If you prioritize a higher refresh rate for smoother gameplay in competitive gaming, the Dell Alienware AW2723DF is a strong option, but if you prefer a larger screen with higher resolution for sharper images and more workspace, which can enhance productivity and detail in media consumption, the Gigabyte M32U would be the better choice. The Dell's performance advantage in fast-paced games comes at the sacrifice of screen real estate and pixel density, which the Gigabyte M32U offers. Neither are ideal for HDR gaming or professional color work, but for general use, the choice depends largely on whether gaming performance or visual workspace is your priority. 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 AW2723DF (IPS)
Very good for competitive gaming
Very good refresh rate
Advantages of the Gigabyte M32U (IPS)
Very good for productivity
Key differences
Competitive Gaming
8.6/10
4.5/10
280Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
7.6 ms
TOTAL RESPONSE TIME
7.1 ms
20 - 280 Hz
VARIABLE REFRESH RATE
20 - 144 Hz
No
STROBING / BFI
Yes
384 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
350 nits
The Dell Alienware AW2723DF (IPS) is very good for competitive gaming, while the Gigabyte M32U (IPS) is poor.
Productivity
6.4/10
8.0/10
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2160
109 PPI
PIXELS PER INCH
140 PPI
Yes
ADJUSTABLE STAND
Yes
Semi-Gloss
COATING
Matte
The Gigabyte M32U (IPS) is very good for productivity, while the Dell Alienware AW2723DF (IPS) is only fair.
Media Consumption
6.0/10
6.7/10
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2160
1020:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
1125:1
384 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
350 nits
672 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
456 nits
Semi-Gloss
COATING
Matte
The Gigabyte M32U (IPS) and Dell Alienware AW2723DF (IPS) are both only fair for media consumption, though the Gigabyte M32U (IPS) is somewhat better.
Cost
$429
$650
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
The Dell Alienware AW2723DF (IPS) has a price of $429 and the Gigabyte M32U (IPS) costs $650.
Key similarities
Casual Gaming
6.4/10
6.2/10
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2160
280Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
1020:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
1125:1
384 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
350 nits
672 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
456 nits
99.6 %
DCI-P3 COLOR GAMUT
87.0 %
Semi-Gloss
COATING
Matte
The Dell Alienware AW2723DF (IPS) and Gigabyte M32U (IPS) are both only fair for casual gaming.
HDR Gaming and Media Consumption
No
No
Both the Dell Alienware AW2723DF (IPS) and Gigabyte M32U (IPS) are not suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption.
Digital Photo Editing
Yes
Yes
Both the Dell Alienware AW2723DF (IPS) and Gigabyte M32U (IPS) are suitable for digital photo editing.
HDR Video Editing and Color Grading
No
No
Both the Dell Alienware AW2723DF (IPS) and Gigabyte M32U (IPS) are not suitable for HDR video editing and color grading.
Print Photo Editing
No
No
Both the Dell Alienware AW2723DF (IPS) and Gigabyte M32U (IPS) are not suitable for print photo editing.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell Alienware AW2723DF (IPS) and the Gigabyte M32U (IPS) compare to other monitors
"Put all the pieces together, the high quality IPS image quality, the punchy backlight, the good response and the buttery smooth 280Hz refresh and you have a pretty outstanding gaming panel that's also decent for general computing duties thanks to the 1440p resolution."
"The Gigabyte M32U gaming monitor is almost a slam-dunk choice, considering everything you get as part of the package. Gigabyte goes for broke with things like its built-in KVM switch and GameAssist, and those come close to paying off. Add in the well-executed, more familiar offerings, and this is a monitor that deserves serious thought if you’re in the market for what it delivers."
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.
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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
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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.