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Alienware AW3423DW 34" Curved QD-OLED Gaming Monitor $1679 + Delivery ($0 C&C/ in-Store) @ JB Hi-Fi

740

First time poster, been keeping an eye on this and it seems like it dropped. Maybe a bargain for some?

Similar pricing on amazon atm, not sure if its the revised model with the updated firmware

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  • +25

    Waiting on another Muzeeb fire sale.

  • +3

    Finally, going to purchase this and use my $400 gift card from Christmas.
    I have a 3080.

    Anything I should be worried about before pulling the trigger?

    Also, should I wait to see if I get the $50 off JB Perks targeted email?

    • +10

      Yes, once you go QD-OLED everything else will seem inferior

    • Awesome managed to use one of the codes and it works.
      So will cost me $1638.95 inc delivery by the 31/01.

      About to hit purchase! Any final words? Hahah.

      • +1

        Remember to use your $50 voucher. Or dm me

        • Oh how do you get the $50 dollar targeted discount?

      • -2

        Don't do it. There's a range of new OLED displays coming out this year from other brands. The competition will heat up and prices drop.

        This display has a glossy screen which causes reflections in certain lighting conditions.

        Some people have complained of coil whine noise or fan noise problems.

        It's not the newest model, the newer model has "F" on the end, and is cheaper.

        • +4

          Agree with you on waiting for the new OLED monitors although OLED displays definitely should have glossy displays imo to make the best of the OLED blacks. I have the QD-OLED Alienware and wish it wasn't a semi-gloss coating. In comparison to my LG OLED, the blacks on the Alienware look a bit grey. Also the "F" model is cheaper due to not having the G-Sync module and has inferior HDR performance, though it does come with other benefits.

        • +1

          Glossy screen for life

        • +2

          Fan noise is gsync module, if you want proper gsync it’s something you have to deal with.

          F model is freesync ultimate.

          As other person stated you can’t put a matte coating on oleds.

          $1600 for this unit is a great price

          • @7orque: This screen has two fans, so regardless of which one you get it’ll still make noise

            • @cille745: The panel fan isn’t audible with. Issues especially with fan ramping and breathing are with gsync module. I’ve taken apart the display and considered replacing the gsync fan with something else and using a low rpm adapter; the panels fan itself was not an objective of that

          • +1

            @7orque:

            you can’t put a matte coating on oleds.

            Why not? If it's technically possible then we will see matte OLED displays. The blacks would still be vastly improved over regular IPS monitors. People will be happy with improved blacks on their matte displays. Even VA monitors have pretty good blacks compared to IPS.

    • +11

      Assuming you use Windows, are you sure it's 34" you want?

      Have you considered if you need to do any extra TLC in managing OLED with a PC?

      I use a 48" C1 4K OLED as my PC display, and there is noticeable text fringing due to the sub-pixel layout and how Windows renders text. I also hide as many static elements as possible (task bar, etc.) with a screen saver that comes on after 1 minute of inactivity.

      There's also the Auto Brightness Limiter (ABL) annoyance when using it in HDR mode. So you have to keep switching it within Windows if you're viewing HDR content.

      I am not too sure what the Alienware does to mitigate any OLED burn-in issues, or if the text clarity will be good because of the smaller screen size and res.

      Since going 4K, I've realised I prefer it to ultrawide (can even make the screen ultrawide via Nvidia Control Panel).

      Just thought I'd throw those questions out there, as it's things I've experienced/realised after owning one for nearly 2 years.

      Not saying not to get it, just be aware so you're not surprised by anything.

      • +3

        I've got an OLED42C2 as a PC monitor as well. I kinda wish LG kept some of the settings from my old B6, I quite liked the option of auto off after no input for 10 minute.

        The ABL does get annoying so I force as many things to dark mode as possible.

        I came from ultrawide to 4k and I find 4k is better as well. Better support in games, no need to deal with black bars during cutscenes or gameplay.

        • +1

          Same here. C2 42. Cant think of using ultrawide, especially consiering 42 is cheaper, better color vibrance due to no non-reflective surface, that extra height is awesome. Not to forget I can get utltra wide display if I want to using settings, but using wider FOV is far better than using ultrawide.

          Initially I was afraid of reflective surface and that subpixel stuff would be very distracting, but its not. I just use philips bulbs and curtains to have controlled amounts of light and its amazing. The subpixel stuff does not bother me at all as the viewing distance is slightly more and the font size is slightly larger and it goes unnoticed.

          • @John Doh: Philips bulbs? Are these less reflective somehow?

            I just purchased the C2 42 for gaming.

            • +2

              @moonza76: More so you can remotely control the amount of light they emit if you don't have dimmers.

            • +1

              @moonza76: Ya, they are dimmable and I got to say - Alexa, lights 40 - to get 40% light lol. I have thw switch too but barely use it.

        • +1

          I've got a glass table and while I really want a 42"C2, I feel like it might be too heavy. Having said that, my current x34 isn't that light either.

          I guess the only annoyance is no Display port on the LG tv, that and 4k is likely too heavy for my 1080 graphics card.

          • @jaygee: The advantage of TV's is they have their own built in upscaling so you can set your output in games to 1080p and the TV will upscale with negligible input lag. Not as good as true 4k or dlss but still decent.

            The framerate drop from ultrawide to 4k wasn't that noticeable. There are a lot of settings that I turn off on my 6900xt because they have minimal visual improvement but drop framerate noticeably in some games.

          • @jaygee: It's surprisingly light.

      • -5

        Anyone who uses a 42" TV labelled as a so-called monitor doesn't know what a monitor is. No offence here, but a monitor for a PC is meant be used for gaming plus productivity. I would like someone to come out and argue the fact that it is much easier and better to use a 42" screen over a 34" screen to do worksheets, documents, emails, etc. At 42" you may as well get an OLED TV.

        As for this monitor, I have it. No OLED burn in issue or any risks whatsoever since the monitor periodically carries out the pixel refresh process. All out excellent monitor with zero cons from my end.

        • +2

          When tvs are coming out with 100hz+, and VRR, and gaming modes, they can make perfectly capable monitors.

          • @[Deactivated]: What are you on about? HDMI 2.1 is capable of gaming at 120 Hz.
            Plenty of OLEDs around that can do that but not necessarily for VRR using PCs. The difference is so subtle at those refresh rates.

            • @thousandsuns: I don't think Obsidiate is disagreeing with you. He's disagreeing with thousandsuns.

          • +1

            @[Deactivated]: Not to mention chroma 4:4:4, meaning no issues with text like in the past.

        • You realise they make 49" ultrawides now too…

        • +1

          I have ultrawide (office) and 43" (wfh). Both are great.

          Ultrawide with vertical resolution less than 1600 though is useless.

        • -1

          Ultrawide is not better than 16:9/16:10 for productivity unless you're using i3 or dwm (etc). Even then, you can just grab the 42" 4K and config them to not tile your productivity applications to the top 'exclusion zone' which effectively makes it an ultrawide.

          Ultrawide is also not as good as larger 4K for media immersion. You think people that went to imax theatres were wishing the display was just a bit more vertically narrow?

          Aside from a few niches, ultrawide is basically a meme by people that enjoy the 'sleek' and modern aesthetic on their desk.

          • @ssfps: Ridiculous. Ultrawide has a native 21:9 aspect ratio, which is awesome for most games, and awesome for movies shot in that aspect ratio.

            It's about the physical size of the image. A 34 inch ultrawide will result in an image roughly 80cm wide and 34cm tall. Your 42 inch TV when displaying a 21:9 aspect movie will be only a slightly larger image, with ugly black letterboxing.

            Ultrawide monitors are mostly curved, and this also is better for desktop use when sitting close to monitor. If you 42 inch TV needs to sit at a larger distance from your desk, then what's the point. There is no point, you've just awkwardly placed a TV on your desk where it doesn't belong!

            • +1

              @cerealJay:

              native 21:9 aspect ratio, which is awesome for most games

              You know what would be better? The exact same sized monitor with more vertical resolution, so there is simply more game world being shown (eg up the FOV if it's an FPS game).

              It's about the physical size of the image…with ugly black letterboxing.

              You realize most media switch between 2:1 to almost 1:1 depending on the mood of the scene? 16:9 was originally chosen by hollywood as a vague 'half way point' between these framings. Do you exclusively choose to watch TV and movies that are shot in 21:9?

              mostly curved, and this also is better for desktop use
              Another point we disagree on, IME curved is worse for text/desktop usage. It's better for media/game immersion only.

              if you 42 inch TV needs to sit at a larger distance from your desk, then what's the point.

              Could just as well say that if you need to turn your head side to side to see bits of your screen, what's the point? Fill your main vision, keep the periphery available for media immersion. The question is then, do you only want horizontal immersion, or vertical too?

      • I have been able to fix the text fringing issue on my 48" CX 4K by enabling full RGB for colour output in NVIDIA Control Panel - this did require a HDMI 2.1 output for the setting to be available at 4K 120Hz

        Throwing this out there in case you haven't already tried this fix

        • I'm waiting to upgrade my PC, but this is encouraging to know!

          Currently running a 2070 😭

    • I had one for 6 months and it was great, but don’t buy one if you’re going to use it in anything other than a very dark room

      • +7

        I hear it a lot, but I've seriously gotta hard disagree on the dark room thing.

        Sure, if you've got strong lights facing directly (or somewhat directly) at the monitor, the blacks will have a reddish tinge. But honestly as someone who owns many different IPS/VA/TN monitors, the absence of a backlight and glossy surface on this one are better to my eye than any other monitor I've used in a reasonably well lit room - to a point ambient lighting even brightens the image somewhat as opposed to washing it out with glare as it would with other display types and coatings.

        TL;DR I've had one since launch and it looks friggin great in a well lit room as much as it does in a dark one. For reference there's full height windows glaring hard at maybe 45 degrees from my monitor, and lights on or lights off it's not even remotely an issue, and I'm running at 50% brightness or lower.

          • +2

            @[Deactivated]: Bruv I literally said "better to my eye", so I'm not sure how you managed to interpret that as some kind of grand authoritative claim. For comparison, here's your wording:

            don’t buy one if you’re going to use it in anything other than a very dark room

            Also I'm not sure how peak brightness is relevant when I'm saying the image has been great in my experience even at 50% brightness, but you do you, that's the wonderful thing about the internet is that we can all share our opinions and experiences :)

            • @itscyanide: I'm saying your "experience" doesn't include comparably priced non-oled monitors, clearly, which you haven't disputed.

        • That’s exactly the point, it looks great in comparison to normal screens in a lit room.

          Compared to an LG OLED (what I swapped mine for) it definitely doesn’t look as good

      • +2

        I disagree here, too. There are no issues with bright lit rooms unless you're shining direct light onto it.

    • There have been a few reports of burn in on these monitors recently over on https://www.reddit.com/r/Monitors/. Too soon to tell if it’s a widespread issue but still concerning that any have had burn in after only a couple of months.

      • -1

        Their warranty covers it. If it keeps happening, you can simply refund.

        • +1

          Unfortunately Alienware's warranty policy is if it is returned after 30 days you get a refurbished monitor as your replacement, not a new one. A few people have shared their experiences of having to go through multiple replacement monitors until they got one in acceptable condition. Everyone can make their own purchasing decisions, but these seem like unreasonable hoops to be jumping through for a $1600+ monitor.

          • +3

            @hankbiggums: This was my experience, six months old with burn in and they just replaced it with another screwed up refurb

          • @hankbiggums: I came to ask about burn in experiences as i'm considering switching from IPS to OLED. I see the industry still isn't there sadly…

          • +1

            @hankbiggums: I don't care what Alienware's policy is. If the products not fit for purpose after multiple demonstrations, I'm entitled to a refund, and I'll be getting it.

            You really aren't at all required to take a company's declarations of what they will and won't do at face value. Aus is great like that, for consumers.

            • @[Deactivated]: I agree in principle, but surely you've experienced times (like most of us) when you have to fight hard to get your ACL rights? Sometimes the headache just isn't worth it.

              • @ssfps: I reckon in this case it would probably be worth it. If Dell can't be persuaded to send out a new unit should multiple refurbs not be up to scratch, then they're not exactly honoring their guarantee against the kinds of issues/defects that warrant replacement.

                Personally I'd be very reluctant to accept a refurb if the reason for return was burn-in, as there's no knowing how savagely the replacement unit has been treated and it could well be on the brink of burn-in itself.

                If a refurb I received passed an initial sniff test (i.e. not worse in condition in any obvious way than the unit being replaced), the first thing I'd be doing is checking the usage hours with something like ddcutil (assuming they don't reset this, pretty dodgy if they do but wouldn't be entirely surprised). And if that refurb then developed issues within warranty, that would surely be fairly solid grounds for insisting on new or gtfo.

              • @ssfps: Every single time I've sent a polite "this is why you're talking utter bullshit", and copied/pasted the relevant link/sections from the consumer affairs site, it's been the end of that argument.

    • I have the 2nd version. It is black (instead of white v1).

      Some people have posted concerns about:

      1. Brightness (or lack of). I find it adequate at ~65%. It can get really bright.

      2. Cooling fan sound being loud. I have never heard anything from the monitor.

      3. Text. At default 50% sharpness, it looks fine, no blooming, very crisp text.

      What I like about it:

      1. As expected, 4k HDR with the correct / ideal content, is beautiful. (More on this later!)

      2. It is excellent for productivity, I prefer it over two monitors.

      3. Gaming in HDR with the right setup is also beautiful.

      What I am not particularly a fan…:

      1. Unfortunately most media content is not 21:9. For example, Youtube, Plex, etc. The solution is to get used to it (which I can't, after a few months), or watch the media with cropped sides, either way, it is not great.

      Let us know what you think if you buy it!

      • Just returned my exact monitor, the text blooming drives me insane. Its very difficult to work on, outlook, word and even chrome it really frustrated me.

        Gaming is absolutely amazing on it.

        Will revert back to IPS screen until new bunch of OLED's come out.

        • -1

          You would’ve gotten over it in about a week. After that I never noticed it.

          It’s not an issue with the panels per se, it’s how windows performs anti aliasing on text. Until that’s been updated to support the odd pixel layouts, it’ll look fuzzy

      • +1

        The fan noise is from the gsync module, which the F model doesn’t have. That’s why you don’t hear it.

    • Burn in warranty is three years so don’t even bother worrying. Just have a screensaver run after 1 minute.

      Do the panel refreshes often, I tend to do mine if I’m going to walk away from my computer for a bit, where in some cases the monitor won’t do one automatically.

      Gsync tan is annoying but I got used to it.

      Text fringing was really annoying at first, now I don’t notice at all.

      People complain about ABL with HDR, i’ve always used the 1000nits mode without problems. Maybe I’m not picky enough.

      Stand is kind of short in height so there’s that.

      Rtings has the best write up you’ll find on it.

      The gloss scratches easily when cleaning, and will be visible under a flashlight but not at all with normal use. Bright environment makes it hard to use sometimes as jo matte / anti glare.

  • +2

    Check to see if your got this jbhifi deal that's been posted today as well https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/753283

  • +9

    Don't buy this one, for now you should buy AW3423DWF which is cheaper but the performance is the same and has the ability to update firmware.

    • -4

      Only needs the ability to update firmware because there’s current issues with it that aren’t present on this one.

      Haven’t seen the other one drop cheaper than this anyway

    • I read there is some greyish tinting if using the DWF with NVIDIA cards anyone know?

      • No idea why I’m being begged above, this is the exact problem I was talking about

    • Where is it cheaper? I can only see it on the Dell website for ~$1900, and its only been posted once here.

      • +2

        you speak to Dell support and they give you DWF cheaper by default - I got myn few weeks ago for $1600 and no sale was on
        to me DWF is much better - if you use a monitor arm you go for it as DW needs a bracket and its crappy

        • edit: nvm, Dell was able to come to the party on the dwf, thanks for the tip!

          • @zanzibar: What did you get it for ?

            • @botchie: 1600 same as you

              • @zanzibar: Ok, was hoping they would offer a better discount 😜. Anyway good luck , awesome monitor

                • @botchie: Hah so was I. OK it was 2 bucks better but anyway… looking forward to it.

    • Any idea if the DWF will work with gsync and HDR at the same time? I've been trying to look for the answer on google but haven't come up with anything yet. Dont think RTING or Monitor Unboxed mentioned anything on this.

      • DWF doesn't have a gsync module which is why it's cheaper. It has freesync premium pro.

      • -2

        do you even know what your talking about? why do you need gsync? are you gaming on a potato ?
        you dont get tearing if you have a good enough card and yes both monitors have some form of gsync/freesync

        • -2

          This isn't even remotely true, and freesync has limitations that G-sync does not.

          • -1

            @[Deactivated]: it is and you dont know what your talking about - with DW monitor at least sync module allows for VRR down to 30hz/fps, compared to the regular 60hz of other monitors. Not that it matters, because nobody is going to play anything at 30fps with this monitor.
            the only thing DW gsync module seems to do is give user extra 10 fps of DWF - 175 vs 165
            you wont get any screen tearing - you wont get anything else if you go with dwf and if anything if you look at reviews there is a significantly less input lag with dwf for some reason

            • @botchie: Im not spending an hour sharing facts that you're determined to ignore, but saying gsync ultimate and freesync are comparable is a blunt lie. It is still the far superior technology.

              Theres this weird frothing anti nvidia extremist camp for simply acknowleding that freesync is likely "enough", isnt sufficient. They have to extend to pretending that there is no superior alternative.

              Which I really dont understand. The original point stands on its own without the blunt lies.

              • -1

                @[Deactivated]: i am not saying that at all, I am sayin DWF monitor will work with Nvidia cards just as well as DW with Gysnc ultimate.
                it has Adaptive Vsync which works the same way- unless you are running a potato and will get frames in the 30 fps range, then I guess go for dw but I hardly doubt anyone spending $$ on this wont have a half decent card.

                • @botchie: Actually, it won't. there''s a problem currently with the dwf and nvidia cards regarding peak brightness and EOTF tracking that may or may not be fixable in firmware. It's the only thing stopping me from going with a dwf because the rest of the package is IMO better… lower latency, more user adjustability, PIP etc.

                  • @zanzibar: There is already a work around that, play in console mode .
                    New firmware coming up in Feb will address it
                    Hence better to buy a monitor that can update firmware 🤣

                    • @botchie: Yeah but none of these issues are present in the DW though.

                      The DWF only needs upgradeable firmware because there’s things that are wrong with it

                      • @cille745: oh mate - have you seen the list of issues with dw original - please

                        • @botchie: Issues with QC or general issues with the panel?

                          When I owned one, after the second firmware fix the list of problems is pretty much zero

                          • @cille745: Heaps of issues that were fixed with next firmware yes , but user can't do that so if you bought one of those units you are stuck with it or you had to send it back to dell to update

                    • @botchie: Yeah I am aware of the workaround, however it does not resolve all the issues e.g. the dwf not actually reaching 1k nits in highlights and loses detail in highlights. Hopefully the fw update fixes most of it though, prefer to get the dwf.

                      • @zanzibar: its the same panel - there shouldn't be any issues replicating dw - I would be confident it will be fixed

                        • @botchie: I know it's the same panel and therefore should be capable of the same image, but what I aam reading is that there is processing of the HDR signal done in AMD cards that is not able to be done by NVidia cards, and therefore the HDR image (particularly HDR1000) is clipped in ways that may or may not be fixable in firmware. In the DW model, this processing is handled by the GSync module.

                          I do not 100% trust Dell to fix this or that it is fixable in firmware.. may or may not happen but I hope so. Having said that I'm trying to get a good price on the dwf now as I believe the trueblack 400 mode might be fine for me anyway.

                • @botchie:

                  Adaptive Vsync which works the same way

                  I know what you're saying, and it's generally wrong, and I'm saying stop saying it.

                  VRR, Freesync, etc are not the same as Gsync. Similar, but inferior. There are still benefits even when you're well within the adaptive range.

                  • -2

                    @[Deactivated]: Nvidia marketing has done a number on you , I don't really care mate , they both do the same thing , stop tearing , gsync can claim it's HDR calibrated but there's nothing a user can't do themselves to achieve this , not to mention that preference will depend on user and what they want from a screen . I always calibrate it to my own taste and not the hardware unboxed or ratings settings that most ppl rave about , I bet we can set both DW and DWF next to one another and you won't tell a difference which one your gaming on

                    • +1

                      @botchie: You really need to stop with the hyper personal hysterics just because someone pointed out that you're wrong.

                      Good day to you. I won't reply any more, but you will, because saving face on the internet is important, right champ?

    • video on difference between the AW3423DWF and the AW3423DW

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0aLF3KVOTQ&ab_channel=Monit…

    • There are some pretty significant differences with the way freesync and gsync ultimate modules work.

      Gsync is unfortunately has a loud fan but it is better.

      The F has a lower peak and refresh rate as well does it not?

      • This one has worse input lag and can’t be updated. I think the video someone shared earlier goes over the differences, the F model seems better overall for most users.

        • In saying that I think they both are pretty much unmatched at the moment and I did bite the bullet on this deal since I've been eyeing this monitor since it launched. Had the $50 voucher plus a gift card to bring down the price.

          • +1

            @zaprct: that is true , both of these are amazing - I recently got myn after eyeing it for a year as well - its exactly what I always wanted in a monitor :)

            • @botchie: Nice to hear! I've always wanted an OLED monitor as well. I use my PC for lots of gaming + working from home, so this will be perfect as my '2 screens' plus a nice gaming experience I think. Can't wait :)

              • +1

                @zaprct: I only recently got into the world of oled when I bought my new tv and the contrast and black is amazing , to have this now gaming is a huge plus , had to start playing cyberpunk again , looks mad . There is nothing to dislike about this monitor , enjoy

  • +3

    jbhifi should hire muzeeb.
    we love him so much

  • +1

    Im a zero gamer, but still want this monitor 😛

  • +4

    They need the 38inch replacement… Upgraded from 34inch UW to AW 38inch (Ips) and it seems to be the sweet spot format.

    The 34iinch is just too narrow letterbox in comparison. Fingers crossed they can cut panels to that size in a year or two!

    • Upgraded

      Debatable

      Edit. Assuming ur talking about qd oled ultrawide

      • Sorry just a normal34inch lcd UW not the oled… I meant to say I'd upgrade to a 38inch Oled not a fan of the 34 letterbox

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