The Alienware AW2523HF is a 25-inch, 1080p gaming monitor with a blazing 360Hz refresh rate and is part of Dell’s Alienware lineup. This monitor replaces the Alienware AW2521HF, which boasts a 240Hz refresh rate but is behind the Alienware AW2524H, which features native G-Sync support.
It has most of the features you’d need in a midrange gaming monitor, like native VRR support and G-Sync compatibility, plus a few extra gaming modes to match the latest GPU demands from Nvidia and AMD. It also gets other extras, like an ergonomic stand and a USB hub with four USB-A ports.
As with all things Alienware, the AW2523HF combines impressive build quality and gamer-centric features fused into an attractive design that’s sure to keep gamers excited.
About the Alienware AW2523HF
- Screen Size: 24.5 inches
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Max Resolution: 1920×1440
- Refresh Rate: 360 Hz
- Response Time (GTG): 1ms
- Peak Brightness: 400 nits
- Contrast: 1,000:1
- Speaker: None
- Weight: 12.2 pounds
- Dimensions: 21.9 x 15.4-19.7 x 9.6 inches
Design and Features
The AW2523HF has a super-thin bezel that’s barely 6mm wide around the top and sides and 14mm wide at the bottom. It’s just thick enough to accommodate the Alienware name embossed in thin white letters. Below it is a joystick that controls all monitor functions except power, which is controlled via a lighted button at the right.
The stand is a small, compact base that takes up very little space on your desk, giving you enough room for your gaming keyboard, mouse, and, of course, a big mouse pad. The stand offers significant ergonomic adjustments for height, swivel, tilt, and rotation. A 100mm x 100mm VESA mount is supported, too, so the panel can be attached to any third-party monitor arm.
Connectivity is OK, with the monitor offering one upstream and four downstream USB 3.2 ports. Two of the USB ports are on the bezel, along with a 3.5mm headphone jack, which you’ll find very convenient. The rest of the spots are the other two USB ports, two HDMI 2.0, one DisplayPort 1.4, and a 3.5mm audio output. It doesn’t come with any internal speakers or a USB-C port.
Gaming Performance
There’s always something with gaming on a 360Hz monitor, as the image can update 360 times each second. Each frame rate is displayed for 2.78 milliseconds, which is almost six times over a 60Hz monitor. The monitor’s low frame rates also reduce input lag. It’s not something everyone will immediately notice, but if you’re moving from 60-144Hz monitors, the jump is very noticeable.
The comparison between 60Hz and 360Hz is clear when playing games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, whereby you notice up to 50 percent more accuracy on the 360Hz monitor when attempting to shoot enemies passing through a narrow gap. And, of course, a 360Hz monitor isn’t going to make you better at games that don’t require short bursts, like Baldur’s Gate 3 or Civilization VI.
In addition to fast response, the Alienware AW2523HF delivers a bright, color-accurate image straight out of the box, even without calibration. The monitor hits a strong peak brightness of 381 nits, but more expensive monitors reach a higher maximum brightness (remember, this monitor lacks HDR support). But at this price point, it’s more adequate for its purpose and stacks up well when compared to similarly priced monitors that often feature a maximum brightness of between 300 and 400 nits.
Color accuracy is excellent, and the monitor can cover the entire sRGB color gamut. That’s important to note because most SDR games target the sRGB color gamut rather than a broader, more vivid color gamut such as DCI-P3 or Rec.2020. The Alienware doesn’t support HDR, either (as is typical of similar 360Hz and above monitors), which makes the sRGB performance even more relevant.
Overall, as a gaming monitor, the AW2523HF excels at what it’s designed to do: deliver fast frame rates, smooth motion, and very low input lag. It’s a capable display that will let you play modern titles at fat frame rates.
Alienware AW2523HF Review: Verdict
The Alienware AW2523HF has nothing to set it apart from other 1080p monitors with 360Hz refresh rates. Its gaming performance is impressive in terms of color accuracy, color gamut, and contrast. In addition to performance, its design is a standout feature – the AW2523HF is more attractive and robust than its competitors. The compact design with lots of ergonomic adjustments and a total of four USB-A ports makes for a great gaming display.
While it lacks HDR support, with its 360Hz screen, the Alienware AW2523HF provides a truly unique gaming experience that can’t be replicated by other means. Yes, you’ll need a capable PC like the CyberPowerPC Gamer Master with a powerful graphics card to drive the fun. If you have such a gaming setup and just need a matching monitor, the Alienware AW2523HF delivers on that promise.
Recommended Configuration
Alienware 25 Gaming Monitor AW2523HF 24.5" IPS LED FHD - 360Hz - AMD FreeSync - VESA - Monitor (USB, HDMI) Height/Tilt/Swivel/Pivot Adjustability - Dark side of the Moon
6 used from $325.86
The Review
Alienware AW2523HF
The Alienware AW2523HF is a 25-inch gaming monitor that delivers the performance of a premium 360Hz esports gaming monitor at a very reasonable price. It undercuts most of the competition in price but delivers solid color accuracy and good contrast.
PROS
- Excellent motion clarity
- 360Hz refresh rate with VRR support
- Bright, color-accurate image
- Attractive design
CONS
- Low native contrast ratio
Review Breakdown
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ARS SCORE
