Alienware 34″ Ultrawide QD-OLED 280Hz [AW3426DW] Gaming Monitor (Hardware) – Review

Having been in business since 1996, Alienware has a long history in gaming products and is particularly well known for its range of gaming computers and laptops. The company also offers an extensive range of peripherals and accessories, and we’ve been offered a product so crisp and clean that it left us wondering how we ever gamed without it

Only recently announced, the all-new Alienware AW3426DW 34-inch Ultrawide QD-OLED 280Hz gaming monitor is packed with features aimed at making your gaming experience feel better than ever

In the box, you’ll find the monitor panel, its base and stand, an HDMI cable capable of 8K at 120Hz, a DisplayPort cable, a USB Type-A to Type-B 5Gbps cable, the power cable, a microfiber cloth, a sheet of stickers, safety information, and setup instructions

Assembly takes little more than securing the base and clicking the stand into place, making it ready to find a home on your desk in just a few minutes. Its sturdy construction and substantial weight inspire confidence, while the adjustable stand makes it easy to find a comfortable viewing position

The monitor features a sizable 34-inch panel with a 3440 x 1440 resolution, delivering crisp and smooth visuals. The visual experience is further enhanced by the vibrant QD-OLED panel and an immersive 1800R curve. While the curvature does make the monitor appear slightly chunky when viewed from the side, it helps create a more engaging experience when sitting directly in front of the display

Performance is where the Alienware AW3426DW 34-inch Ultrawide QD-OLED 280Hz gaming monitor really shines. The 280Hz refresh rate delivers an exceptionally smooth experience, while support for AMD FreeSync, NVIDIA G-Sync, and Adaptive Sync helps make gameplay even more enjoyable. Combined with the rapid 0.03ms response time, everything feels responsive and fluid during use

The monitor also supports modern gaming consoles, with HDMI 2.1 connectivity that enables compatible devices to output up to 4K at 120Hz. Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support further helps maintain smooth gameplay by reducing screen tearing and stuttering when the connected device supports it

Beyond gaming performance, the Alienware AW3426DW is equipped with support for HDR10 content and VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification

The panel supports 10-bit colour and covers 99% of the DCI-P3 colour gamut, helping deliver vibrant colours and strong contrast across a wide range of content. Factory calibration is also included, providing accurate colour reproduction straight out of the box, and making it equally suitable for content creation

One thing I was pleased to see is that Alienware has largely retained the familiar design language of previous models. The Alienware AW3426DW 34-inch Ultrawide QD-OLED 280Hz gaming monitor doesn’t immediately scream gaming monitor, instead opting for a cleaner look that feels right at home in a wide variety of setups

The unit we received came with a blue finish, helping the monitor stand out without becoming overly flashy, and complementing the otherwise clean and understated design. Connectivity is straightforward, with one DisplayPort 1.4, two HDMI 2.1 ports, one USB-A port, one USB-B port, and a USB-C port, which is also capable of providing 15W power delivery

Desk space is certainly something to consider, with the panel measuring 32.05 x 14.23 x 4.38 inches. Thankfully, the lower-profile stand and cutaway design help make cable management much easier, preventing things from looking cluttered behind the monitor

By using a 34” Samsung panel, the Alienware AW3426DW also benefits from their latest Penta Tandem QD-OLED panel technology, which is designed to improve efficiency and panel longevity compared to previous generations. It also comes with an anti-reflective coating that not only assists with maintaining perceived black levels in brighter rooms but also offers improved resistance to minor scratches during everyday use.

For additional peace of mind, the monitor is backed by a three-year warranty that includes OLED burn-in coverage, helping address one of the most common concerns associated with OLED displays

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Alienware’s AW3426DW gaming monitor. From the simple setup process and refined design to the vibrant visuals and impressive performance, it is certainly a monitor worth considering for anyone looking to invest in a high-end gaming display

Written by: Matiyus