Alienware first introduced a true OLED gaming monitor in early 2022 with the Alienware 34 AW3423DW. However, it was the improved “F” model released a year later that really showed its true value. Truly, the Alienware 34 AW3423DWF was a great gaming monitor.

Happily, thanks to this year's Prime Day sales season, the Alienware 34 AW3423DWF will be significantly reduced in price. Yes, please.

I preferred the F model for one very obvious reason. That is that it has a glossy coating versus the matte anti-glare finish of the non-F. As I said at the time, the glossy coating allows the OLED panel technology to be used to its fullest.

The fact that the “F” model was cheaper also added to its appeal, but “cheaper” is relative. At the time of its launch, the monitor was still $1,100. At any rate, Alienware removed the expensive Nvidia G-Sync chip and lowered the refresh rate from 175Hz to 165Hz, saving $200 (at the time). [Adaptive refresh is available on both Nvidia and AMD GPUs; you won't feel the difference between 175Hz and 165Hz.

Nevertheless, you may feel the improvement with the latest OLED gaming monitors. Is this Alienware being overtaken by newer OLED models?

Indeed, Samsung has updated its QD-OLED panel technology several times since then. However, it is difficult to see the difference. This first generation panel is still comparable to the latest models in terms of full screen brightness and shows no real progress.

Also, the changes Samsung has made to the sub-pixel structure only make a slight difference, for example in font rendering. Even the latest QD-OLEDs do not have the traditional RGB structure.

On the other hand, you get the same ridiculously fast pixel response, perfect contrast, and eye-popping HDR high resolution. In other words, I'd rather spend $700 on this Alienware than spend hundreds of dollars on the latest model that gives me almost the same subjective experience.