I understand HDR isn't everything but they couldn't even get DisplayHDR 400 for this thing? Furthermore its 120 Hz OVERCLOCKED. It isn't even standard. What is up with this monitor?
Its most likely the same lg panel as in the 34gk950f/g so native 120 because of the old gen gsync module limiting this otherwise native 144hz display to only 120hz. If you check out the lg model it will all make sense. This is just “Dell’s version” just like the 2017 Alienware was. As far as pricing it will not stay at 1.5k not when the LG variant is priced at less than 1k
I'm assuming the IPS is the reason the brightness is low. Also there's no HDMI 2 so it wouldn't be passing HDR across anyways.
TFTCentral is reporting the panel on this is 144hz and is artificially limited (like the LG 34GK950G) to 120hz due to the g-sync module.
The real question I have, and always have since regular ultrawides dropped in price, is why they carry such a high price tag when the value doesn't seem to be there.
If you've not got a FALD backlight (or using OLED), then any 'HDR' rating is quite simply not actually HDR. HDR = High Dynamic Range, and without zoned backlight modulation or a change in panel technology you simply do not have any more dynamic range than every other SDR monitor. I'd give kudos to any monitor manufacturer who does NOT claim to support HDR on panels that it is evidently impossible to.
Its a IPS monitor, hardly any panels go past 120Hz so pretty standard for it. HDR is not a big selling point to most people..being IPS is probably reason for it.
Pricing is always different than what dell quotes. My last dell monitor like the one shown was $1300, and it was literally listed on dell website a week later for $899. This might be like that.
HDR is not a big selling point to most people? I have to strongly disagree there. That's more important than resolution consistently with consumer behavior studies. It's actually common knowledge.
For a monitor not that big, it's far easier and hardly a deal breaker to skip IPS for a panel more capable of HDR.
Its not a big selling point, evident by the fact the sales are not great on them and the common "i don't see much of a difference" from shoppers. I mean its just looks like the brightness is turned up on a monitor is all..kinda silly gimmick.
$1499 for this panel seems grossly overpriced, especially given the dull brightness spec. Its predecessor the AW3418DW can be had for half the price with nearly the same feature-set.
Its dell, they always list higher prices than what shows on website. Last monitor i got from them was the graphics oriented version of this one at $1300..a week later on site was $899. The always have discounts and sales on stuff new and old.
Nope this is nvidia never updating the original g-sync module. You'll find that these two are the specs on all g-sync screens using the original module.
Seriously weak on DP and HDMI. AW just gave us details on the 55" OLED with HDMI 2.1. This feels like they released a dinosaur alongside the OLED model.
Yeah, hopefully so. That's just abysmal in 2019. It seems their team associated with monitor releases can't catch a break from whoever was in charge of the spec sheet & PR kit (& making the spec decisions for their monitors in general).
I'll take the LG 34GK950F over this. Why? Blur Reduction Backlight (if you prefer this) Freesync 2 144Hz that works perfectly with nvidia cards. hdmi 2.0 and displayport 1.4 Low lag after firmware update. Still Nano IPS which gives the wide gamut It's cheaper and looks cleaner. (Don't need my monitor to say Alienware)
Exactly this. The Freesync version has no compromises and in the panel, actually is better. Really the only reason to go G-sync right now is for FALD (HDR600 or 1000) monitors. For HDR400 or less, Freesync is just as good.
TFT Central has a good comparison of the two LG monitors using this panel.
I will say that I like the appearance of this monitor a bit better than the LG (don't care about the backlight) just because I have a white case and keyboard... but ultimately I go for function over form any day.
Into the bin with it. 3440×1440 is an aggressively unimpressive resolution (it's just 1440p with a bit more on each side). Why on earth does it have DisplayPort 1.2 in 2019? HDMI 1.4 doesn't even deserve the dignity of being mentioned. 120hz is great, but 3440x1440 @ 120hz monitors have been around for a few years now: it's time to graduate to higher resolutions at this refresh rate. How about 5120x2160 @ 120hz? That would be closer to what I'd consider an acceptable resolution for a modern ultra-wide display.
Anyway, the bottom line is $1500 for this thing is a riot.
The market needs more 40"+ curved 4k displays, not increasingly tepid offerings in the 25-37" range where there are already a gazillion options on the market.
I just had my AW3418DW replaced via warranty from dell and they sent me the AW3420DW . I can tell you the picture on the AW3420DW is way better 100% ! Thank you dell !
We’ve updated our terms. By continuing to use the site and/or by logging into your account, you agree to the Site’s updated Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Facebook
Twitter
RSS
24 Comments
Back to Article
quiksilvr - Tuesday, August 20, 2019 - link
I understand HDR isn't everything but they couldn't even get DisplayHDR 400 for this thing? Furthermore its 120 Hz OVERCLOCKED. It isn't even standard. What is up with this monitor?willis936 - Tuesday, August 20, 2019 - link
It’s the same feature set + WQHD instead of 1440p, but coming out 3 years later and costing 300% more. It has LEDs though. What’s the problem?Moizy - Tuesday, August 20, 2019 - link
LolHxx - Tuesday, August 20, 2019 - link
Its most likely the same lg panel as in the 34gk950f/g so native 120 because of the old gen gsync module limiting this otherwise native 144hz display to only 120hz. If you check out the lg model it will all make sense. This is just “Dell’s version” just like the 2017 Alienware was. As far as pricing it will not stay at 1.5k not when the LG variant is priced at less than 1kthestryker - Tuesday, August 20, 2019 - link
I'm assuming the IPS is the reason the brightness is low. Also there's no HDMI 2 so it wouldn't be passing HDR across anyways.TFTCentral is reporting the panel on this is 144hz and is artificially limited (like the LG 34GK950G) to 120hz due to the g-sync module.
The real question I have, and always have since regular ultrawides dropped in price, is why they carry such a high price tag when the value doesn't seem to be there.
edzieba - Tuesday, August 20, 2019 - link
If you've not got a FALD backlight (or using OLED), then any 'HDR' rating is quite simply not actually HDR. HDR = High Dynamic Range, and without zoned backlight modulation or a change in panel technology you simply do not have any more dynamic range than every other SDR monitor.I'd give kudos to any monitor manufacturer who does NOT claim to support HDR on panels that it is evidently impossible to.
imaheadcase - Tuesday, August 20, 2019 - link
Its a IPS monitor, hardly any panels go past 120Hz so pretty standard for it. HDR is not a big selling point to most people..being IPS is probably reason for it.Pricing is always different than what dell quotes. My last dell monitor like the one shown was $1300, and it was literally listed on dell website a week later for $899. This might be like that.
lilkwarrior - Wednesday, August 21, 2019 - link
HDR is not a big selling point to most people? I have to strongly disagree there. That's more important than resolution consistently with consumer behavior studies. It's actually common knowledge.For a monitor not that big, it's far easier and hardly a deal breaker to skip IPS for a panel more capable of HDR.
imaheadcase - Wednesday, August 21, 2019 - link
Its not a big selling point, evident by the fact the sales are not great on them and the common "i don't see much of a difference" from shoppers. I mean its just looks like the brightness is turned up on a monitor is all..kinda silly gimmick.Aegrum - Tuesday, August 20, 2019 - link
$1499 for this panel seems grossly overpriced, especially given the dull brightness spec. Its predecessor the AW3418DW can be had for half the price with nearly the same feature-set.imaheadcase - Tuesday, August 20, 2019 - link
Its dell, they always list higher prices than what shows on website. Last monitor i got from them was the graphics oriented version of this one at $1300..a week later on site was $899. The always have discounts and sales on stuff new and old.nathanddrews - Tuesday, August 20, 2019 - link
1 × DP 1.21× HDMI 1.4
Did Dell screw up their PR material again?
thestryker - Tuesday, August 20, 2019 - link
Nope this is nvidia never updating the original g-sync module. You'll find that these two are the specs on all g-sync screens using the original module.FXi - Tuesday, August 20, 2019 - link
Seriously weak on DP and HDMI. AW just gave us details on the 55" OLED with HDMI 2.1. This feels like they released a dinosaur alongside the OLED model.lilkwarrior - Wednesday, August 21, 2019 - link
Yeah, hopefully so. That's just abysmal in 2019. It seems their team associated with monitor releases can't catch a break from whoever was in charge of the spec sheet & PR kit (& making the spec decisions for their monitors in general).Dug - Tuesday, August 20, 2019 - link
I'll take the LG 34GK950F over this.Why? Blur Reduction Backlight (if you prefer this)
Freesync 2 144Hz that works perfectly with nvidia cards.
hdmi 2.0 and displayport 1.4
Low lag after firmware update.
Still Nano IPS which gives the wide gamut
It's cheaper and looks cleaner. (Don't need my monitor to say Alienware)
SmCaudata - Tuesday, August 20, 2019 - link
Exactly this.The Freesync version has no compromises and in the panel, actually is better. Really the only reason to go G-sync right now is for FALD (HDR600 or 1000) monitors. For HDR400 or less, Freesync is just as good.
TFT Central has a good comparison of the two LG monitors using this panel.
I will say that I like the appearance of this monitor a bit better than the LG (don't care about the backlight) just because I have a white case and keyboard... but ultimately I go for function over form any day.
obama gaming - Tuesday, August 20, 2019 - link
AN ADJUSTABLE STAND COMING WITH THE MONITOR???? UNHEARD OF!godrilla - Wednesday, August 21, 2019 - link
I thought non ultra gsync is dead though thanks for Nvidia for freesync support!Ninjawithagun - Wednesday, August 21, 2019 - link
Agreed! I own the AW3418DW and this model is definitely not worth upgrading.Adam-James - Friday, August 23, 2019 - link
Into the bin with it. 3440×1440 is an aggressively unimpressive resolution (it's just 1440p with a bit more on each side). Why on earth does it have DisplayPort 1.2 in 2019? HDMI 1.4 doesn't even deserve the dignity of being mentioned. 120hz is great, but 3440x1440 @ 120hz monitors have been around for a few years now: it's time to graduate to higher resolutions at this refresh rate. How about 5120x2160 @ 120hz? That would be closer to what I'd consider an acceptable resolution for a modern ultra-wide display.Anyway, the bottom line is $1500 for this thing is a riot.
inperfectdarkness - Friday, August 23, 2019 - link
So a bunch of fancy bells and whistles, 6" less display size, and 144p resolution that requires overclocking to get to 120hz. All for $1500.I think I'm going to keep my 40", 4k display that I paid $500 for and live with 60hz.
inperfectdarkness - Friday, August 23, 2019 - link
Oh, and mine's 1800r curved too.The market needs more 40"+ curved 4k displays, not increasingly tepid offerings in the 25-37" range where there are already a gazillion options on the market.
mrod - Thursday, January 14, 2021 - link
I just had my AW3418DW replaced via warranty from dell and they sent me the AW3420DW . I can tell you the picture on the AW3420DW is way better 100% ! Thank you dell !