38" Wide Monitor Advice

White_Widow · 31 Dec 2022 at 00:23

SpellowHouse said:
I think I said this before but the AW3821DW is a business monitor that's good for gaming whereas the AW3423DW(F) is a gaming monitor that's OK for business. The higher resolution and clear text are undoubtedly better for business but the AW38 lacks the contrast for impressive HDR and has 25% more pixels to drive, so for gaming it's not the better choice. I think it's inevitable that MIcrosoft and the like will sort out the text on the AW3423DW(F) and at that point it will be perhaps be the (very first) choice monitor for all roles, but the question is when? Can you wait that long? Also, both of these monitors are very expensive. Arguable for business you are still better off having two screens because it's cheaper.
I have both of the Alienware monitors and I love them both. I've been using UW since it first came out and I would never buy anything less. The extra width is addictive! I use the AW3821DW for work and browsing. I use the AW3423DWF for games. I think you just have to decide where your priority lies.

Thank you for your reply. It is really helpful and I think it has made my mind up to go for 38" for work and if I want to game on it it will do the job.

White_Widow · 31 Dec 2022 at 00:25

JediFragger said:
Is it for a little gaming too? If so I'd recommend the LG over the AW, I've had both and liked the LG more.

Well I currently have the PS5 set up between a 42" 1080p Samsung and rarely a 4k 55" Toshiba. How would the 38" compare to them? Am I better off leaving it on the TVs?

Thank you

JediFragger · 31 Dec 2022 at 09:16

White_Widow said:
Well I currently have the PS5 set up between a 42" 1080p Samsung and rarely a 4k 55" Toshiba. How would the 38" compare to them? Am I better off leaving it on the TVs?

Yes, it's the more native environment for the PS5 tbh I'd leave it.

White_Widow · 31 Dec 2022 at 13:52

Thanks JediFragger.
I wonder if anyone could help me with this..
I currently have a Thinkpad X1 Carbon. It has Intel HD 620 Graphics which I am pretty sure is HDMI 1.4 and will struggle to run the 38" ultrawide monitor at the correct resolution. I do plan to upgrade my laptop so if it has to be done at the same time I will have to do it but would it run using the Universal Docking Station as I'm pretty sure that would give me display port output?
Thanks again

eeii · 31 Dec 2022 at 14:04

White_Widow said:
Thanks JediFragger.
I wonder if anyone could help me with this..
I currently have a Thinkpad X1 Carbon. It has Intel HD 620 Graphics which I am pretty sure is HDMI 1.4 and will struggle to run the 38" ultrawide monitor at the correct resolution. I do plan to upgrade my laptop so if it has to be done at the same time I will have to do it but would it run using the Universal Docking Station as I'm pretty sure that would give me display port output?
Thanks again

Intel HD 620 will support HDMI 4k at 30hz not great but will work for general browsing. Univeral dock without model number is impossible to say.

White_Widow · 31 Dec 2022 at 14:21

eeii said:
Intel HD 620 will support HDMI 4k at 30hz not great but will work for general browsing. Univeral dock without model number is impossible to say.

Sorry it 40AY0090UK . I won't link to it as not sure if I'm allowed. Thank you

eeii · 31 Dec 2022 at 18:50

Yes it does do 2x 4k

Haggisman · 3 Jan 2023 at 08:23

White_Widow said:
Thank you for your reply. It is really helpful and I think it has made my mind up to go for 38" for work and if I want to game on it it will do the job.

Good choice - having had both, I would definitely say if you aren't planning to do a good amount of gaming on it, then the AW3423DW is not worth getting. You have the downsides of risk of burn-in, and the lower text quality, (and lower resolution vs the 38") whilst getting none of the benefits - e.g. perfect blacks, amazing HDR and superb motion clarity.

The 38" is still a really nice monitor for gaming, its just not quite as good as the 34"

White_Widow · 5 Apr 2023 at 02:03

Just out of interest, I went on to buy the Alienware AW3821DW and I couldn't be happier with it. I was just having a look and I noticed its not really for sale anywhere online anymore so I'm guessing its discontinued. Is there a monitor that has replaced this and if not what is everyone's 38" monitor of choice now? I would be interested to know what has been improved.