The Dell Alienware AW3423DWF is a more moderen and decrease price variant of the AW3423DW we reviewed in early 2022. Considering that is the most effective gaming displays you should purchase proper now, it is no shock this variant (provides an “F” to the mannequin identify) has gathered a number of consideration as it is a extra accessible strategy to get your fingers on a QD-OLED ultrawide. But, there are a number of further attention-grabbing variations as effectively. So let’s speak about this new DWF 34″ mannequin…
The base specs are very related: it is the identical 34-inch 3440 x 1440 QD-OLED ultrawide panel from Samsung with an 1800R curvature. Naturally, it is a true HDR product with DisplayHDR TrueBlack 400 certification, and it has rated 0.1ms response occasions.
On paper, the one major spec distinction is a slight refresh fee lower at 165Hz for the DWF vs 175Hz on the DW, although virtually talking this makes subsequent to no distinction whereas gaming because it’s solely a 6% discount.
What makes the DWF extra inexpensive is the elimination of the Nvidia G-Sync module in favor of a extra conventional scaler. This drops the worth by $200 from $1,300 to $1,100, which is a typical value hole between a G-Sync and non-G-Sync product of in any other case the identical {hardware}.
While the displays are listed on Dell’s web site because the “AMD FreeSync Premium Pro” and “Nvidia G-Sync Ultimate” variants, both monitor works with adaptive sync tech from each manufacturers, so the DWF variant works with each AMD and Nvidia GPUs regardless of being listed below FreeSync, identical to how the DW additionally works with AMD and Nvidia GPUs regardless of being G-Sync branded and having the module.
It’s not one thing to be involved about, you needn’t choose a variant primarily based on the GPU you’ve.
The 34″ DWF brings a number of different minor adjustments, together with consumer upgradeable firmware which was a little bit of a problem for early adopters of the AW3423DW – together with ourselves – because the very first batch of models did have a number of firmware bugs reminiscent of standby points and the OLED panel care options activating at suboptimal occasions.
With this evaluation we even have the chance to see if there’s any efficiency variations in areas like enter latency, calibration and response occasions which can change for the reason that scaler has been swapped.
This evaluation is meant to be a complement to our authentic AW3423DW evaluation, so we would strongly suggest checking that out for the total image on what this show can provide. Areas that are the identical between each displays will probably be lined in additional depth within the AW3423DW evaluation; the first aim right here is to see if there are any variations between the DW and DWF fashions and the way that impacts your potential shopping for choice.
Design and Looks
From a design standpoint the DWF mannequin is similar to the DW besides with all the white panels swapped for black. We guess you could possibly name this the “stealth” model in consequence, and truthfully we favor the best way the black mannequin seems in comparison with the unique two-tone design.
There’s additionally a distinction in RGB lighting results on the rear, the DW has a lightweight ring across the stand connection however no RGB for the big 34 textual content; it is the alternative on this DWF variant the place there is not any gentle ring however the 34 has RGB lighting. The DW additionally has a lightweight bar close to the OSD toggle which the cheaper DWF does not have. Not a giant deal both approach as in any other case they give the impression of being fairly related.
That’s excellent news as a result of the AW3423DW is a well-built show and that additionally applies right here, it undoubtedly seems and seems like a premium product regardless of lots of the surfaces being plastic. The stand within reason sturdy, it helps peak, tilt and swivel adjustment and truthfully we expect it seems nice.
One of the extra contentious elements to the DW was its energetic cooling. While switched on, and even throughout standby, the DW produced audible fan noise. Active cooling has been part of G-Sync module shows for some time now as a fan is required to chill the module, with various outcomes on how audible the fan noise is. The DW was on the more severe finish of the size because the fan may very well be heard in a quiet room, although sometimes not over recreation audio.
The DWF nonetheless consists of energetic cooling, nevertheless the fan is way quieter to the purpose the place I did not discover it in a quiet room from an inexpensive viewing distance. It was solely after I put my ear proper as much as the highest vents the place I may hear the fan and really feel some air motion.
The DWF has additional advantages: the fan noise does not seem to vary, in contrast to the DW the place the fan ramps up and slows down at occasions, which makes it tougher to mix into background noise. The DWF additionally appears to totally change off the fan in standby, whereas the DW mannequin nonetheless runs the fan at occasions when in standby and your PC is off. There is not any doubting in any way the DWF mannequin has higher tuned cooling and is the higher product for silent PC fanatics.
However, the problems with port choice stay between the 2 fashions. We’re solely getting DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0 right here. The DP 1.4 port does not use DSC, so it is restricted to 8-bit 165Hz with 10-bit solely at decrease refresh charges, not an enormous deal although.
The larger concern is that the DWF nonetheless does not use HDMI 2.1, so it is solely able to 100Hz over HDMI 2.0. HDMI 2.0 is a limitation of the G-Sync module, however this wasn’t resolved when the scaler was swapped.
As for the OSD, it is simple to navigate due to a directional toggle, and consists of all the same old shade and recreation options. Interestingly, the DWF has extra options, together with cheat crosshairs and one thing known as “console mode” which supplies you the choice of supply tone mapping on supported enter gadgets.
Obviously, consumer upgradeable firmware is a large plus, too, as any points found with how the DWF operates can truly be mounted with out an RMA, in contrast to with the DW.
In our AW3423DW evaluation we spent in depth time overlaying the display coating and subpixel construction of the QD-OLED panel. As the AW3423DWF makes use of the very same panel, the identical points are current right here. So the sections on these issues from our preliminary evaluation maintain true and we suggest checking that evaluation for our in depth findings.
But to summarize… the QD-OLED panel’s coating is shiny and lacks a polarizer, so it will possibly replicate fairly a little bit of ambient gentle, relying on the situations. In a regular indoor viewing surroundings with synthetic gentle, or in a sunlit room, blacks can seem gray or raised resulting from a few of this gentle being mirrored off the panel. This is in contrast to an LG OLED which seems a lot blacker even with ambient gentle within the room.
This ambient reflectivity is exacerbated when there’s extra gentle in entrance of the panel, however is not as problematic when lighting is just behind the show, and it is a non concern in dimly lit or darkish rooms.
This can hamper the wealthy OLED expertise in some viewing situations: OLEDs are well-known for his or her black ranges, however with the AW3423DWF you will have to have an optimized setup to get essentially the most out of it.
The subpixel construction can be not supreme for desktop productiveness use. The QD-OLED panel makes use of a triangle RGB structure as a substitute of the standard RGB stripe, which might trigger fringing on excessive distinction edges reminiscent of textual content. This will not be simply fixable with software program corrections. Some individuals do not discover this concern, however others together with myself discovered it moderately apparent, particularly subsequent to a traditional LCD. This reduces the crispness and readability of textual content in some conditions, however is a non-issue for content material consumption, gaming, or watching movies.
Standard OLED points are additionally current, together with the danger of everlasting burn in, which does not make this candidate for productiveness work the place static photographs could also be displayed on display for lengthy durations of time. QD-OLED is supposedly much less inclined to burn in than different OLED panel sorts, and Dell does provide a 3 12 months burn in guarantee, however it’s nonetheless unclear how these panels will probably be affected over the subsequent few years. There is a danger and it is vital to concentrate on that.
Display Performance
In phrases of movement efficiency, there isn’t any distinction between the DW and DWF. The solely distinction you’re seeing in these outcomes in comparison with what we confirmed in our AW3423DW evaluation is that we have since mounted a problem with our check instruments and their means to check OLED screens.
This has improved recorded OLED efficiency, however it’s vital to notice there isn’t any precise distinction between this show and the DW – we retested the older mannequin and it is roughly the identical.
Alienware AW3423DWF – 165Hz, 120Hz, 60Hz
We’re seeing a few 0.3ms response time for the DWF which could be very quick and that continues to present OLED an enormous benefit in comparison with an LCD of the identical refresh fee. Overshoot is negligible and efficiency is held throughout your complete refresh fee vary so there is not any distinction in efficiency whether or not you are at 165Hz or 60Hz. This is great and delivers movement readability that rivals 240Hz LCDs.
There’s no distinction between the DW and DWF in response occasions, and in addition no distinction to the LG C2 OLED and different displays utilizing that household of panels. The hole to LCDs is quite giant, with the quickest I’ve examined coming in round 2ms, in comparison with 0.3ms right here. Other HDR succesful shows examined at their finest refresh fee just like the Odyssey Neo G8 and Cooler Master GP27U are various levels of slower.
OLEDs are capable of lengthen their lead wanting at common efficiency, as a result of in contrast to most LCDs, there is not any distinction in efficiency at any refresh fee. This offers OLEDs someplace within the vary of 10x sooner response occasions on common in comparison with high quality LCD, so if movement is king for you, there is not any better option. You’ll see related in common cumulative deviation the place there’s a enormous benefit in favor of OLEDs just like the DWF, however no distinction evaluating the DW to DWF. Fixed refresh fee efficiency can be wonderful and unchanged with the brand new mannequin.
What has modified is enter lag. Previously the DW mannequin with the G-Sync module had mediocre enter lag of round 5ms, which is increased than many different shows. With the brand new DWF mannequin that ditches the G-Sync module in favor of a conventional scaler, that is introduced enter lag effectively down and it now sits at a 0.3ms processing delay which is typical of a contemporary gaming monitor. This results in decrease whole enter lag that once more rivals among the quickest shows available on the market, just because the response occasions on provide listed below are so quick it is ridiculous.
And in excellent news there is not any distinction between SDR and HDR enter latency. Many LCD equivalents have elevated HDR processing lag as they need to run algorithms to resolve upon the very best native dimming configuration. That is not required right here, so sometimes there is not any distinction between SDR and HDR lag for an OLED.
Power consumption can be decrease from the DWF mannequin because the G-Sync module is kind of energy hungry. Power utilization when displaying a 200 nit full white picture dropped from 101 watts to 86 watts with the brand new mannequin, presenting a 15W discount which is respectable. Fundamentally although the DWF continues to be a comparatively energy hungry panel in essentially the most demanding eventualities for an OLED, with typical energy utilization whereas gaming being decrease and extra within the vary of LCDs.
Color Performance
Color Space: Alienware AW3423DWF – D65-P3
Color efficiency is kind of related between each fashions as each use the identical panel, so we’re getting the identical wonderful 99% DCI-P3 protection in addition to 97% protection of Adobe RGB. This results in round 80% Rec. 2020 protection which is great amongst gaming displays.
Default Color Performance
Alienware AW3423DWF – D65-P3, examined at native decision, highest refresh fee
Portrait CALMAN Ultimate, DeltaE Value Target: Below 2.0, CCT Target: 6500K
Grayscale, Saturation and ColorChecker
As for manufacturing unit calibration, the DWF mannequin had cheap greyscale calibration out of the field, barely higher than our DW resulting from improved gamma monitoring. However each fashions include an unclamped shade gamut by default, so oversaturation is current as the colour area extends effectively past the usual sRGB used for PC SDR content material. DeltaEs listed below are common at finest.
Comparatively talking wanting at these charts there is not an enormous distinction between the DW and DWF for manufacturing unit efficiency, the F mannequin being slightly higher for greyscale and slightly worse for ColorChecker.
sRGB Mode Color Performance
Alienware AW3423DWF – sRGB, examined at native decision, highest refresh fee
Portrait CALMAN Ultimate, DeltaE Value Target: Below 2.0, CCT Target: 6500K
Grayscale, Saturation and ColorChecker
Calibrated Color Performance
Alienware AW3423DWF – sRGB, examined at native decision, highest refresh fee
Portrait CALMAN Ultimate, DeltaE Value Target: Below 2.0, CCT Target: 6500K
Grayscale, Saturation and ColorChecker
However, the brand new DWF variant does have the superior sRGB mode, though some controls are nonetheless locked like on the unique mannequin. Our DWF unit had flatter CCT efficiency and nearer adherence to the proper gamma curve, resulting in decrease deltaEs.
This gave the newer DWF a few 1 deltaE benefit in saturation and ColorChecker, although each find yourself having very strong sRGB modes which are value utilizing for viewing SDR content material. A full calibration can enhance both monitor and ship actually good outcomes.
There’s no distinction between the DW and DWF’s brightness conduct. Both high out round 240 to 250 nits for desktop content material, with the automated brightness limiter disabled for desktop SDR utilization.
This offers constant brightness in all utilization situations which is nice for utilizing desktop apps. Minimum brightness can be related, so the general brightness vary is mainly the identical. Black ranges are additionally the identical after all, as each use the identical panel with OLED know-how.
No distinction to viewing angles or uniformity both, in actual fact I used to be shocked how related the uniformity outcomes are for the DWF in comparison with the DW I reviewed earlier within the 12 months. So yeah do not anticipate many variations there.
HDR Performance
HDR efficiency is essential and it is one of many major causes you’d purchase an OLED, to expertise elite HDR gaming. The excellent news is that the HDR {hardware} right here is basically the identical because the AW3423DW, so we get zero black ranges, per pixel native dimming and good ranges of peak brightness.
This form of monitor like different OLEDs has unparalleled means to indicate shiny and darkish content material shut collectively, so all the things we mentioned in our preliminary evaluation of the DW holds true for the DWF. This is a superb panel for HDR.
There are some variations although. The major one is in HDR accuracy and EOTF monitoring. Previously the DW had two major modes, an HDR 400 True Black mode and an HDR Peak 1000 mode which altered the height brightness and adjusted EOTF monitoring barely.
With the DW, the HDR 400 mode was extra correct than the HDR 1000 mode, however finally each have been good – although there was some variability relying on common image degree.
The DWF is completely different. Not solely are there extra modes to select from – now together with stuff like “Game HDR” – however they’re additionally much less correct than the DW’s equal modes.
Generally the brand new modes are fairly much like the HDR 400 True Black mode, right here known as the DisplayHDR True Black mode, so I’m not going to deal with them right here.But that is how the brand new Displ ayHDR mode works, so you possibly can evaluate it to the HDR 400 mode within the authentic DW mannequin.
It’s fairly related general, each topping out round 450 nits, although the DWF mode is considerably much less correct for darkish degree monitoring.
Unfortunately, the most important distinction seems for the HDR 1000 mode. If you wish to entry increased brightness ranges like 1000 nits (that are enabled on this mode for window sizes round 5% or decrease), the HDR 1000 mode will not be superb or correct, virtually at all times being too shiny.
Tracking right here is way worse than the DW’s HDR 1000 mode, and can be extra variable, providing even better variations in monitoring relying on the APL of the content material being proven. This can be true evaluating the HDR 400 modes, however to a lesser diploma. So mainly the unique variant has tighter HDR monitoring with higher accuracy in each of its modes, and whereas the HDR 1000 mode is usable on the DW, it isn’t that usable on the DWF.
Luckily this may be corrected by way of a firmware replace and we have let Dell know it is a problem so hopefully they do launch a revision to regulate the HDR 1000 mode’s efficiency.
Aside from these calibration variations in HDR modes, there’s not rather a lot separating the HDR efficiency of each shows, which should not be a shock as they each use the identical panel.
For instance, full display sustained brightness continues to be the identical, as is 10% window brightness. Neither of those areas could be very spectacular from these QD-OLED ultrawides and falls effectively beneath most LCDs and even another OLEDs we have examined. Nevertheless you do not see HDR content material exceeding 400 nits for big display areas fairly often, so regardless of decrease brightness in these charts, the precise actual world HDR efficiency is usually fairly good from the AW3423DWF.
Brightness monitoring within the HDR 1000 mode can be related between the 2 displays. Our DW mannequin was barely brighter general, however finally these two shows ship almost similar efficiency with related curves. Around 1000 nits is feasible with small window sizes each in benchmarking and in actual world content material reminiscent of video games and films.
Essentials Checklist
The last part we now have is the HUB Essentials Checklist, which assesses whether or not Dell is precisely promoting this monitor’s capabilities and whether or not the show meets fundamental acceptable efficiency metrics.
In the opening part, the AW3423DW does obtain a deduction for less than together with HDMI 2.0, which limits the show to only 100Hz as a substitute of the total 175Hz. We additionally discovered it odd that for the DWF mannequin Dell’s web site inaccurately exhibits a slimmer bezel than what’s sensible.
It additionally exhibits slimmer bezels than Dell’s personal web site for the DW mannequin, though the precise bezels for each the DWF and DW are the identical. So do not be confused into shopping for the DWF for its supposed slimmer bezels primarily based on advertising pictures.
The movement part is improved relative to the DWF, principally resulting from decrease enter latency. And whereas the 0.1ms response time declare is not that correct on common, this monitor is able to round 0.1ms response occasions finest case. Obviously, no points with HDR right here as it is a true HDR monitor.
Then within the points and defects sections we do have a number of penalties to dish out. No flickering or pixel inversion points, however the AW3423DW does use a non-standard subpixel structure and is at danger of burn in – although in contrast to the unique mannequin it does not have an audible fan.
What We Learned
So that is the Alienware AW3423DWF and the way it differs in comparison with the unique mannequin, the AW3423DW. We suppose potential consumers will probably be joyful to know that within the majority of cases, this new mannequin has improved on the unique regardless of the extra inexpensive value level. Across most efficiency areas, the 2 are mainly similar.
To summarize the constructive adjustments we’re seeing right here, the brand new DWF variant has a a lot quieter fan with a greater fan curve, decrease enter lag for SDR and HDR gaming, a number of new OSD options, consumer upgradeable firmware, small SDR accuracy enhancements and a brand new all-black design that I personally favor.
Several firmware bugs with the preliminary batch of DW models aren’t current right here, I did not expertise any points with sleep or randomly activating OLED care options. It’s additionally the cheaper of the 2 at simply $1,100, a $200 low cost attributable to swapping the G-Sync module for a conventional scaler.
Many areas are similar. You can anticipate the identical response occasions, the identical brightness in SDR and HDR modes, the identical per-pixel dimming capabilities and – sadly – the identical elementary points with the QD-OLED panel reminiscent of its coating, subpixel structure and danger of burn in.
There are additionally a number of regressions in comparison with the unique mannequin although. The refresh fee is barely decrease at 165Hz vs 175Hz, although that is negligible for players. The larger concern is the change in HDR accuracy and EOTF monitoring, particularly within the brightest HDR 1000 mode. This mode is certainly worse on the DWF, it is usually too shiny, and extra inconsistent throughout completely different APLs relative to the DW. We hope that is one thing Dell can enhance by way of a firmware replace, fortunately that is an possibility on this new model.
In its present state we do not suppose there is a clear reply on which AW3423 mannequin is the higher purchase, at least till they repair the HDR 1000 mode on the DWF. Once that’s equal to what we get on the DW, the DWF would be the clearly superior possibility – it has fewer points, extra options and a cheaper price. But for some people who should have the very best HDR expertise with the brightest highlights, proper now the unique AW3423DW does provide that to a greater diploma than the DWF, although the HDR 400 mode on the DWF continues to be very usable and appears nice.
If you are not as involved with EOTF monitoring and do not care about how correct it’s, or have religion Dell will resolve this concern, we’d purchase the AW3423DWF. You’ll save $200, get much less fan noise, consumer upgradeable firmware and fewer enter lag, that are all vital benefits.
Worth mentioning that the opposite possibility is to attend to see how different fashions fare, like Samsung’s new G8 OLED, plus different fashions just like the upcoming MSI equal.
Shopping Shortcuts:
- Alienware AW3423DWF 34″ QD-OLED on Dell
- Alienware AW3423DW 34″ QD-OLED on Amazon
- Cooler Master Tempest GP27U on Amazon
- Sony Inzone M9 on Amazon
- Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 on Amazon
- Asus ROG Swift PG32UQ on Amazon
- LG C2 42″ OLED TV on Amazon
- Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX on Amazon
…. to be continued
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