The Alienware AW3418DW aims to offer cutting edge performance with a 120Hz refresh rate and G-Sync to match its space aged, but minimalist aesthetic. Alienware, which is a subsidiary of renowned monitor brand Dell, is widely known for its distinctly gamer-centric but powerful products. The Alienware AW3418DW is their latest foray into gaming display territory, preceded by the 240Hz AW2518H which includes fantastic potential mixed with an exclusive palaver.
Alienware AW3418DW Specifications
- Screen Size: 35 Inches
- Resolution: 3440 x 1440 UW-QHD
- Aspect Ratio: 21:9
- Panel Technology: In Plane Switching (IPS)
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- Response Time: 4ms
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 (Static)
- Brightness: 300 cd/m²
- Built-in Speakers: No
- Stand: Height – Yes (5.12 Inches)
- Stand: Tilt – Yes (-4°/+35°)
- Stand: Swivel – Yes
- Stand: Pivot – No
- VESA Compatibility: Yes
- Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.2 x 1, HDMI 1.4 x 1, USB 3.0 x 4, 3.5mm Audio Jacks
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 32.03″ x 22.08″ x 12.56”
Design and Features
The Alienware AW3418DW employs the brand’s iconic design which sports a minimalist aesthetic composed of angular lines and brushed metal finishes. Frankly, this monitor executes its gamer-centric design without appearing tacky, so just about anyone can mistake it for an expensive professional monitor. The face has a three-sided ultra-thin design which is almost similar to Dell’s Infinity Edge concept, although the thin plastic strips and panel borders are still there.
The rear of the cabinet is divided into three by aesthetic lines which include LED strips for RGB effects. The Alienware AW3418DW allows users to control lighting schemes including the power LED via AlienFX which is the proprietary customization software for this range of products. At the apex of this design, you will find the VESA mounting slot which also holds the stand.
The Alienware AW3418DW includes a well-articulated mechanism to keep the massive screen upright. You get almost six inches of height adjustment, tilt, and swivel for easy configuration to hit that viewing sweet spot, although you can’t pivot the massive screen due to its shape. The obelisk-shaped upright also comes with an RGB LED strip that coincides with the rest of the system, but we love the hollowness of this part which allows cables to pass through and come out via the bottom ports.
Since this product is equipped with a proprietary G-Sync module, the video inputs are limited to DisplayPort 1.2 and a lone HDMI 1.4 slot. For convenience, there are four USB 3.0 slots plus a type-B receptacle for upstream, plus a 3.5mm jack for audio pass through. The I/O layout is in a down firing position neatly tucked under the bulge, making it easy to pass the cables through the stand for a stealthy setup.
Display and Performance
The Alienware AW3418DW sports a 25-inch IPS panel from LG with a 3440 x 1440 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, 4ms response time, and 1000:1 contrast ratio. This module 100Hz native, but this model can increase it to 120Hz via overclocking to double the ideal 60Hz. The specs are almost perfectly similar to what the Acer Z35P offers, although the latter employs a VA panel for a deeper contrast ratio.
Bright and crisp images are guaranteed since the screen is capable of 100% sRGB coverage with a bit of overextension for extra vibrancy. IPS excels in this regard while providing wide viewing angles so that we can expect superb color reproduction and fantastic clarity for eye-popping visuals. The 1900r curve should add to the exciting and engrossing experience, although we hope that units don’t suffer from backlight bleeding on the corners.
The Alienware AW3418DW comes equipped with G-Sync technology for buttery-smooth gaming if you pair it with a Nvidia GPU. This feature is one of the most crucial to the success of this model since the UW-QHD resolution will flex your GPU’s muscles to the limit. To complete its high-performance promise, we hope this product’s implementation doesn’t suffer from high-input lag; an issue which even some of the best monitors suffer from.
Finally, the Alienware AW3418DW comes equipped with a feature-rich OSD so users can maximize the imaging potential according to their tastes. We aren’t sure how extensive the calibration options are in the OSD, but the brand is already advertising Game Mode presets for FPS, RTS, and RPG plus three slots for custom settings. Comfort features such as Low Blue Light and ComfortView are included for relaxed viewing, so extended usage involving typical usage doesn’t strain your vision.
Thoughts
The Alienware AW3418DW is an exciting new addition to Dell’s substantial portfolio of best-selling monitors which almost always can go toe to toe with its competitors. Gaming on the 3440 x 1440 screen at 120Hz with G-Sync is already a superb experience by itself, but doing it on an exclusive and beautifully designed device makes it more enticing. The unique aesthetics of this offering sets it apart from its competitors, although the specs are similar with already available products like the Acer Z35P.
The Alienware AW3418DW is already available for pre-order from the Dell website, and it is expected to become available on retailers in the coming weeks. But, honestly, we aren’t excited about the price tag of this model, since there is a $400 difference against the competition. We understand that the extra cost comes with the exclusivity, but it could hurt sales and popularity figures by a huge margin.
ddferrari says
The Acer Z35P uses an inferior VA panel, not IPS like this one. Also this model does 120 Hz. I wouldn’t consider the Acer as competition.
By the way, I just ordered this monitor from Dell and they can be had on sale for $999- making it the most affordable 34″ curved, IPS, 120Hz, G sync monitor around. And you can bet it’s built better than the competition.
Paolo Reva says
Thanks for sharing your feedback, ddferrari. We cannot agree that VA is totally inferior, as it has its own merits in the aspects of every panel technology. Let us know how your gaming goes with this awesome beast!