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Tom's Guide
26-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
I just tested the new Alienware 34 QD-OLED gaming monitor — and I'm in love
The Alienware AW3423DWF popularized QD-OLED technology for gaming displays and has long been in our best gaming monitors list. Its successor, the Alienware AW3425DW, has everything that made the original great, along with several key updates. The fact that it costs $799 only makes this device more irresistible. As before, you get a lovely 1800R curved panel with an ultrawide 21:9 aspect ratio. Now, the new monitor sports a flat stand that takes up less space than the previous model's triangle stand. It also looks gorgeous thanks to its 'interstellar indigo' chassis. Performance-wise, the AW3425DW can run at a smooth 240Hz refresh rate, which is a nice upgrade from its predecessors' 165Hz. Response time is now faster at 0.03ms, which is perfect for fast-paced first-person shooters or twitchy RTS games. Combine that with the sharp 1440p resolution and vivid colors, and you get a superlative gaming experience. Though I wish the Alienware AW3425DW had brighter HDR, that's about the only qualm I have with an otherwise incredible gaming monitor. For what it offers at such a relatively low cost compared to its competitors, the AW3425DW is an absolute winner. Find out why in my full review. Alienware 34 AW3425DW Price $799 Display 32-inches Resolution 3440 x 1440 Aspect ratio 21:9 Refresh rate 240Hz Response time 0.03ms Panel type QD-OLED Ports 1x DisplayPort, 2x HDMI, 1x USB-A, 1x USB-B, 1x USB-C Dimensions 32.05 x 14.23 x 4.38 inches (without stand) Weight 17.95 pounds (with stand) The Alienware AW3425DW is just about the perfect gaming monitor thanks to its sleek design, vivid picture quality and smooth gaming performance. The Alienware AW3425DW retains some aspects of its predecessors' design while updating others. This makes for a monitor that not only looks great but is practical for both gaming and everyday work. As before, the panel's 1800R curvature does an excellent job of immersing you in whatever games you're playing. I prefer this panel over the LG UltraGear 45GX950A-B's more aggressive 800R curved display. The 21:9 aspect ratio helps games feel more cinematic and gives you more space for apps and windows. Except for the iconic Alienware logo on the back, this monitor is free of embellishments. The logo has AlienFX lighting if you want the AW3425DW to have a little more flair. The panel measures 32.05 x 14.23 x 4.38 inches, and the whole thing weighs 17.9 pounds with the stand. That's not exactly small and light, but it's also not difficult to set up and move around. Instead of V-shaped legs, this monitor now has a flat stand that takes up considerably less space on your desk, allowing more room for the best gaming keyboards and best gaming mouse. The stand's shaft has a cutaway for cable management, which helps keep your desk tidy. Sure, the stand is now somewhat boring, but it makes keeping the monitor on your desk less cumbersome. And if that doesn't work for you, you can mount the monitor on your wall via the VESA mounts on its back. Like the previous model, you can raise or lower the screen across a span of 4.3 inches along the stand's shaft. You can also tilt it backward -5 degrees or forward up to 21 degrees. The screen also swivels 20 degrees both left and right. Tilting and swiveling the display to your preferred viewing angle is as seamless as before. You get a decent number of ports on the back. This includes a pair of HDMI 2.1 ports, a DisplayPort, one USB-A, one USB-B, and a lone USB-C port. There's an OSD (on-screen display) joystick near the ports, and you can use it to enter and navigate the monitor's display settings. The QD-OLED panel is the star of the show here. It delivers excellent contrast between dark and light elements, while the 1800R curvature keeps you immersed and focused. Combine that with the vivid colors and 21:9 aspect ratio, and you get a spectacular gaming experience. And don't worry that this isn't a 4K display, as everything looks gorgeous at 3,440 x 1,440 resolution. Trust me, your eyes won't be disappointed. I tested Doom: The Dark Ages and Cyberpunk 2077 on the AW3425DW and marveled at how amazing they appeared. This monitor generally delivers oversaturated colors, which makes the holograms and neon signs in Cyberpunk 2077 really pop. The 21:9 aspect ratio also ensures demons don't get the drop on me in Doom: The Dark Ages. Alienware AW3425DW HP Omen Transcend 32 LG UltraGear 32GS95UE-B sRGB 199.2% 187.6% 149.4% DCI-P3 141.1% 132.9% 105.8% Delta-E 0.24 0.29 0.31 Our lab tests confirm my anecdotal testing. In its standard display mode, the AW3425DW produces oversaturated colors (sRGB and DCI-P3), along with good color accuracy (Delta-E). The HP Omen Transcend 32 tends to deliver more oversaturated colors in its standard mode, but the LG UltraGear 32GS95UE-B has more accurate colors. The Alienware AW3425DW has 11 display modes, which is five more than the previous model. There are modes dedicated to game genres like FPS, RTS and Sports. The monitor also has a Creator mode, which has better color accuracy for video and photo editors. Except for the latter, the modes are only slightly different from one another, depending on their function. The AW3425DW performs like a dream thanks to its smooth 240Hz refresh rate and fast 0.03ms response time. These are both upgrades from the 165Hz and 0.1ms of the previous model. Compatibility with Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync also helps deliver smooth gaming performance. For my testing, I had the AW3425DW connected to the Alienware Area-51, which is a bad-ass gaming PC packing an Intel Core Ultra 9 CPU, an Nvidia RTX 5090 GPU and 64GB of RAM. Though you don't need such a powerful PC for the AW3425DW, having a beastly rig that can run games at high frame rates doesn't hurt. I reviewed Doom: The Dark Ages on a PS5 Pro, where the game tops out at 60 frames per second. I immediately felt the difference when playing it at around 230 fps on a monitor with a refresh rate to match. Not only was I playing better, but I also didn't experience a hint of screen tearing or choppiness. If there was any input lag, I didn't notice it. Needless to say, the AW3425DW performs phenomenally. The Alienware AW3425DW has the same basic interface as its predecessor. As before, the UI features a black and grey background along with blue and white lettering. This is where you'll find the display modes and a bunch of settings to adjust the lighting and more. There's a lot to sift through, but the clean UI makes it easy to find what you need. The OSD joystick used for sorting through menus is very responsive and easy to reach. It has a nice rigidity despite being so small. The Alienware AW3425DW has just about everything you'd want from a gaming monitor. However, it suffers from an issue that's typical for OLED monitors. If you've read any of my OLED gaming monitor reviews, you'll know my main complaint is their relatively dim HDR modes. While the AW3425DW has vivid colors and sharp picture quality, don't expect overly bright HDR. Alienware AW3425DW HP Omen Transcend 32 LG UltraGear 32GS95UE-B Nits (brightness) 227 (standard) | 270 (HDR) 245 (native) | 241 (HDR) 255.8 (standard) | 262 (HDR) In general, the AW3425DW delivers around 250 nits of HDR brightness across 100% of the screen. That's still good enough for everything to come across clearly, but it's not super bright overall. But to its credit, the panel can hit around 420 nits of brightness on 10% of the screen, which means you'll see good contrasts on brighter elements. This monitor's HDR brightness is not a deal breaker since it's in line with other OLED gaming monitors. That said, it would have been nice if the panel got a little brighter than the competition. The Alienware AW3425DW is a spectacular update to its predecessor. It retains the same excellent picture quality as before, but now has better performance and a more streamlined design. The fact that it only costs $799 is simply icing on the proverbial cake. However, if you're looking for a more affordable monitor with brighter HDR, the $599 Alienware 27 4K Dual-Resolution is a solid alternative. Similarly, the $729 LG UltraGear 45GR75DC is another great option if you want a larger 45-inch curved gaming monitor. Minor complaints aside, the Alienware AW3425DW is a superlative gaming monitor for just about anyone. If you don't want to break the bank on a monitor to pair with your PC or console, you won't go wrong with the AW3425DW.
Tom's Guide
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
I test gaming devices for a living — here are 7 peripherals I recommend right now
This article is part of Tom's Guide's inaugural Gaming Week, an entire week of content dedicated to all things gaming. From insights into the latest hardware, guides to the best games you can play today, to the essential accessories we can't play without. Tom's Guide Gaming Week will guide you through the world of video games in 2025. While you don't need much beyond a gaming machine and a low-latency monitor or TV to really get starting with gaming, you can seriously enhance your experience with the right accessories. I'm a tech journalist and a lifelong gamer, so I'm always testing the latest gaming gear. To that end, one of my goals is to help readers — and fellow gamers — find peripherals, such as the best gaming monitors, best PC game controllers and best gaming headsets out there. And since it's Gaming Week here at Tom's Guide, I wanted to devote an article to serve that purpose. If you own one of the best gaming PCs or consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X, I can help you find the best gaming gear. Below are the seven gaming peripherals I recommend to help take your gaming to the next level. The Alienware AW3425DW QD-OLED is a worthy successor to my beloved Alienware AW3423DWF. This updated model now offers a faster 240Hz refresh rate and a lower 0.03ms response time for smoother gaming. It also has a more space-saving design thanks to its flat stand. You get all that with the same 34-inch 1440p QD-OLED curved display we've come to love. The fact that this monitor is $799 makes it a must-have for any gaming setup. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5P is compatible with PS5, Nintendo Switch, PC, Android, iOS and Meta Quest. Sound quality is incredible, and the 360° spatial audio makes games feel more immersive. With intuitive controls, an elastic headband and adjustable memory foam earcups, the Arctis Nova 5P is extremely comfortable. It also boasts an outstanding battery life of up to 60 hours, and a 15-minute charge gives you about 5 hours of playing time. Note that you'll need the Arctis Nova 5X to use with your Xbox. The Scuf Valor Pro packs many features you'd expect from Scuf, including an ergonomic design, responsive controls, remappable buttons and custom face plates. Though it lacks wireless connectivity and customization software, its relatively low cost for a pro controller makes it enticing. This 55-inch Furmax gaming desk is perfect for both work and gaming. It's spacious enough to accommodate your peripherals and even a medium-sized desktop. The desk has a sturdy build that can hold up to 140 pounds. Best of all, it's easy to assemble and relatively affordable for all it provides. The Corsair K65 Plus Wireless is an excellent 75% gaming keyboard thanks to its smooth switches, sound-dampening and programmable RGB lighting. It's also hot-swappable for good measure. Though we wish it had an aluminum frame and more distinguishing features, its $159 price tag is cheaper than the competition. The Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 is an incredible mouse for gaming, boasting a maximum DPI of 32,000 and a 4,000Hz polling rate so you never miss a shot. It's a no-frills mouse without any RGB lighting, a premium matte finish, and a light-as-air construction. It builds on its predecessor's strengths and delivers the ultimate gaming experience for the competitively-minded. The Secretlab Titan Evo is one of the best gaming chairs available. Not only is it well-built and exceedingly comfortable, but it also comes in multiple sizes and materials that accommodate all buyers equally. Though it's more expensive than its competitors, it occupies the top of our best gaming chairs list for a reason. It's just that good.
Mint
29-04-2025
- Mint
Best OLED monitors: Experience high contrast gaming with the top 6 picks from Alienware, MSI and more
Using your desktop monitor for gaming and entertainment? You must be missing out while watching movies and shows on your IPS monitor. OLED panels are always better than IPS panels, they offer amazing contrast, vibrant colours and deep blacks for HDR content. If you're unsure about losing high refresh rate and response time for better quality, don't worry. OLED technology has evolved a lot, there are gaming monitors with OLED panels that offer every feature you'd find in IPS gaming monitors. Now, if you're sceptical about which option to go with, our list of handpicked OLED monitors will help you pick the most suitable one. The Alienware AW3423DWF is a wide curved screen gaming monitor with high refresh rate and response time. The QHD display can be used for enjoying movies and shows. it offers a stunning OLED display with ultra-smooth visuals and vibrant colours. Designed for immersive gaming, it supports up to a 165Hz refresh rate via DisplayPort, with excellent contrast and fast response time. Packed with ports and smart features, it's a great ultrawide choice. Resolution 3440 x 1440 (WQHD) Refresh Rate 165Hz (DP), 100Hz (HDMI) Connectivity 2x DP, 1x HDMI, 5x USB 3.2, Audio Out, Headphone Out Vivid QD-OLED display with deep blacks Excellent port selection for connectivity Brightness could be higher in some scenes Glossy screen may cause reflections What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers across various countries appreciate the monitor's stunning QD-OLED display, vibrant colours, deep blacks and immersive ultra-wide aspect ratio. It's praised for gaming, media, and productivity. Delivers exceptional visual experience with true blacks, high refresh rate, and immersive design—ideal for gamers and professionals seeking premium performance. The Alienware AW3225QF boasts a 32-inch 4K UHD display with QD-OLED technology for exceptional colour and contrast. It supports a 240Hz refresh rate for smooth gaming and a rapid 0.03ms response time. The monitor also includes NVIDIA G-SYNC and VESA AdaptiveSync for a tear-free experience. It's a high-performance display built for gamers and content creators seeking clarity and speed. Resolution 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) Connectivity DP, 2x HDMI 2.1, 5x USB 3.2 Exceptional refresh rate at 4K resolution Stunning colour depth and contrast Premium pricing Slight learning curve for settings tuning What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers praise its 4K UHD, vibrant colours, and fast refresh rate. Some note the lack of a 3.5mm jack and the need for pixel clearing. Ideal for gaming and movies with stunning visuals and build quality, but consider the lack of a 3.5mm jack and the pixel refresh requirement. The ViewSonic VP16 is a compact, portable 16-inch OLED monitor designed for professional creators. It offers vibrant colours with 100% DCI-P3 and is Pantone validated. Featuring USB-C connectivity for fast data transfer and 40W charging, it's ideal for on-the-go use. The monitor also includes an ergonomic stand and a built-in hood for outdoor use, making it a versatile option for creators and professionals. Resolution 1920 x 1080 (FHD) Colour Coverage 100% DCI-P3 Connectivity USB-C, Micro HDMI Ultra-portable with pro-grade colour accuracy Includes stand, hood, and multiple input options Limited screen real estate for multitasking No high refresh rate support What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers praise the VP16-OLED for its great gaming experience, colour accuracy, and portability, though the price is high and it lacks HDR support. Ideal for portable gaming, photo editing, and tethered shoots. High-quality colours, but be mindful of the premium price and lack of HDR support. The MSI MAG341CQP is a 34-inch curved QD-OLED monitor designed for immersive gaming experiences. Featuring a wide 3440 x 1440 (UWQHD) resolution, it offers ultra-fast 0.03ms response time and 175Hz refresh rate. With high dynamic range support, true black levels, and an ultra-wide viewing angle, it's perfect for gamers who demand fluid motion and exceptional picture quality in their gameplay. Resolution 3440 x 1440 (UWQHD) Connectivity HDMI, DP, USB Type-C Fast response with ultra-smooth gaming Immersive 1800R curve and HDR support No built-in speakers Lacks some software features of rivals What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers are impressed with the monitor's vibrant colours, deep blacks, and immersive ultrawide curved screen. Some reports mention issues with scratches and green stains. Excellent for gaming and movie watching with vibrant colours and smooth performance. Be cautious about potential display quality issues like scratches and stains on arrival. The Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 features a massive 49-inch curved OLED display with Dual QHD resolution, providing an ultra-immersive experience. With a 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time, it delivers ultra-smooth visuals. It's equipped with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and G-Sync for tear-free gaming, while the large screen is perfect for multitaskers and gamers who need expansive visual space and fluid gameplay. Resolution 5120 x 1440 (Dual QHD) Connectivity DP 1.4, HDMI 2.1, Micro HDMI, 3x USB 3.0 Huge screen real estate with immersive curve Built-in speakers and extensive features Very large footprint Expensive for casual users What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers rave about the Samsung G9 OLED's stunning display, smooth gaming performance, and ultrawide immersion. Some find it lacking in HDMI/DP cables for its price. Unmatched visuals, fast refresh rates, and immersive gaming experience. However, be mindful of the lack of included HDMI/DP cables and OLED burn-in risks. 6. MSI MAG 321UPX QD-OLED 31.5" 4K UHD Monitor The MSI MAG 321UPX is a 31.5-inch 4K UHD QD-OLED monitor that combines stunning visuals with a 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time. Designed for gamers and content creators, it offers exceptional colour accuracy with 99% DCI-P3 coverage and VESA DisplayHDR True Black certification. With advanced features like OLED Care 2.0, Smart Crosshair, and KVM support, it ensures a superior gaming and creative experience. Resolution 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) Connectivity DP 1.4a, HDMI 2.1, USB Type-C Elite gaming performance with AI tools Excellent motion clarity and colour accuracy No built-in speakers Requires tweaking for best visuals What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers are impressed with the stunning 4K UHD resolution and vibrant colors of the MSI MAG 321UPX QD-OLED, enhancing gaming and movie experiences. Excellent 4K UHD display, sleek design, and vibrant Quantum Dot OLED colours for immersive gaming. However, the large size might not fit every desk setup. Refresh rate : Ensure the monitor supports a high refresh rate for smooth gameplay, especially if you are into fast-paced gaming. : Ensure the monitor supports a high refresh rate for smooth gameplay, especially if you are into fast-paced gaming. Resolution and size : Choose a resolution and screen size that suits your setup and use case for sharper visuals and immersive viewing. : Choose a resolution and screen size that suits your setup and use case for sharper visuals and immersive viewing. HDR support : Look for strong HDR performance, as OLED panels excel at displaying high dynamic range content with deep blacks and vivid highlights. : Look for strong HDR performance, as OLED panels excel at displaying high dynamic range content with deep blacks and vivid highlights. Connectivity options : Check for HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C support to match your devices. : Check for HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C support to match your devices. Burn-in prevention features: Opt for models with pixel refresh or screen shift to prevent image retention. Yes, OLED monitors offer excellent response times, deep blacks, and high contrast, making them ideal for immersive gaming, especially in HDR-supported titles. While OLED screens can experience burn-in over time, modern models include pixel-shifting and screen savers that significantly reduce the risk during normal usage. Absolutely. OLED provides richer colours and true blacks, offering a superior viewing experience compared to IPS, especially for films and high dynamic range content. OLED Monitors Display Size Resolution Refresh Rate Alienware AW3423DWF 34 inches 3440 x 1440 (WQHD) 165Hz Alienware AW3225QF 31.6 inches 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) 240Hz ViewSonic VP16 OLED 16 inches 1920 x 1080 (FHD) 60Hz MSI MAG341CQP QD-OLED 34 inches 3440 x 1440 (UWQHD) 175Hz Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 49 inches 5120 x 1440 (Dual QHD) 240Hz MSI MAG 321UPX QD-OLED 31.5 inches 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) 240Hz Disclaimer: Mint has an affiliate marketing partnership, which means we may get some commission on purchases you make through the retailer sites links provided. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content, which is free from any bias or marketing pitch. We strive to provide accurate and unbiased information to help you make informed decisions. We recommend verifying details with the retailer before making a purchase. First Published: 29 Apr 2025, 03:20 PM IST
