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What we think
The PerfectRec monitor team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prioritize a larger screen and slightly better brightness for immersive gaming and media, the Dell Alienware AW3821DW is a solid choice but comes at a premium price. On the other hand, the Gigabyte M34WQ offers good performance for casual gaming, productivity, and media consumption at a midrange price. Both have similar refresh rates and color performance, but the Dell's larger screen may give a more engaging experience at the cost of a higher price. If budget is a concern and you're satisfied with a slightly smaller display, the Gigabyte could provide a more cost-effective balance for various uses. 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 AW3821DW (IPS)
- Good brightness
Advantages of the Gigabyte M34WQ (IPS)
- The Gigabyte M34WQ (IPS) has no clear advantages over the Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS).
Key differences
Cost
$749
$330
$0
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
The Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) has a price of $749 and the Gigabyte M34WQ (IPS) costs $330.
Key similarities
Casual Gaming
6.0
5.9
3840 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3440 x 1440
144Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
883:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
1074:1
495 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
379 nits
660 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
372 nits
95.6 %
DCI-P3 COLOR GAMUT
87.7 %
Matte
COATING
Matte
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) to be only fair for casual gaming, while the Gigabyte M34WQ (IPS) is poor.
Competitive Gaming
4.5
4.5
144Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
10.8 ms
TOTAL RESPONSE TIME
8.5 ms
20 - 144 Hz
VARIABLE REFRESH RATE
20 - 144 Hz
No
STROBING / BFI
Yes
495 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
379 nits
The Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) and Gigabyte M34WQ (IPS) are both poor for competitive gaming.
Productivity
6.6
6.3
3840 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3440 x 1440
111 PPI
PIXELS PER INCH
110 PPI
Yes
ADJUSTABLE STAND
Yes
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) and Gigabyte M34WQ (IPS) are both only fair for productivity.
Media Consumption
6.2
6.0
3840 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3440 x 1440
883:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
1074:1
495 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
379 nits
660 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
372 nits
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) and Gigabyte M34WQ (IPS) are both only fair for media consumption.
HDR Gaming and Media Consumption
No
No
Both the Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) and Gigabyte M34WQ (IPS) are not suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption.
Digital Photo Editing
Yes
Yes
Both the Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) and Gigabyte M34WQ (IPS) are suitable for digital photo editing.
HDR Video Editing and Color Grading
No
No
Both the Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) and Gigabyte M34WQ (IPS) are not suitable for HDR video editing and color grading.
Print Photo Editing
No
No
Both the Dell Alienware AW3821DW (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 AW3821DW (IPS) and the Gigabyte M34WQ (IPS) compare to other monitors
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) | Gigabyte M34WQ (IPS) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$749 | $330 | ||
Screen Size | |||
Screen Size | 38" | 34" | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 3840 x 1600 | 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 | 883:1 | 1074:1 | |
SDR Peak Brightness | |||
SDR Peak Brightness | 495 nits | 379 nits | |
HDR Peak Brightness | |||
HDR Peak Brightness | 660 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 | 133 % | 102.9 % | |
MOTION CHARACTERISTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Total Response Time | |||
Total Response Time | 10.8 ms | 8.5 ms | |
Variable Refresh Rate | |||
Variable Refresh Rate | 20 - 144 Hz | 20 - 144 Hz | |
Strobing / BFI | |||
Strobing / BFI | No | Yes | |
Persistence Blur Score | |||
Persistence Blur Score | 6.6/10 | 6.6/10 | |
Ghosting Score | |||
Ghosting Score | 7/10 | 7.5/10 | |
TEXT & IMAGE CLARITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Pixels Per Inch | |||
Pixels Per Inch | 111 PPI | 110 PPI | |
Coating | |||
Coating | Matte | Matte | |
Text Clarity Score | |||
Text Clarity Score | 7.2/10 | 7.1/10 | |
Image Clarity Score | |||
Image Clarity Score | 7.2/10 | 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 AW3821DW (IPS)
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Tom's Hardware
Christian Eberle | April 2021
"The Alienware AW3821DW isn’t perfect, but right now, it’s the best value in 38-inch ultrawide gaming monitors. It delivers a solid gaming experience with a bright and saturated image that’s color-accurate. With premium styling and build quality, it’s sure to satisfy gamers looking for a jumbo display."
Gigabyte M34WQ (IPS)
See more
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."
Give feedback
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FAQs
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
210
Monitors evaluated
10,500
Monitors stats compiled
15
Proprietary Monitors ratings developed
118,100
Recommendations made
17,715
Consumer hours saved
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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