PC maker Alienware is officially in the gaming accessories arena, with the release of the Alienware 25 Gaming Monitor AW2518HF. If you’ve kitted yourself with one of the company’s superb gaming PCs, such as the Alienware Aurora R9, then this is a great accompaniment to your gaming arsenal.
As with all things Alienware, the Alienware 25 AW2518HF combines impressive build quality and gamer-centric features fused into an attractive design that’s sure to keep gamers excited.
Among the features that will keep you glued here is the 240Hz refresh rate, support for AMD Free-Sync technology (no problem, it supports Nvidia G-Sync too), and a low 1ms response rate. With these, the AW2518HF ticks many (if not all) of the boxes that pro-gamers look for in a display – especially those who play fast-paced competitive multiplayer titles.
Alienware 25 AW2518HF Design
One thing that’s discernible on the AW2518HF after you take it out of the box is how good it looks. It has a black and silver design, that most certainly takes cues from Alienware’s other gaming products. Compared to other gaming monitors around the same price point, the AW2518HF looks a bit understated, but the sharp angles on the neck and stand make it clear that this is no ordinary office monitor.
Around the back of the screen, there are three LED lines, along with an Alienware logo, which can be illuminated and configured to display a range of colors via the AlienFX technology, that you can sync with other Alienware products, it also works with compatible games.
All the ports are hidden along the underside of the monitor. These comprise a power connector, a DisplayPort, line-out audio port, USB port, headphone, three USB 3.0 ports, a USB upstream port (for connecting the monitor to your PC) and HDI. As far as ports go, this is a good selection of inputs, although older connections, such as DVI, are missing.
Alienware AW2518HF Performance
The Alienware 25 Gaming Monitor AW2518HF is pretty easy to set up, you don’t need any tools. While the 1080p TN display may not be very appealing at first as larger monitors with higher resolutions, you can’t miss the fact that the AW2518HF delivers excellent image quality.
Its black and white levels are impressive thanks to the 1000:1 contrast ratio, and the colors remain vivid and accurate. Viewing angles tend to suffer on TN panels, and it’s proven here, with color and vibrancy fading when you view the monitor from perspectives other than head-on.
Considering the monitor size, it’s unlikely that you’re buying the Alienware 25 to have friends over to watch you play, but this is an issue certainly worth bearing in mind. Still. It plays GTA V well, a game where fast reflexes are required, the Alienware AW2518HF’s fast refresh rate and low input lag really shine.
They deliver very responsive gaming experience, and would really give you a competitive edge. With AMD FreeSync adaptive sync technology, there. Is no hint of screen tearing, and in general the Alienware AW2518HF does a fantastic job.
Games and movies also look fantastic on the expansive screen, you’re not sacrificing image quality for higher frame rates. However, if you’re coming from a high-res screen, the drop to 1080p can sting’ if you value graphical; fidelity, then you’re better off going for our Editors’ Choice, the Alienware AW3420DW with its 3440 x 1440 resolution screen or even a 4K monitor.
With the improvements in graphics card technology, you won’t be taking too much compromise with frame rates in case you want to push higher resolutions – however, the monitor’s response time will take a slight hit.
Bottom Line
The Alienware 25 AW2518HF is an excellent gaming monitor that looks and plays like Alienware’s other products. That means you’re getting a gorgeous 25-inch monitor with a premium design that’s also packed full of technology to help it improve your gaming experience.
The high refresh rate and low response time makes for a dream gaming monitor, and if you enjoy playing online games where quick reflexes can turn a tide of a match, the Alienware AW2518HF is a solid companion. We only wish its maximum resolution was higher, but you have alternatives like the Alienware AW3420DW or the AOC CU34G2X if need be. Still, both feel gloriously smooth, without a hint of screen tearing.
Again, the modest size and weight of the Alienware 25 AW2518HF also mean thus is a viable companion for e-sports players who want to carry along a trusted gaming display on the road with them.
For design, excellent performance and good gaming features, the Alienware 25 Gaming Monitor AW2518HF is among the best in category that’s easy to recommend for gamers and pro-creatives alike.
Recommended Configuration
Alienware 25 Gaming Monitor - AW2518Hf, Full HD @ Native 240 Hz, 16: 9, 1ms response time, DP, HDMI 2.0A, USB 3.0, AMD Freesync, Tilt, Swivel, Height-Adjustable
The Review
Alienware 25 AW2518HF
The Alienware 25 AW2518HF is an excellent gaming monitor that looks and plays like Alienware’s other products, packing solid gamer-centric features and a premium design that’s easy to like.
PROS
- Excellent brightness and color
- Fast response times
- High refresh rate
CONS
- Awkward port placement
Review Breakdown
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EDITORS RATING
