Why Are We Here? The Alienware AW3418DW
I went shopping for a new monitor around the holidays. I wanted something that was my main monitor, the primary one that I would use not just for gaming, but for productivity. Ultrawide appealed to me, as this was the best solution for taking up the least amount of space. With only a few options in this category, I got a great price on the Alienware AW3418DW 1900R 34.1″ and decided to pull the trigger. After a few months of using it, I can say it’s been put through its paces.
So without any more stalling for ad space, let’s get to the basics.
What’s In The Box?
Specs can be found here, but some highlights include:
- Resolution: 3440 x 1440
- Refresh Rate: 120hz Overclock, 100hz
- 4ms Response Time
- Nvidia G-Sync
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
- Anti-Glare
- Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 1.4, 4 x USB 3.0, Headphone/Audio Ports
- 60W Power Needed
Initial Impressions
If you haven’t tried an ultrawide monitor, I would highly recommend it, even if it is not this particular brand. For productivity purposes, you are essentially marrying two 1080p monitors side by side, and most applications/browsers fit this nicely. For video games and immersive movies, the seamless display really shines.
Many applications support this resolution, and even provide minor advantages to an increased viewing angle in game. Rarely if ever do I notice black bars when viewing content, and often multitask much easier on the radio program by having this as my main monitor.
Other positive notes about the monitor are the stand, very sturdy metal construction that also allows for tilting, pivoting, and up/down positioning. The LED’s are very understated and sleek. Some may want a more pronounced effect, but I am a fan.
There doesn’t seem to be any notable backlight bleeding, high picture quality, and low glare. Huge range of colors, and great graphics all around.
Also, G-Sync if you’re into that.
Areas of Improvement for Alienware AW3418DW 1900R
While very positive, this monitor does have some problems. Everywhere in the advertising for this display is the 120hz* OverClock Refresh Rate. I take exception to this, as with my display, and many others, and even in their own Q&A, this was unsustainable through normal usage. The specified is 100hz, with 120 being more of a “possibility” than something you can count on.
Screen tearing, flickering, and the monitor becoming an artifact riddled mess are all symptoms of this, as well as after images.
I had wished that Dell would have been less hype over the overclock speeds, and focused on 100hz, which is still impressive for a monitor this size. But people may be enticed that the monitor is closer to 144hz instead of 60hz, which is in fact the opposite.
Some of the parts on the back of the monitor are plastic that I feel should have been metal. The clips break easily and overall the panel to hide the cords is rather hard to put back into place. Small details but stuck out in my mind after adjusting and using it for a number of months.
The Alienware AW3418DW 1900R Review Verdict
Taken all together, you have a very formidable monitor in the space. I could ask for some better specs in a few regards. My wishlist includes 4K resolution, 144hz refresh rate, and a few minor details with the contrast ratio. And with a hefty price tag of ~$1400, I feel this should have been included. But be sure to look to catch this monitor on sale around the holidays, and you won’t be disappointed. There are better times than others to buy this particular monitor.
I don’t think it stands out head and shoulders from others in its class from the likes of Viewsonic and Acer, but I would say it holds its own very well. Highly recommended if you are looking for a Ultrawide monitor for multiple applications.