curve increases immersion while also limiting the need for users to turn their head. While playing COD and Titanfall, the monitor’s curve allowed me to clearly see what was happening in my peripherals.
Overall, gaming and consuming entertainment media on the Alienware is amazing. I’m impressed with the monitor’s performance and it’s ability to produce bright, vivid, and highly detailed images.
Productivity performance
During my time testing the Alienware I used the monitor as part of my daily work. This included editing photos and videos, taking video calls, and general administrative tasks. Like media and gaming, working on the Alienware monitor is visually stunning. Icons, images, and videos all have amazing colour and the high 3440 x 1440p resolution made everything look more detailed and defined.
Because of this high resolution and the 21:9 aspect ratio, I was able to split my screen in half. This allowed me to have multiple windows open at the same time, resulting in improved productivity.
Final thoughts
The Alienware 34″ QD-OLED is a gaming monitor that I can wholeheartedly recommend to anyone. I love the 34” curved QD-OLED display, the high 3440 x 1440p resolution, the wide range of connectivity options, and the subtle RGB LEDs. If you’re looking for your next gaming monitor, you have to check it out. This monitor is absolutely amazing for gaming, media, and productivity.
See more of what Alienware has to offer for PC gaming on bestbuy.ca.
Glad you enjoyed it =)
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