MistaSparkul
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That only happens when the display is showing all black.
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Dell Alienware AW3423DW 34″ QD-OLED 175Hz (3440 x 1440)
- Thread starter Blade-Runner
- Start date
That only happens when the display is showing all black.
Zepher
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This is the workbench light on
And this the workbench and overhead light on
I took the shots at an angle since it’s like a mirror with all black and the lights on.
But it still looks black to me (the photos make it look a bit grey but not in real life), not like a much lighter grey I’ve seen posted.
And this the workbench and overhead light on
I took the shots at an angle since it’s like a mirror with all black and the lights on.
But it still looks black to me (the photos make it look a bit grey but not in real life), not like a much lighter grey I’ve seen posted.
ziocomposite
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Seems like majority of owners here are just enjoying their monitor/panels. Looking at all the reviews, primarily YT, it's interesting to see how others perceive the technical data and subjective portions.
Mchart
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To be fair, that is a benefit of IPS, and actually lets FALD IPS perform better. If it's in a bright room it masks the FALD blooming.
I'm not sure if it is IPS as much as just LCD have a polarization layer. LCDs inherently need polarization of light to function so they have a polarization layer (two of them actually). That is also going to help with glare on the screen, same reason we have polarized sunglasses... However it is going to decrease viewing angles some just because of how light works. So while Dell/Samsung could put a polarization layer on this OLED it would hinder the viewing angles a touch. Since OLED doesn't need a polarizer (you can have one, my phone does) and since the QD-OLED has an advantage of very wide dispersion of light and thus viewing angles, they seem to have decided to leave it off and maximize that.
I just ordered mine a few minutes ago. Sometime around June 18th for delivery. I currently have the ASUS ROG Swift 32" which is great and will still be used as my secondary monitor. I love the clarity and black levels of OLED and cannot wait to experience this on my PC, in a size that fits on my desk. 42" and 48" is just too large for me for sitting on my desk and gaming. I ended up moving the 43" Aurus to my work setup as it is much easier to keep track of code, PR's, and GitHub issues on a monitor that large 
Also, thanks for all the fairly in depth info on the monitor in this thread! Sadly HardOCP went away (mostly), but this forum is still a god send when it comes to nitty gritty information. Reading through the sheer volume of info in this thread, the pros of this monitor outweighed the cons for me.
Also, thanks for all the fairly in depth info on the monitor in this thread! Sadly HardOCP went away (mostly), but this forum is still a god send when it comes to nitty gritty information. Reading through the sheer volume of info in this thread, the pros of this monitor outweighed the cons for me.
ShePearl
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I placed an order the other day. I expect to receive mine sometime in June.
I'm currently using AW3821DW with LG OLED E9. Once AW3423DW arrives, AW3821DW will be moved to second PC.
I'm currently using AW3821DW with LG OLED E9. Once AW3423DW arrives, AW3821DW will be moved to second PC.
Mchart
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Likely not as bad, since it's not as large as a TV, and a TV is typically sitting in a room with a lot more light.
Geforcepat
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Here is Techspot's review of it. https://www.techspot.com/review/2445-alienware-aw3423dw-oled/
Quick Summary:
We think a lot of people were hoping this would be the ultimate display to use for everything: HDR gaming, watching movies, web browsing, desktop apps, spreadsheets, you name it. But in our opinion, we're not there yet.
First-gen QD-OLED panels don't offer that level of versatility, so we feel there's a little bit of early adopting pain going on with the AW3423DW. The active fan with audible fan noise, the odd screen coating, and layer setup leading to grey blacks at times, the lack of HDMI 2.0, weird gamma calibration, the teething issues with a non-standard subpixel layout… we reckon many of these problems will be resolved in future iterations.
Quick Summary:
We think a lot of people were hoping this would be the ultimate display to use for everything: HDR gaming, watching movies, web browsing, desktop apps, spreadsheets, you name it. But in our opinion, we're not there yet.
First-gen QD-OLED panels don't offer that level of versatility, so we feel there's a little bit of early adopting pain going on with the AW3423DW. The active fan with audible fan noise, the odd screen coating, and layer setup leading to grey blacks at times, the lack of HDMI 2.0, weird gamma calibration, the teething issues with a non-standard subpixel layout… we reckon many of these problems will be resolved in future iterations.
TrunksZero
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Something to keep in mind. Both Tim and Steve from Hardware Unboxed are Feature Editors & Reviewers for Techspot.com. So this is basically Tim's written review of his HardwareUnboxed youtube review.
Geforcepat
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Ok, Didn't realize that.
The subpixel layout may be something here to stay, much like the RGBW layout of LG panels. I can't imagine Samsung did it glibly and with no reason, there is probably a very good technical reason for why they chose it and that may not change. Fans are something I wonder about, they may end up becoming a feature that hangs around for desktop OLEDs to allow greater brightness, even for monitors without a Gsync module. We'll have to see. HDMI 2.1 is for sure something we'll get with future displays, though I'm not quite sure why it is such a big deal to these guys.
Zepher
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Seems that they had a ton of orders from the get go and just depleted inventory before the monitor was actually released.
TrunksZero
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Yeah I didn't clue in till a few years ago when I recognized the HU studio background in their articles photos lol.
ziocomposite
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It could, but if you're getting an OLED bright lighting scenarios is somewhat already a known thing to keep an eye on.
Is this from an official source or just hearsay? If Dell is having trouble getting these out, surprised BB would have any. Which makes me wonder when and if Samsung will release their version.
Hopefully some some of the things are fixed by then but I am sooooo glad to have this now (Replaced x34 from 7 years ago). The cons so far are negligible for my case usage and this is peaks better than the IPS/VA alternatives out right now in the same resolution.
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I heard from a BestBuy employee when I was there a week ago. Could be hearsay but he seemed to know exactly what I was talking about and said they should have them "in a couple of weeks". I, too, am skeptical but I'm willing to wait it out and see if it's true. <shrug>
Dell has sent at least allocation to other retailers because I know a few people who ordered from Amazon when it popped up in stock on March 23rd. Since that initial batch was available to order Amazon has no confirmed ETA probably because Dell themselves are clueless as to when they'll have more.
For Samsung maybe, for LG maybe not according to this article: https://t.co/y3ldCXsA0u
Nvidia has adamantly refused to upgrade the G-Sync module. It has miserably low number of input options and while that's fine for gamers, it's not for those of us who want to connect multiple computers. Lack of HDMI 2.1 comes from there. Similarly the only reason these things have a fan is because of the G-Sync module. The Freesync displays meanwhile need no such things while performing similarly (no, not identically before someone starts frothing at the mouth) which leads me to believe the G-Sync module is a design that just happens to run hot. I really dislike the idea of fans in a desktop display especially when replacing them is not going to be easy. Mechanical moving parts are often the first to go bad.
Microsoft could actually solve the subpixel issues, either by providing Cleartype modes better suited for the odd QD-OLED pixel layout. Alternatively if they simply improved the grayscale font smoothing option to be closer to what MacOS does then there would be no issue as I feel my LG OLED works without problems on MacOS but not on Windows where I instead use Cleartype adjustments on RGB font smoothing combined with MacType and DPI scaling to mitigate the problem. If Samsung starts making 4K 27, 32 or 42" panels in the next few years, those should have no real issues with text rendering as DPI scaling can mitigate it pretty decently.
I agree with that Techspot review that the Dell is the early adopter option and it's going to have some growing pains. I can understand people jumping on it left and right when the monitor market is garbage.
TrunksZero
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You can grab custom windows Cleartype files now to help elevate the issue a bit. Can't remember where I saw that posted though.
lagavulin
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Nice setup and I'm really tempted to place an order for that monitor. Sidenote, seeing your keyboard sure makes me miss my old Logitech with the lcd screen.
The reason that they may stay around isn't Gsync, but brightness. OLEDs use a lot of power to get as bright as they do and there is interest in making them brighter still. For that to work well, it will need cooling to prevent issues and image retention/burn in. Can be done with a large enough heatsink, of course, but a fan may be the solution of choice. Sometimes the heat output and size of something is going to make engineering go for a fan. My Denon X4400 is like that, first receiver I've ever had from them with a fan. They always tried to passively cool. However they would either need less amp channels, less DSP, or a larger case to go passive and none of those were things they were willing to do so it has fans.
I wouldn't hold your breath, MS seems to really not be interested in working on their font rendering these days. They haven't done any updates to cleartype in years near as I know.
MistaSparkul
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For what it's worth, my Acer X27's fan is still working even after 4 years. Although I don't know how much longer it will continue to work, and surely it has already failed on other people's units.
ziocomposite
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True, but I think the publications need to be contacted otherwise they wouldn't know. Because how about things such as VRR/Gsync/Free-sync on/off during these tests among other things. Just recently Rtings included these but moving forward, think it needs to be a staple for other as well. That being said, going to contact them to include HDR on/off input lag results as well =P
For those wondering:
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Gatecrasher3000
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I too am still using the x34 from 7 years go, Im typing this message on it now.
So you feel the move from x34 to the 3223dw was a worthwhile upgrade, even though it's the same res and size?
I've been begging (contacted directly) Tim from Techspot/HW unboxed and literally everyone else that has reviewed this monitor to include more detailed input lag testing. No Bueno.
ziocomposite
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For my case usage, yes. I am still happy with 3440x1440p along with wanting high refresh. My original set-up of 4790 & 980ti with the x34 was just fine but obviously even back then would need to turn down settings. In 2020 updated to 5900x/3080 combo which was finally able to utilize x34 to it's potential.
I have an OLED TV but have always wanted that HDR capability along with wonderful blacks/contrast ratio in monitor format and it's finally here.
That being said, the cons are real. The question is, how much is it a compromise to you? Below I think are the important things that will vary per individual.
- Fan noise - 2 different types when it turns on may be audible in silent scenarios but I wear headphones majority of the time. Even when on, does not bother me.
- Text Fringing - I notice only when up to extremely close distance so non-issue for me
- Black - May appear gray depending on lighting. I have controlled lighting scenario so not a big issue for me.
- Brightness - I use mine at 55-70 brightness for SDR (100-150? nits) so is not an issue along with having a controllable lighting scenario.
Album Comparison
x34 (2015) vs AW at native 3440x1440p resolution
- Aw3423DW vs X34 Predator(2015) Capped @60FPS/Max Hz COD Vanguard
- Aw3423DW vs X34 Predator(2015) Capped @60FPS and 60Hz COD Vanguard
- Aw3423DW vs X34 Predator(2015) Capped @100FPS and 100Hz/FPS God of War
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Zepher
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I too liked the LCD screens on the old Logitechs. This is actually a Corsair iCue Nexus touch screen just sitting on my Logitech G815.
The screen is kinda pricey though at $100.
This I think is less likely to be a problem than most people think. I guess it depends on how bright you like your monitor vs your background but at work, with overhead fluorescents, I measured my LCD as being set at under 200nits when I had set it to a comfortable level. I'm not saying you can't find really bright scenarios when you want more, like my laptop goes up to 400+ max and I've used that in airports when there is sunlight streaming in the windows, but I think even when you are in a lit room you probably aren't going to exceed the cap on this thing.
So correct me if I'm wrong but it looks like the AW is noticeably faster than the x34, a frame or maybe more and I'm having trouble seeing any difference between it and the G7. That being the case I'd say the lag is not a big deal on it.
ziocomposite
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For brightness, I'll update my post but it's mostly for people who like to blast theirs 250+nits as preference and/or due to room lighting scenario.
That video is taken with a N20 at 960FPS so it makes it more visible. In real time use, would say the bigger difference is in feeling and how much clearer the AW is vs the x34.
Between G7 & AW, I'd say the G7 is faster in response (Negligible IMO) while the AW looks much clearer to me. It's when you start going into lower refresh that the clarity of the AW goes above the G7. If you can maintain 200+ on the G7 clarity is great of course. As a pure gaming monitor, since having the AW I have appreciated the G7 even more considering it is a VA tech.
For sure, just noting that 250 is more than most people think. I think there is a worry from some that they need more brightness than they actually do, since they don't know what the actual brightness output of their monitor is at a given setting since most people don't have (or need) a meter. It is for sure something worth noting since compared to modern LCDs, it is low, they usually are 400ish for cheaper ones, and higher for ones that do HDR.
It is just an issue I feel that some reviews make more of a deal of than they should, and that individuals are more worried than they should.
I'm just looking at the difference with regards to concerns from some reviews worried that it is noticeably slow with regards to response. From the look of those comparisons, it isn't and should feel fast and responsive which is all that really matters.
MistaSparkul
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Who can actually tell a difference of 4.7ms input lag? Unless you have the reflexes of a fly I don't think a 4.7ms is a meaningful amount of input delay.
sharknice
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Just because you're unable to consciously perceive the input delay doesn't mean it doesn't matter. If you can get an advantage over someone in a competitive game it can be a pretty big deal if all other things are equal.
Say you're playing counter strike against someone, you both come around the corner at the same time and see each other, you both react at exactly the same speed but the other person had a 10 ms input lag advantage. You just died and they lived.
I doubt we can. However it seems like lag measurements from reviews are all over the place, I think in part because it is very hard to do well (accurate detection of things over that short a timescale is hard) and there is no standard. Some people seem to think this monitor is on the slower side, zio's results seem to show that is not the case.
Ya but let's not pretend like that is a big issue for a few reasons:
1) Not everyone plays competitive twitch games. I see far too much of the assumption that the be-all, end-all for gaming is fast response as though all anyone does is play online twitch shooters. Yet when we look at what is being sold and played we see that there are all kinds of games that doesn't apply to. So while it might be valid IF you are the kind of person who does play that, it isn't something everyone needs to get worked up about.
2) Even if you do play those games, you have to ask yourself if you skill is at such a level that it matters. Skill and tactics are far and away more important than response time in how good you'll do. So even if you are a CSGO player if you are Silver 3, the thing keeping you from Global Elite is you, not an extra 6ms of response in your monitor. Only if you are already performing at extremely high levels is it a huge deal.
3) You are still going to be the biggest factor in this. Human response time is garbage. Usually in the realm of 200ms for a visual stimulus. There's also a lot of variability in it for an individual. So even if your reaction time averages, say, 150ms you will discover it is not precisely 150ms but rather a range of values from something like 120-170ms.
I'm not saying it isn't something to consider, particularly if competitive shooters are what you do and you are good at them, but if that isn't what you do it isn't such a huge concern and if you are pretty bad, don't assume better gear will make a huge difference, it is you that you need to work on.
As an aside, it is strange to me how much time and stress people spend on latency for displays for competitive shooters but nobody pays any attention to audio latency. We react to audio stimuli faster than visual stimuli on average so if absolute fastest reactions were of a concern, I'd think low audio latency would be of interest. It is something that differs too, different sound cards have different amount of buffers on the USB interface, processing, and DA itself. There is quite a bit of information on it out there as it matters a lot in the world of pro audio and stage reproduction (for sound 1ms = about 0.9 feet in the air so you deal with it when synchronizing sound sources).
Ideally if a game were all about fastest reactions you'd want it to support ASIO output so you can bypass windows sound processing, which has its own buffering, and communicate directly with a soundcard. With ASIO and a good pro card you can get latencies under 1ms from the time the card receives the signal to the time the DA is generating voltage output.
MistaSparkul
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Yeah I'm not even gonna bother trying to explain why a few ms of input lag isn't going to matter. You can read elvn's essay if you want.
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