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Computer Monitors

True Score Methodology v2.0

Alienware AW3821DW Review

Enrest Walugembe Avatar
Enrest Walugembe
Enrest Walugembe Avatar
Enrest Walugembe
Ernest is a long time writer, specializing in consumer tech and consumer products. He’s also written for a variety of other content, but prefers anything that is tech related. When he’s not working, he spends his time traveling and consulting for farm. He holds a bachelors degree in animal production technology.
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Updated Jan 25, 2024 6:28 PM

Published

True Score

True Score is an AI-powered algorithm of product tests and customer reviews.

76

Mixed Reviews

75
6

Experts

82
0

Consumers

Product Awards

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Expert Rankings

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6

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The Alienware AW3821DW gets praise from experts because of G-SYNC Ultimate certification, FreeSync compatibility, and a 144 Hz native refresh rate. However, reviewers have criticized its mediocre contrast ratio and troubled local dimming method.

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Table of Contents

Product Snapshot

Overview

The Alienware AW3821DW is a high-end curved UHD gaming monitor, which was released in 2020, to provide an immersive experience to professional gamers. Featuring an exciting 144 Hz native refresh rate and Variable Refresh Rate tech, this monitor offers smooth, high-frame-rate visuals. It has a G-SYNC Ultimate certification and is compatible with FreeSync, providing tear-free imagery when paired with various AMD Radeon and NVIDIA graphics cards. The monitor has an incredibly low 4.4 ms input lag and 1 ms GtG super-fast response time for smooth visuals and split-second responsiveness. This gaming monitor is more ergonomic than the competing LG 38GN950-B and boasts HDR10 with outstanding peak brightness that brings HDR content to life. However, its mediocre contrast ratio and poor edge-lit zonal dimming prevent this monitor from attaining its true HDR potential. Read our full Alienware AW3821DW review and see how the display compares with the best-ranked computer monitors today.

Consensus

our Verdict

The Alienware AW3821DW is a hit with gamers, thanks to its anti-stuttering tech with G-SYNC ultimate, FreeSync, and Variable Refresh Rate. Tests showed smooth motion with its super-low input lag and fast response time. Color accuracy and HDR performance also got a thumbs up, but the contrast ratio and edge-lit local dimming method could use some work.

ReasonS to Buy

  • Curved screen provides an immersive gaming experience
  • G-SYNC Ultimate certification and FreeSync compatibility
  • Quick 1ms GtG response time and high 144Hz refresh rate
  • HDR10 support with a peak brightness delivers colorful content
  • 4 ms low input lag provides an edge during competitions

Reason to Avoid

  • Low contrast ratio
  • Poor edge-lit dimming method

Alienware AW3821DW Specs

Display TypeLCD
HDMI Inputs2
HDR FormatYes
Max Resolution3840 x 1600
Panel TypePanel TypeIPS
Refresh Rate144 Hz
Response TimeResponse Time1 ms
Screen size38"
Sync TechnologySync TechnologyG-Sync Ultimate

All Specs

Test Results

These are the most important criteria to test for Computer Monitors based on our comprehensive Testing Methodology.

Brightness (nits)440.84
Contrast Ratio (as ratio, x:1)846.15
Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy)98.148
Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv)0
Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy)84.5333
Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy)116.525
Color Gamut % (Rec. 2020 Coverage xy)70.4
Color Gamut % (Rec. 709 Coverage xy)0
Input Lag (ms)12.85
Response Time (ms)5.45
Reflections % (Total Reflections)6.8
Horizontal Viewing Angle (Washout Left)41
Horizontal Viewing Angle (Washout Right)41
Vertical Viewing Angle (Washout Above)30
Vertical Viewing Angle (Washout Below)34

All Tests

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    Score Card

    E

    Expert Score

    75

    *.75

    We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

    C

    Customer Score

    82

    *.25

    We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

    True Score

    76

    Any product with a True Score above 70 is a Mixed Reviews

    Expert Scores

    Publications with higher Trust Ratings are given more weight.

    • Rtings
      101.4

      Category Trust Rating

      76
      The Alienware AW3821DW isn’t perfect, but right now, it’s the best value in 38-inch ultrawide… Read More

      By:

      Rami Tabari
    • Tom’s Hardware
      89.25

      Category Trust Rating

      80
      The Alienware 38 AW3821DW Curved Gaming Monitor offers a gorgeous curved display with an eye-opening… Read More

      By:

      Samuel Breton
    • PC Mag
      88.4

      Category Trust Rating

      70
      The pricey Alienware 38 Curved Gaming Monitor has lightning-quick response times and looks good on… Read More

      By:

      Rob Shafer
    • Trusted Reviews
      78.7

      Category Trust Rating

      70
      The Alienware AW3821DW gaming monitor looks great, offers a solid range of features and it… Read More

      By:

      Christian Eberle
    • Laptop Mag
      64.95

      Category Trust Rating

      80
      The Dell Alienware AW3821DW delivers both an immersive and responsive gaming experience thanks to its… Read More

      By:

      Zackery Cuevas
    • Display Ninja
      17.45

      Category Trust Rating

      90
      The Dell AW3821DW is great for gaming. It has a high 144Hz refresh rate with… Read More

      By:

      Mike Jennings

    Customer Scores