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What we think
The PerfectRec monitor team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prioritize competitive gaming and want a monitor with a higher refresh rate, the Dell Alienware AW2721D is the better choice. However, if you're looking for a monitor that provides a wider screen for multitasking and productivity at a more budget-friendly price, the Gigabyte M34WQ with its ultrawide aspect ratio could be more appealing. Both monitors have similar color accuracy and are suitable for digital photo editing, but neither is ideal for high-end HDR gaming or HDR video editing. If you can compromise on the higher refresh rate for gaming to save money, the Gigabyte may serve you well, but if top-tier gaming performance is a priority and you're willing to spend more, go with the Dell. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS)
- Very good for competitive gaming
- Very good refresh rate
- Good brightness
Advantages of the Gigabyte M34WQ (IPS)
- The Gigabyte M34WQ (IPS) has no clear advantages over the Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS).
Key differences
Casual Gaming
6.5
5.9
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
3440 x 1440
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
1088:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
1074:1
474 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
379 nits
788 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
372 nits
71.9 %
DCI-P3 COLOR GAMUT
87.7 %
Semi-Gloss
COATING
Matte
The Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS) is only fair for casual gaming, while the Gigabyte M34WQ (IPS) is poor.
Competitive Gaming
8.0
4.5
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
7.1 ms
TOTAL RESPONSE TIME
8.5 ms
20 - 240 Hz
VARIABLE REFRESH RATE
20 - 144 Hz
No
STROBING / BFI
Yes
474 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
379 nits
The Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS) is very good for competitive gaming, while the Gigabyte M34WQ (IPS) is poor.
Cost
$902
$330
$0
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
The Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS) has a price of $902 and the Gigabyte M34WQ (IPS) costs $330.
Key similarities
Productivity
6.5
6.3
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
3440 x 1440
109 PPI
PIXELS PER INCH
110 PPI
Yes
ADJUSTABLE STAND
Yes
Semi-Gloss
COATING
Matte
The Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS) and Gigabyte M34WQ (IPS) are both only fair for productivity.
Media Consumption
6.2
6.0
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
3440 x 1440
1088:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
1074:1
474 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
379 nits
788 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
372 nits
Semi-Gloss
COATING
Matte
The Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS) and Gigabyte M34WQ (IPS) are both only fair for media consumption.
HDR Gaming and Media Consumption
No
No
Both the Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS) and Gigabyte M34WQ (IPS) are not suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption.
Digital Photo Editing
Yes
Yes
Both the Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS) and Gigabyte M34WQ (IPS) are suitable for digital photo editing.
HDR Video Editing and Color Grading
No
No
Both the Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS) and Gigabyte M34WQ (IPS) are not suitable for HDR video editing and color grading.
Print Photo Editing
No
No
Both the Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS) and Gigabyte M34WQ (IPS) are not suitable for print photo editing.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS) and the Gigabyte M34WQ (IPS) compare to other monitors
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS) | Gigabyte M34WQ (IPS) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$902 | $330 | ||
Screen Size | |||
Screen Size | 27" | 34" | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2560 x 1440 | 3440 x 1440 | |
Screen Type | |||
Screen Type | LED | LED | |
Screen Sub-type | |||
Screen Sub-type | IPS | IPS | |
Local Dimming Zones | |||
Local Dimming Zones | 32 | N/A | |
COLOR, CONTRAST & BRIGHTNESS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Native Contrast | |||
Native Contrast | 1088:1 | 1074:1 | |
SDR Peak Brightness | |||
SDR Peak Brightness | 474 nits | 379 nits | |
HDR Peak Brightness | |||
HDR Peak Brightness | 788 nits | 372 nits | |
Suitable for HDR Gaming and Media Consumption | |||
Suitable for HDR Gaming and Media Consumption | No | No | |
sRGB Color Gamut | |||
sRGB Color Gamut | 136.9 % | 102.9 % | |
MOTION CHARACTERISTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Total Response Time | |||
Total Response Time | 7.1 ms | 8.5 ms | |
Variable Refresh Rate | |||
Variable Refresh Rate | 20 - 240 Hz | 20 - 144 Hz | |
Strobing / BFI | |||
Strobing / BFI | No | Yes | |
Persistence Blur Score | |||
Persistence Blur Score | 8/10 | 6.6/10 | |
Ghosting Score | |||
Ghosting Score | 7.9/10 | 7.5/10 | |
TEXT & IMAGE CLARITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Pixels Per Inch | |||
Pixels Per Inch | 109 PPI | 110 PPI | |
Coating | |||
Coating | Semi-Gloss | Matte | |
Text Clarity Score | |||
Text Clarity Score | 7/10 | 7.1/10 | |
Image Clarity Score | |||
Image Clarity Score | 7/10 | 7.1/10 | |
PORTS & CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
HDMI 1.4 Ports | |||
HDMI 1.4 Ports | 0 | 0 | |
HDMI 2.0 Ports | |||
HDMI 2.0 Ports | 2 | 2 | |
HDMI 2.1 Ports | |||
HDMI 2.1 Ports | 0 | 0 | |
Micro HDMI Ports | |||
Micro HDMI Ports | 0 | 0 | |
DisplayPort 1.2 Ports | |||
DisplayPort 1.2 Ports | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS)
See more
Dig into reviews and images
PC Mag
Chris Stobing | July 2021
"If cost isn't an issue and you want a gaming monitor that will give your content all-new life for years to come, the Alienware 27 Gaming Monitor defines the upper echelon of what gaming monitors do best today. This display does everything the HP Omen X 27 tried to do, but does it a whole lot better for just a slight bump in price. If you're choosing between the two, the Alienware is the clear winner, and that story repeats itself again and again no matter which 1440p contender we put the Alienware 27 up against."
Gigabyte M34WQ (IPS)
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Dig into reviews and images
Display Ninja
Rob Shafer | November 2023
"If you want a 34″ 3440×1440 ultrawide gaming monitor with a fast response time speed, smooth VRR performance, vibrant colors and crisp details, the Gigabyte M34WQ is one of the best options below $450. Additionally, it has an ergonomic stand, rich connectivity options and plenty of extra features, such as a built-in KVM switch. Some users might not be pleased by its flat screen, but at a certain viewing distance, it feels completely natural."
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Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec monitors team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest monitor information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
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Monitors evaluated
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Monitors stats compiled
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Recommendations made
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About the monitor team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Monitors Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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