Alienware AW2523HF Overview: Blinding Pace and Immediate Response

October 16, 2022

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As we speak’s gaming consoles are mighty spectacular. They render Extremely HD graphics at 120 frames per second with HDR and huge gamut coloration. Nonetheless, they don’t characterize the final word stage of efficiency. Any severe esports participant will prioritize pace and response time over every thing else, together with pixel density. For aggressive gaming, particularly on the skilled stage, solely a 360 Hz display screen will do.

Many selections are available among the many greatest gaming screens, however they’re usually costly. $650 for a 25-inch FHD panel may be onerous to wrap one’s thoughts round. Luckily, Alienware has another. The Alienware AW2523HF delivers all of the efficiency of the premium screens, together with a 360 Hz IPS panel, AMD FreeSync, and Nvidia G-Sync for simply $450, which appears like an unbelievable cut price these days.

Alienware AW2523HF Specs

Panel Kind / Backlight	IPS / W-LED, edge array
Display screen Measurement / Side Ratio	24.5 inches / 16:9
Max Decision & Refresh Fee	1920×1440 @ 360 Hz
	FreeSync: 48-360 Hz
	G-Sync Appropriate
Native Shade Depth & Gamut	8-bit / sRGB
	HDR10, DisplayHDR 400
Response Time (GTG)	1ms
Brightness (mfr)	400 nits
Distinction (mfr)	1,000:1
Audio system	None
Video Inputs	1x DisplayPort 1.4
	2x HDMI 2.0
Audio	3.5mm headphone output
	3.5mm audio output
USB 3.2	1x up, 4x down
Energy Consumption	21.7w, brightness @ 200 nits
Panel Dimensions WxHxD w/base	21.9 x 15.4-19.7 x 9.6 inches (556 x 391-500 x 244mm)
Panel Thickness	2.6 inches (66mm)
Bezel Width	Prime/sides: 0.2 inch (6mm)
	Backside: 0.6 inch (14mm)
Weight	12.2 kilos (5.6kg)
Guarantee	3 years

The opposite 360 Hz monitor in Alienware’s secure is the AW2521H, reviewed right here practically two years in the past. It prices $650 at this writing for one principal motive, the inclusion of Nvidia’s Latency Analyzer. The AW2523HF I’m right here doesn’t have that characteristic. However right here’s one thing stunning; it helps each flavors of Adaptive-Sync. Whereas that’s fairly frequent in gaming screens of all costs, the AW2521H helps solely G-Sync. My testing additionally discovered that the inexpensive display screen had no dimming characteristic to extend HDR distinction. However in each method that issues to a gamer, the 2 screens are the identical.

The Alienware AW2523HF has an IPS panel operating at FHD decision masking the sRGB coloration gamut. Since there has but to be a 360 Hz show with DCI-P3 protection, that isn’t vital. I measured over 108% sRGB quantity, so there’s loads of coloration right here. The panel additionally has barely above common distinction with ratios nearing 1,200:1, not dangerous for IPS generally. Although the HDR picture received’t impress, HDR10 indicators are supported with three completely different HDR modes and a VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification.

Avid gamers purchase a 360 Hz monitor due to its video processing, which is akin to the efficiency one will get from an unique sports activities automotive. At 300 frames per second or extra, movement blur is solely non-existent, and Adaptive-Sync is barely wanted. The smoothness and response are on one other stage in comparison with 240 Hz screens. 144 Hz? Yeah, I bear in mind when the primary such screens appeared, and reviewers like me stated the identical factor about them. As we speak although, 360 Hz is the top.

The AW2523HF is licensed for FreeSync operation however shouldn’t be but on Nvidia’s record. I think it quickly shall be since its slower cousins are licensed G-Sync appropriate. My pattern proved flawless in all of the G-Sync checks I carried out.

There are many options helpful to players, like a headphone hook, USB ports, viewing enhancements, an aiming level, timers, and a big choice of image modes. And coloration proved correct in my checks, so image high quality is not going to be a priority.

Meeting and Equipment for Alienware AW2523HF

My AW2523HF pattern arrived in a big clamshell-type field with Dell’s standard packing comprised of molded pulp. Every little thing is recyclable and there’s none of that annoying crumbly foam. The bottom, upright and panel assemble shortly with no instruments wanted. Bundled cables are of higher-than-average high quality and embody USB, DisplayPort and an uncommon Mini DisplayPort cable which is able to work with some gaming laptops. The facility provide is inner, so that you additionally get an IEC wire.

Product 360: Alienware AW2523HF

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The AW2523HF has a super-thin bezel that’s simply 6mm huge across the high and sides and 14mm huge on the backside. It’s simply sufficient to accommodate the Alienware identify written in skinny white letters. Beneath is a joystick controlling all monitor capabilities besides energy which is dealt with by a lighted button on the proper.

The upright is a big, curvaceous piece that bolts firmly to a secure base. Lozenge shapes abound on the attachment factors and within the giant cable gap, which might nearly be known as a tunnel; it’s that deep. Ergonomics embody -5/21 levels tilt, 40 levels swivel, a 4.3-inch top adjustment and a portrait mode.

The again options the Alienware head graphic and a big “25” set off in polished black. The lozenge form across the attachment level hides a 100mm VESA mount and is textured like a grill. For warmth dissipation, there’s a row of holes alongside the highest fringe of the panel to maintain issues cool.

Beneath, there’s loads of connectivity with one upstream and 4 downstream USB 3.2 ports. Two USB ports are on the bezel, together with a 3.5mm headphone jack, which may be very handy. Within the standard spots are the remaining USBs, two HDMI 2.0, one DisplayPort 1.4 and a 3.5mm audio output. There aren’t any inner audio system.

OSD Options

The AW2523HF’s OSD is just like the one present in most Dell and Alienware gaming screens, with a couple of further options added. As I discussed earlier, you received’t discover the Nvidia Latency Analyzer, however every thing else wanted for efficiency and comfort is there.

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Urgent the joystick brings up a fast menu on the underside and standing information throughout the highest of the display screen. Scrolling left or proper permits you to change brightness & distinction, coloration mode, darkish stabilizer and entry the AlienVision characteristic. Extra on that in a second.

There are 12 coloration modes in complete, some game-type particular and a few fitted to studying or different work duties. Three Sport modes allow you to customise coloration and video processing choices individually. A Customized mode has a two-point white stability plus hue and saturation sliders. I found that there’s a gamma management within the Console Mode sub-menu, which isn’t normally discovered on Dell gaming screens. It may be turned on and adjusted with out affecting different picture parameters.

Sport Improve contains timers and a body charge indicator. There’s no aiming level right here, however there’s one within the AlienVision menu. It’s enormous at nearly 4 inches throughout. Clichés about hitting the facet of a barn at the moment are struggling to get by way of…

A 3-level overdrive barely makes a distinction at any of its settings. With such excessive body charges, movement blur is a non-issue. The Console Mode gives gamma presets and RGB sliders for white stability. AlienVision gives the aforementioned crosshair plus the power to change the looks of a big rectangle on the heart of the display screen. You possibly can have an evening imaginative and prescient look, a sharpened look, or a weird chromatic impact whose use I can not fathom. Strive them out and see if you happen to like them.

HDR is supported by three modes: Desktop (probably the most correct), Film, and Sport. The latter two add seen edge enhancement, so I don’t suggest them. If you happen to flip off Sensible HDR, the AW2523HF is not going to change modes when an HDR10 sign is utilized. The consumer can program the 5 shortcut keys for quite a lot of capabilities. Plus, you possibly can toggle by way of the AlienVision choices with out going into the OSD in order for you.

Calibration Settings for Alienware AW2523HF

The AW2523HF wants little or no in the best way of adjustment. The truth is, you possibly can get pleasure from it simply superb in both Commonplace mode (the default) or Customized Shade. Each choices supply a visually impartial grayscale, error-free sRGB coloration and near-perfect gamma.

For my functions, I tweaked the RGB Features (you get Offsets, too) for a reference-level outcome. My settings are under. There aren’t any picture choices for HDR content material apart from the three extra image modes, however HDR is near the mark.

Image Mode	Customized
Brightness 200 nits	79
Brightness 120 nits	50
Brightness 100 nits	38
Brightness 80 nits	26
Brightness 50 nits	9 (min. 36 nits)
Distinction	75
Shade Temp Person	Achieve – Purple 100, Inexperienced 100, Blue 98
	Bias – Purple 50, Inexperienced 50, Blue 50

Gaming and Palms-on with Alienware AW2523HF

That is at all times my favourite a part of any 360 Hz monitor overview. Testing is actually spectacular once I sit down to research the response and lag movies. And BlurBusters patterns tackle a next-level look with completely no movement blur in proof within the shifting UFO and picture checks. 360 Hz is unquestionably higher than 240 Hz. And although you’re paying loads for just a little extra efficiency, you received’t care when you’ve skilled it your self.

As an on a regular basis monitor, the Alienware AW2523HF is completely suited. 25 inches is just a little smaller than I’m used to however for many desktops and workspaces, it’s loads of display screen. The portrait mode can be utilized to good impact for phrase processing or music scores. Two of those screens can be nice for Photoshop or video enhancing. I stay up for the day when a 360 Hz panel comes with a large coloration gamut. However the further little bit of sRGB quantity right here makes a constructive influence in coloration saturation. The additional distinction helps too. Although not in VA territory, the AW2523HF seems to be higher than most different IPS panels with higher dimension and deeper blacks.

If just one factor may be stated a couple of 360 Hz gaming monitor, it’s that it’s onerous to cease taking part in. Movement is so easy and so good as to be addictive. There may be actually no different form of monitor that gives an expertise like this. I turned on the AW2523HF’s body indicator to watch charges and noticed round 300 fps when taking part in Doom Everlasting. There appeared to be no efficiency penalty for HDR although admittedly, it was onerous to take a look at the numbers on a regular basis.

My gaming expertise are decidedly common, however I felt like a king when mowing by way of monsters and zombies. Each mouse motion is met with prompt response. And I famous that stopping my flip to shoot was tremendous exact. I nearly by no means overshot the mark. Circle strafe actions are a lot simpler when the panning picture stays in focus. You possibly can management your place way more finely than even a 240 Hz monitor permits.

Evaluating HDR and SDR confirmed some seen distinction. Distinction was about the identical, however the HDR model of Doom Everlasting was usually darker. Some shadowy areas lacked element so crawling by way of caves was just a little sketchy at occasions. Shade appeared a bit extra saturated although. Making the HDR/SDR alternative will rely on the sport content material. If you wish to you should definitely see probably the most element in each scenario, SDR is the best way to go.

The AlienVision is an fascinating characteristic. The enormous aiming level didn’t assist me in any method. Although you possibly can’t miss it, its giant dimension was a distraction in fast-paced battles. The opposite settings the place you possibly can alter the look of a window on the display screen heart didn’t make their advantages apparent to me. Maybe in a sniper recreation, one would possibly use the Clear setting, which sharpens the image within the rectangle, to line up a shot. However a zoom mode is likely to be a extra helpful possibility.

As a gaming monitor, the AW2523HF excels at what it is designed to do, ship screamingly quick body charges, easy movement and imperceptible enter lag. It’s an addictive show that may have you ever fragging your time away.

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