Dell Alienware AW2523HF 24.5″ 360Hz Gaming Monitor Review: Is it Worth It?
Dell Alienware AW2523HF 24.5″ 360Hz Gaming Monitor Review
The Dell Alienware AW2523HF 24.5″ 360Hz Gaming Monitor is a serious contender in the competitive gaming arena. Boasting a blazing fast refresh rate, ultra-low response time, and immersive visuals, this monitor is designed to give you a significant edge. But is it worth the price tag? I spent several weeks putting this monitor through its paces, and here’s my comprehensive review.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Dell Alienware AW2523HF is aimed at competitive gamers seeking a display that can keep up with their lightning-fast reflexes. It’s designed to deliver smooth gameplay and sharp visuals, making it a formidable weapon in the battle for dominance.
Features
The AW2523HF packs a punch with its impressive features:
- 24.5″ FHD Fast IPS Panel: This panel delivers crisp, detailed visuals with wide viewing angles and vibrant colors.
- 360Hz Refresh Rate: Experience buttery-smooth gameplay with minimal motion blur, allowing you to track even the fastest-moving objects with ease.
- 1ms GtG Extreme Response Time: The near-instantaneous response time ensures that your actions are translated on-screen with minimal lag, crucial for competitive gaming.
- AMD FreeSync Premium & VESA Adaptive-Sync: These technologies eliminate screen tearing and stuttering for a truly fluid gaming experience.
- Ergonomic Design: The monitor features height, pivot, swivel, and tilt adjustments to ensure optimal comfort and viewing angles.
- Built-in USB Hub: Conveniently connect your peripherals directly to the monitor.
Performance
I tested the AW2523HF with a variety of fast-paced games, including FPS titles like Valorant and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. The results were impressive:
- Smooth Gameplay: The 360Hz refresh rate was a game-changer, delivering smooth, fluid gameplay without any noticeable stuttering or tearing. This made tracking enemies and reacting quickly significantly easier.
- Reduced Motion Blur: The low response time effectively eliminated motion blur, allowing me to see fast-moving objects with clarity.
- Sharp and Vibrant Images: The Fast IPS panel produced sharp, detailed images with excellent color accuracy. The visuals were immersive and vibrant, adding to the overall gaming experience.
- Minimal Input Lag: I didn’t experience any noticeable input lag, making the monitor incredibly responsive and allowing for precise aim and reactions.
Pros & Cons
Here are the key strengths and weaknesses of the Dell Alienware AW2523HF:
Pros
- Blazing fast 360Hz refresh rate for exceptionally smooth gameplay.
- Ultra-low response time (1ms GtG Extreme) for minimal motion blur.
- Excellent color accuracy and vibrant visuals thanks to the Fast IPS panel.
- Supports AMD FreeSync Premium and VESA Adaptive-Sync for tear-free gaming.
- Ergonomic design with full adjustability for personalized comfort.
- Built-in USB hub for added convenience.
Cons
- Relatively high price point.
- The stand, while adjustable, might not be as robust as some higher-end gaming monitor stands.
- Limited connectivity options; only two HDMI ports and one DisplayPort.
Final Verdict
The Dell Alienware AW2523HF 24.5″ 360Hz Gaming Monitor is a top-tier choice for competitive gamers who demand the best possible performance. Its blazing fast refresh rate, low response time, and vibrant visuals combine to provide a truly immersive and competitive advantage. While it comes with a premium price tag, the performance and features justify the investment. If you’re serious about gaming and want a monitor that can keep up with your reflexes, the AW2523HF is definitely worth considering.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Display Type | LED-backlit LCD monitor / TFT active matrix |
| Diagonal Size | 24.5″ |
| Adaptive-Sync Technology | VESA Adaptive-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium |
| Built-in Devices | USB 3.2 Gen 1 hub |
| Panel Type | Fast IPS |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Native Resolution | Full HD (1080p) 1920 x 1080 at 360 Hz |
| Pixel Pitch | 0.2829 mm |
| Pixel Per Inch | 90 |
| Brightness | 400 cd/m² |
| Contrast Ratio | 1000:1 / 1000:1 (dynamic) |
| Color Support | 16.7 million colors |
| Color Gamut | 99% sRGB |
| Response Time | 1 ms (gray-to-gray extreme), 0.5 ms (gray-to-gray min) |
| Gaming | Yes |
| Horizontal Viewing Angle | 178° |
| Vertical Viewing Angle | 178° |
| Backlight Technology | LED backlight |
| Features | Anti-glare, LED edgelight system, FPS Mode, RTS Mode, Mercury free, arsenic-free glass, Sports Mode, 3 gaming modes, Dell ComfortView, Low Blue Light technology |
| Color | Dark Side of the Moon |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 21.9 in x 9.6 in x 15.4 in – with stand (lowest position) |
| Interfaces | 2 x HDMIDisplayPort 1.4USB 3.2 Gen 1 downstream with Battery Charging 1.23 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 downstreamUSB 3.2 Gen 1 upstreamHeadphonesAudio line-out |
| Display Position Adjustments | Height, pivot (rotation), swivel, tilt |
| Tilt Angle | -5°/+21° |
| Swivel Angle | -20°/+20° |
| Rotation Angle | -90°/+90° |
| Height Adjustment | 4.3 in |
| VESA Mounting Interface | 100 x 100 mm |
| Features | Security lock slot (cable lock sold separately), integrated cable management, VESA interface support |
| Cables Included | 1 x DisplayPort cable – DisplayPort to DisplayPort1 x DisplayPort cable – miniDisplayPort to DisplayPort1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 upstream cable |
| Compliant Standards | RoHS, BFR-reduced, PVC-reduced |
| Security Slot Type | Kensington security slot |
| Input Voltage | AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz) |
| Power Consumption (On mode) | 16.31 W |
| Power Consumption (Typical) | 74.5 Watt |
| Power Consumption Stand by | 0.3 Watt |
| Power Consumption (Off Mode) | 0.3 Watt |
| On / Off Switch | Yes |
| Dimensions & Weight Details | With stand (lowest position) – width: 21.9 in – depth: 9.6 in – height: 15.4 inWith stand (highest position) – width: 21.9 in – depth: 9.6 in – height: 19.7 inWithout stand – width: 21.9 in – depth: 2.6 in – height: 12.8 in – weight: 7.6 lbs |
