If price is a major concern and you're looking to save money, the MSI MEG 342C offers similar size, resolution, and OLED quality for less cost than the Dell Alienware AW3423DW, with the added advantage of being suitable for print photo editing. However, if you're willing to invest more in a monitor that tops out with slightly better brightness in HDR and has a strong following, especially among gamers, the Dell may be worth the extra cost despite not being suitable for print photo editing. Both are well-suited for immersive gaming and media experience due to their wide color gamut and high contrast ratios. 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 AW3423DW (QD-OLED)
Best in class for media consumption
Advantages of the MSI MEG 342C (QD-OLED)
The MSI MEG 342C (QD-OLED) has no clear advantages over the Dell Alienware AW3423DW (QD-OLED).
Key differences
Digital Photo Editing
Yes
No
The Dell Alienware AW3423DW (QD-OLED) is suitable for digital photo editing while the MSI MEG 342C (QD-OLED) is not suitable for digital photo editing.
Print Photo Editing
No
Yes
The Dell Alienware AW3423DW (QD-OLED) is not suitable for print photo editing while the MSI MEG 342C (QD-OLED) is suitable for print photo editing.
Key similarities
Casual Gaming
9.5/10
9.5/10
3440 x 1440
RESOLUTION
3440 x 1440
175Hz
REFRESH RATE
175Hz
Inf:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
Inf:1
243 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
236 nits
474 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
446 nits
99.4 %
DCI-P3 COLOR GAMUT
99.5 %
Glossy
COATING
Glossy
The Dell Alienware AW3423DW (QD-OLED) and MSI MEG 342C (QD-OLED) are both best in class for casual gaming.
Competitive Gaming
5.1/10
5.1/10
175Hz
REFRESH RATE
175Hz
1.4 ms
TOTAL RESPONSE TIME
1.4 ms
20 - 175 Hz
VARIABLE REFRESH RATE
20 - 175 Hz
No
STROBING / BFI
No
243 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
236 nits
The Dell Alienware AW3423DW (QD-OLED) and MSI MEG 342C (QD-OLED) are both poor for competitive gaming.
Productivity
5.7/10
5.7/10
3440 x 1440
RESOLUTION
3440 x 1440
110 PPI
PIXELS PER INCH
110 PPI
Yes
ADJUSTABLE STAND
Yes
Glossy
COATING
Glossy
The Dell Alienware AW3423DW (QD-OLED) and MSI MEG 342C (QD-OLED) are both poor for productivity.
Media Consumption
9.5/10
9.4/10
3440 x 1440
RESOLUTION
3440 x 1440
Inf:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
Inf:1
243 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
236 nits
474 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
446 nits
Glossy
COATING
Glossy
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Dell Alienware AW3423DW (QD-OLED) to be best in class for media consumption, while the MSI MEG 342C (QD-OLED) is excellent.
Cost
$870
$850
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
The Dell Alienware AW3423DW (QD-OLED) has a price of $870 and the MSI MEG 342C (QD-OLED) costs $850.
HDR Gaming and Media Consumption
Yes
Yes
Both the Dell Alienware AW3423DW (QD-OLED) and MSI MEG 342C (QD-OLED) are suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption.
HDR Video Editing and Color Grading
No
No
Both the Dell Alienware AW3423DW (QD-OLED) and MSI MEG 342C (QD-OLED) are not suitable for HDR video editing and color grading.
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How the Dell Alienware AW3423DW (QD-OLED) and the MSI MEG 342C (QD-OLED) compare to other monitors
"Alienware has brought the best display technology to the desktop with its AW3423DW. With infinite contrast and a huge color gamut, it boasts a stunning image with accurate color and no need for calibration. Gaming performance is superb with smooth motion processing and quick response. This monitor truly raises the bar."
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
210
Monitors evaluated
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15
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127,100
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19,065
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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.