Alienware 34 QD-OLED (AW3423DW) Review

 

 

The entire panel backing appears as a seamless single piece to the naked eye, a feature that sets it apart from all other ultrawide monitors currently available, including the Samsung Odyssey G9, which is considered the top contender in terms of design. Drawing a comparison to Apple, Alienware has been consistently refining their products. While most Asus gaming monitors look similar, Alienware is making a deliberate effort to break away from the typical gaming monitor design that many other manufacturers seem to be stuck in.

When it comes to construction quality, the stand exhibits the same level of durability and ergonomic design as its predecessors in the series, such as the Alienware 27. I observed no noticeable monitor wobbling even when typing vigorously. Furthermore, repositioning the monitor to my liking was a smooth and silent process, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship at play here.

The default blue hue is not the only option for the lighting. Alienware remains one of the most flexible brands in terms of lighting customization, offering numerous RGB patterns and combinations that can be configured either through the OSD or the Alienware Command Center software suite.

The Alienware 34 QD-OLED stands out in the ultrawide-display market due to its superior design and build quality. This is partly attributed to the advantages of OLED technology, which offers flexibility in terms of thinness, lightness, and cooling capabilities. In comparison to other panel technologies like IPS, TN, or VA, which have been favored in the past, the Alienware 34 QD-OLED surpasses them in performance and features.

 

The Alienware 34 is remarkably lightweight at 15.6 pounds when compared to other curved ultrawide gaming monitors of similar size. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to use external VESA mounts. However, once mounted on the stand, the weight increases significantly to 35 pounds, providing a more stable and sturdy setup.

You will discover various ports located along the bottom rear of the device. These consist of two HDMI 2.0 inputs, one DisplayPort 1.4b input, and a cluster of USB ports. The USB assortment includes two USB 3.2 Gen 1 downstream ports on the front, and two USB 3.2 Gen 1 downstream ports on the back, alongside another USB 3.2 Gen 1 upstream port. Additionally, there is a line-out audio port, along with a 3.5mm jack for headphones or powered external speakers—this monitor does not come with built-in speakers.

Upon powering up the Alienware 34 QD-OLED, one can truly assess its performance and the improvements it brings to the ultrawide monitor market. The build quality and branding of this monitor set a new standard, addressing many issues seen in previous models at this specification tier.

Evaluating the Alienware 34: QD-OLED’s Highs and Lows.

The monitor utilizes a fresh “Quantum Dot OLED” panel (QD-OLED) that boasts a native refresh rate of 144Hz, with the potential to be overclocked to 175Hz if sacrificing color accuracy is acceptable. It is equipped with VESA DisplayHDR 1000 and HDR 400 True Black, ensuring high-quality visuals. For seamless graphics, the monitor is compatible with Nvidia’s G-Sync Ultimate, the highest tier of their adaptive sync technology, effectively eliminating screen tearing when paired with compatible GPUs. To gain a better understanding of these features, refer to the provided link.

The Alienware 34 features Samsung’s latest QD-OLED panel technology, which addresses the issues of low peak brightness and high cost that were present in the OLED-backed Alienware 55 released in 2019. Since then, the OLED monitor market has become more competitive, especially with LG’s G-Sync-compatible “C” line of gaming monitor/TV hybrids. These OLED displays have garnered widespread acclaim from monitor reviewers worldwide as the current top performers in the market.

This leads us to the beginning of 2022 and the introduction of Samsung’s latest QD-OLED panels, designed to compete with LG’s current stronghold in this specialized market.

We have not yet acquired a C-model LG OLED for testing purposes. However, we do possess the earlier Alienware 55 OLED for comparison, which is highly likely to have utilized the same LG panel.

After conducting a thorough examination, we evaluated the Alienware 34 QD-OLED by utilizing the Klein K10-A colorimeter and Portrait Displays’ CalMAN 5 software. Here are our observations…

In the Standard picture mode using an SDR signal, the Alienware 34 exhibited a peak brightness of 299.5 nits (candelas per square meter) and a black level of 0 nits, as expected due to the nature of OLED technology. OLED is known for its ability to produce “true blacks,” where the pixel completely turns off, resulting in a complete absence of light and enhancing picture contrast compared to IPS, VA, or TN panels. These values varied notably based on the display preset selected—we recorded a minimum of 85.4 nits in the “Game Mode 1” preset. During media testing, we discovered that the presets actually detract from the overall viewing experience, which will be discussed further in the following section.

In the HDR picture mode, utilizing an HDR signal transmitted through DisplayPort 1.4b with full RGB, and with 10-bit color enabled in both HDR True Black 400 and HDR Peak 1000 mode testing, the Alienware 34 achieved a maximum brightness measurement of 677.8 nits and, once again, a black level of 0 nits. This particular outcome was recorded within an 18% window positioned at the center of the monitor. As we expanded the window size and obtained different results from various areas of the panel, the brightness gradually decreased. For instance, the previously mentioned measurement of 677.8 nits obtained from the middle of the screen dropped to the mid-400s when the window size was increased to 100%, and deteriorated even further (falling below 300 nits) when recordings were taken at the corners. Admittedly, these results do not match up to the 1,000-nit peak brightness rating mentioned on the packaging. Nevertheless, they still signify a notable improvement compared to the highest result of only 285 nits that we observed while attempting to maximize the Alienware 55 OLED.

Transitioning to the color performance, the Alienware 34 displayed 156% of the sRGB gamut and achieved an impressive 96.4% coverage in DCI-P3. This makes it an excellent choice for both gamers and those who appreciate high-quality visuals. The inclusion of “OLED” in the title already hinted at this exceptional display quality.

The AdobeRGB gamut coverage reached an impressive 97.7%, surpassing the typical threshold for gaming panels. Additionally, the monitor achieved a Delta E result of 2.0 in our Color Checker test, making it a viable option for professional content creators. With the six-way saturation configuration options in both the OSD and Alienware Command Center, further tuning could potentially enhance the color accuracy even more, especially considering the Delta E reading.

Unfortunately, we were unable to dedicate the necessary time to thoroughly investigate this matter ourselves. However, having more control is generally beneficial in most situations.

Performance in Media and Gaming.

Moving on to the media and gaming benchmarks, we observed impressive results with our 4K Costa Rica test footage in HDR. However, achieving optimal performance required some adjustments. Initially, we had to disable the Alienware’s “gaming presets” feature, which was interfering with the HDR image. This configuration option was quite perplexing. Typically, HDR is designed to take complete control of the OSD color settings, as the HDR metadata instructs the monitor on the appropriate color scheme to display.

While HDR is enabled, gamers have the option to switch between different presets. However, this may inadvertently result in a deterioration of the HDR image in ways that they may not initially comprehend. As someone who works with gaming monitors extensively, I quickly found a solution to this issue. By selecting the “Custom Color” preset located at the bottom of the menu and manually adjusting all three values (R, G, B) to their maximum, I was able to achieve an accurate HDR image.

I suggest that you follow the same procedure when making a purchase. This particular process is not detailed in the owner’s manual that was included in the press kit. If it caused me some confusion initially, it could potentially lead to significant challenges for Alienware’s customer support team post-launch.

After properly configuring the Alienware 34 and playing the HDR test footage, I was astounded by the image’s overall “richness,” a quality that OLEDs are already renowned for. Nevertheless, its vividness could have been enhanced, and in specific scenes, even HDR 400-rated Fast IPS models like the Gigabyte Aorus FI32Q delivered a brighter and more vibrant image, so to speak.

I didn’t experience a complete disappointment with the video performance of the Alienware 34, but it didn’t impress me as much as I had anticipated.

After completing the video testing, it was time to focus on the primary purpose of this device, as indicated by the majority of people eagerly waiting to purchase it – gaming. Beginning with the Final Fantasy XV Windows benchmark, the performance in SDR was impressive, and even with the addition of Auto HDR, the Alienware 34 delivered excellent results.

Following that, I proceeded to launch several additional games that offer support for either Auto HDR or native HDR. These titles include Elden Ring, Forza Horizon 5, and Lost Ark. Each of these games required specific adjustments to achieve optimal visual quality. For instance, in Elden Ring, I had to enhance the saturation levels, while in Forza, I had to ensure the peak white points were accurately calibrated. However, once I fine-tuned these settings for each game, the outcome was undeniably pleasing. HDR once again contributed significantly to enhancing the overall richness and depth of the onscreen color palette.

In terms of traditional input lag, which refers to the time delay between when a monitor receives a signal and when the screen updates, we conduct our testing using an HDFury 4K Diva HDMI matrix. When subjected to a 60Hz test signal, the Alienware 34 exhibited an input lag measurement of 3.3 milliseconds (ms). While this figure is higher than that of many displays in the Fast IPS category, it remains quite impressive for any device bearing the OLED designation in its model name. By way of comparison, the Alienware 55 OLED recorded a score of 29.3ms in the same test. The nearly 10-fold improvement achieved in just over a year is certainly noteworthy!

While conducting multiplayer games testing in Overwatch and Valorant, I discovered that aligning my sniper shots with G-Sync Ultimate was both effortless and quick. Screen-tearing was minimal, and the 175Hz overclocked refresh rate allowed me to stay competitive with my teammates. However, due to the limitation of DisplayPort 1.4b maxing out at 144Hz/10-bit color, we had to adjust the settings to 8-bit in order to fully experience the benefits of the 175Hz overclock.

Nevertheless, it must be acknowledged that in general, if you are engaged in a game where a mere 30Hz variance in refresh rate could potentially alter the leaderboard in your favor, the aesthetic appeal of your adversary’s blood color on the screen would be the least of your concerns, wouldn’t it? When it comes to gaming performance and performance alone, I must admit that I was thoroughly impressed with the Alienware 34. Even without taking into account the QD-OLED technology, I would gladly consider this monitor as my primary choice for any of the highly competitive multiplayer games currently available.

OLED: However, What About Image Retention?

Rest assured, we are well aware of the burning question on your mind, and rest assured, we have not overlooked the burn-in issue. (Just like our trusty old TVs! Ha cha cha.) For those of you pondering why it took OLED technology a while to transition from TVs to monitors, one could argue that the primary factor hindering its swift adoption on laptops or PCs, unlike televisions, is none other than the notorious “B-word.”

Image retention, also known as “image persistence” in a more positive light by manufacturers, became a concern when flat-screen plasma TVs gained popularity. Users noticed that leaving static images on the screen for prolonged periods, such as a news channel with a fixed chyron or logo playing continuously at a doctor’s office, would result in lingering “imprints” of the image even after changing the channel or turning off the TV.

There are various reasons why this can occur, which vary depending on the panel technology being discussed. In the case of OLED, it is due to the method used to charge the pixels and showcase their colors. We won’t delve into further technical specifics in this already extensive review (that will be covered in a separate primer), but rest assured that Alienware considered this aspect prior to releasing the 34.

Every instance the display is switched off, right before the panel shuts down, it will undergo Alienware’s “pixel refresh protocol.” This protocol involves running different charges through the panel to address any pixels that may be stuck. Alienware assures that this process, which occurs each time the monitor is powered off, should prevent users from experiencing problems such as icons on the desktop or Start Menu buttons burning into the 34’s panel.

During the burn-in process, it is important to allow sufficient time for the display to settle. While we have had the unit for a week, it would be premature to definitively state that there are no issues with QD-OLED technology. However, we can confirm that we did not observe any burnt-in images during the initial seven days of testing. Thus far, everything appears to be in good condition.

Alienware Leads the Way…

The narrative surrounding OLED-backed PC monitors has been one of inconsistent progress, despite OLED being the undisputed leader in display technologies for color and quality in televisions for a considerable period of time.

For instance, it might prove challenging to find an OLED television that appears inferior to any other TV panel technology available. However, in the case of monitors, a couple of Fast IPS-supported choices could potentially pose a challenge to the QD-OLED-based Alienware 34, given the appropriate circumstances.

The Asus ROG Swift PG35VQ, based in Virginia, is also a strong contender in the ultrawide/curved/HDR gaming-panel market. It offers higher brightness levels, comparable color results, and is currently available. However, its age and potential replacement in the near future have led us to focus on the Alienware 34.

One compelling factor to choose the Alienware 34 instead of that particular model is the same as for numerous OLEDs: The panel operates at a significantly lower temperature and weighs about half as much. QD-OLED panels, similar to OLEDs, are both slimmer and lighter than any other option available, making them the perfect selection for individuals who cannot tolerate the excessive heat emitted by VA-backed ultrawide displays.

Upon initially encountering the cost of the Alienware 34, we couldn’t help but wonder about any potential drawbacks. However, after personally testing it for a week, I have come to realize that although there are a few, they do not detract from the overall experience enough to deem it unworthy of the price tag. Samsung’s innovative QD-OLED panel technology strikes a good balance between the stunning visual quality of traditional OLED TVs and the gaming performance that is now anticipated in the gaming monitor market of 2022, finding a middle ground between the two.

The Alienware 34 may not have brought the revolutionary change in gaming-monitor panels that was anticipated at its launch, but it represents an important evolutionary progression. We are eager to witness the advancements that QD-OLED technology will bring to this category in the future.

The Alienware 34 might not have delivered the groundbreaking transformation in gaming-monitor panels that was predicted during its unveiling, but it signifies a significant step forward in evolution. We are looking forward to seeing the developments that QD-OLED will bring to this product category.