This article is the ultimate Alienware AW2518HF review because it contains all the facts, features, pros and cons, and product highlights. Looking for the ideal Hz gaming monitor for your setup is usually tedious, especially if you do not know a lot about computers and computer hardware.
As a result, you must consider many aspects before purchasing the product, such as ms response time, viewing angles, and image quality. Fortunately, our monitor review provides all the details, so keep reading if you want to learn more.
Contents
Pros and Cons Table
| Pros | Cons |
| The overall design is slick and premium. | The monitor does not come with any gamma options. |
| The brightness and colors are sharp and excellent. | It does not come with a built-in speaker or a USB C-type port. |
| It has a high refresh rate without any input lag. | Other similar 1080p gaming monitors are less expensive and have similar features, such as the Asus Rog Swift. |
| It is equipped with AMD FreeSync and G-Sync technologies. | |
| The panel type alignment and build quality are stunning. |
Product Highlights
The Dell Alienware AW2518HF gaming monitor is equipped with stunning specs and features, as covered in the previous pros and cons table. However, it would help if you learned more about the technical details to understand this monitor’s power and true abilities, so keep reading for more:
- Standing screen display size: 25 inches
- Maximum screen resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
- Color type: FreeSync (designated for AMD cards)
- Refresh rate: 240 Hz
- Response time: 1ms
- Compatibility: All operating systems
- Brightness: 400 nits.
- Voltage: AC 120/230 V (50/60 Hertz)
- Product weight: 13.47 pounds
- Product dimensions: ‎21.88 x 10.57 x 20.56 inches
- Date first available: ‎June 15, 2017
Alienware AW2518HF Review
The best way to understand a product’s true abilities is to score its key criteria, as shown in the previous section. Of course, the first critical criterion of any professional monitor is the display technology, and the Alienware AW2518HF has a dynamic on-screen display. In addition, it is equipped with a stunning gaming-centric menu and an easy-to-use dashboard, ideal for professional gamers, streamers, and video editors. As a result, the final verdict is a score of 8 out of 10 for the display technology criterion.
Furthermore, the Alienware AW2518HF is a 25-inch monitor, which is not ideal by many professionals’ standards. Henceforth, this is not the best gaming size monitor, so it would be best to opt for a different product if you are looking for big screens. On the flip side, this monitor has a 1920 x 1080p resolution, a common value in most mid-range to high-end products. Consequently, the final screen size and resolution criterion score are 7.5 out of 10.
On the contrary, this gaming monitor’s best feature is the refresh rate, clocking in at 240 Hz, the highest possible value of modern high-end monitors. Moreover, the refresh interval is lightning-fast, especially when combined with the response interval of 1ms. As a result, professional gamers are guaranteed to experience buttery-smooth gameplay without any input lag. All things considered, the final score for the refresh interval criterion is 9.5 out of 10, missing out on a perfect score by a fraction.
Finally, the last important criterion is connectivity options, and this monitor is equipped with strategically placed ports at the bottom. However, the most significant drawback is the lack of a USB C-type port, essential by today’s standards. Furthermore, this product does not come with a built-in speaker, unlike other similarly priced products, which can be a deal-breaker. Henceforth, the final verdict is a score of 8 out of 10 for the connectivity options criterion.
So, casual and professional gamers will benefit the most because this is the perfect all-in-one monitor released five years ago. It may not be as affordable as similar products, but you will enjoy the gaming experience repeatedly.
How Has This Product Evolved?
The most significant upgrade of the Dell Alienware AW2518HF monitor is the improved design and panel type. Technology is constantly improving; fortunately, Dell monitors follow this trend because their latest products are filled with incredible features and specifications. For example, the Alienware AW2518HF monitor provides customers with stunning responsive gameplay, which the previous version lacked. Additionally, the rapid refresh feature allows gamers to experience games in full frames without any delays or lags.
Another important evolution aspect is the futuristic design, which is a severe change from previous versions. The overall black case adds a new dimension, especially if you have an all-black gaming setup. So, if you are looking for an ideal monitor with significant improvements from previous versions, the Alienware AW2518HF is a perfect choice. You will experience games in full resolution, an essential aspect of any professional gamer.
Product Features Breakdown
Now let’s check the product’s most outstanding features and highlights. If you have doubts and aren’t sure yet, this section will help you to make a decision or just give you the knowledge for the future.
– Incredible Design
The smooth silver and black design is this monitor’s most significant feature because it looks futuristic and sleek as soon as you take it out of the box. Although Alienware monitors tend to be identical design-wise, the AW2518HF offers something different. For example, if you compare this design to other similarly priced monitors, this product overshadows every unit with its unique design and features. The sharp angles on the neck and stand are the most important aspect, making the overall design unique.
Furthermore, you will find three LED lines and the stunning Alienware logo if you check the monitor’s back. You can configure and customize the LED lights to display various colors, making the design even more exciting and extraordinary. Using the AliexFX technology to configure the LED lights would be best, but you can also sync it with other Alienware products. The lights will be synchronized with the games you play, entirely elevating the gaming experience.
Additionally, this monitor comes with a thin bezel, and the ports are hidden along the bottom of the ergonomic design. You can find the DisplayPort, USB ports, power connector, and an audio port there. In addition, you can adjust the height to 130mm, pivot the monitor to a 90-degree angle, or use the 20-degree swivel feature. So, this is the ideal monitor for professional gamers, and they will benefit the most thanks to the amazing design upgrades and features.
– Stunning 1080P Performance
The Alienware AW2518HF monitor is the best product you can purchase at a similar price performance-wise. Setting up this monitor is extremely easy, and although the 1080p resolution may not sound exciting, you will be surprised by its high quality. For example, the black and white levels are impressive, and the contrast ratio of 1000:1 makes the screen colors vivid and accurate. However, our experts noticed something that could be better about the Alienware AW2518HF.
This monitor uses a TN panel type, which is troublesome for the viewing angles compared to other panel types. Henceforth, our experts believe the guys at Dell could do a better job on the panel because similar high-end monitors offer better panel types. In addition, the monitor may struggle at a certain angle regarding vibrancy and color as they fade from different perspectives. Nevertheless, if the viewing angle is not something that bothers you, the Alienware AW2518HF is the ideal product.
On the flip side, this monitor performs incredibly well due to its FreeSync adaptive technology that allows a responsive gaming experience. You will not notice any lags, screen tears, or stutters because the GSYNC feature does the job of providing stunning performance well. Furthermore, any games you play or movies you watch will look amazing on the substantial bezel-less screen because it does not compromise the image sharpness at high frame intervals. Finally, the Alienware AW2518HF’s performance is boosted by the improved graphics card technology providing incredibly accurate frame intervals.
– Fully Customize via the OSD Menu
The OSD (On-Screen Display) menu is another important feature because it includes numerous gaming features. For example, customers can choose between three configurable gaming profiles, including RPG, RTS, and FPS. Fortunately, using the OSD menu is extremely intuitive because the six buttons are placed right on the screen bezel’s base. You can easily access the six OSB buttons with either hand, allowing a quick change between gaming modes and profiles.
However, four of the six OSD buttons act as hotkeys for certain functions when you are not using the OSD menu, but you can also assign shortcuts in the Personalized section. Additionally, customers can locate the Dark Stabilizer and the Game Enhance Mode gaming features in the same menu. You can use the Dark Stabilizer to brighten the screen because there are three different brightness levels. This feature allows gamers to spot enemies in extremely dark areas, an essential ability in the professional gaming world.
On the flip side, the Game Enhance Mode has three functions:
- You can turn the FPS counter on or off, an extremely useful tool when competing against experts.
- You can use the Display Alignment feature to set your screen correctly.
- You can use the on-screen timer to measure any parameters whenever necessary.
As you can see, these three functions are game-changers during professional gaming, and experts consider them essential.
– AMD Free-Sync Compatible Device
The AMD Free-Sync feature allows customers to synchronize the monitor’s refresh interval to the GPU’s refresh interval. However, this is only possible if you have a graphics card compatible with the AMD Free-Sync feature. If so, you can sync the Alienware AW2518HF easily for improved overall performance and additional benefits. For example, synchronizing your monitor and GPU cuts any lags or stutters and removes any screen tearing without affecting the lag parameter.
On the flip side, this feature may be different if you are an NVIDIA graphics card user. For example, it would be best to use the G-Sync instead of the AMD Free-Sync feature because NVIDIA cards are not Free-Sync compatible. However, we must note this combination is more expensive, but our stunning Alienware AW2518HF has both compatibility features. As a result, you will not be worried if you have AMD or NVIDIA graphics cards.
So, every customer will benefit from the Free-Sync and G-Sync features because you can synchronize the refresh interval from your monitor and GPU. Henceforth, you will be pleasantly surprised with the gameplay difference once your components are fully synchronized. Our experts have tested the differences and concluded that this is the perfect monitor for the job.
– The Cheapest 240 Hz Monitor
There is no cheaper 240 Hz monitor money can buy, so it is the best deal for your budget builds. Unfortunately, experts consider 240 Hz products high-end, so their price is significantly higher than mid-range and low-range monitors. Fortunately, this is not the case with the Alienware AW2518HF monitor because it can be yours for less than $350. Moreover, you will enjoy the perks of high-end monitors, including various premium gaming features and high refresh intervals.
Furthermore, professional gamers reported this is the perfect investment in your next gaming rig, considering the value for money. However, beginners will be happy using a 240 Hz monitor because the difference between lower refresh interval monitors is enormous. So, if you are trying to build a gaming setup on a budget with a 240 Hz monitor, this is the ideal product.
Conclusion
Searching for the ideal gaming monitor can be long and tedious, especially if you do not know much about computer hardware and gaming rigs. Fortunately, our ultimate guide is the best place to learn more about the various pros and cons, perks, and features of the Alienware AW2518HF monitor with a high refresh interval. Our experts put this product to the test, and these are their conclusions.
Namely, this is the ideal product for professional and casual gamers due to the high-end specifications at an affordable price. Unfortunately, there is no cheaper 240 Hz monitor you can buy, so if you are searching for a monitor, consider purchasing the Alienware AW2518HF. On the flip side, the only serious drawback is the lack of built-in speakers and USB C-Type ports, which is a must by today’s standards.Â