90

Alienware AW3425DW Monitor

QD-OLED · 34" · 3440×1440 · 240Hz · 0.03ms

$1000

MSRP

62

S3225QC Monitor

VA · 32" · 4K · 60Hz · 4ms

$300

MSRP

Our verdict

The Alienware AW3425DW Monitor takes the performance lead with a 45% higher overall score, driven by its more shader cores, more of memory, and higher TFLOPS of compute power. In gaming benchmarks at 1440p, it delivers roughly 0% more frames per second across demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Alan Wake 2.

However, the S3225QC Monitor tells a compelling value story. At $300 versus the Alienware AW3425DW Monitor's $1000 price tag, it costs 233% less while delivering performance that's only 45% behind. Its of memory is still more than enough for 1440p and even 4K gaming in most titles.

Our recommendation: for the majority of gamers targeting 1440p or even 4K with upscaling enabled, the S3225QC Monitor is the smarter purchase. The Alienware AW3425DW Monitor only makes sense if you need the absolute maximum performance for native 4K ray tracing, professional 3D rendering, or AI workloads where the extra VRAM and compute power provide a tangible advantage.

Performance winner

Alienware AW3425DW Monitor

45% faster overall

Best value for money

S3225QC Monitor

22% better value per dollar

Alienware AW3425DW Monitor best for

Power efficiency

45% faster overall

Connectivity

HDMI
2× HDMI 2.1
2× HDMI 2.1
USB-C
None
1× USB-C (65W PD)

Display

Panel Type
QD-OLED
VA
Screen Size
34"
32"
Resolution
3440×1440
3840×2160
Pixel Density
110 PPI
138 PPI

Image Quality

Peak Brightness
1000 nits
350 nits
Contrast Ratio
Infinite
3000:1
DCI-P3 Coverage
99%
90%
HDR
HDR True Black 400
HDR400

Performance

Refresh Rate
240 Hz
60 Hz
Response Time
0.03 ms
4.0 ms
Input Lag
3 ms
9 ms

Physical

Weight
7.8 kg
7.5 kg

Frequently asked questions

Is the Alienware AW3425DW Monitor worth $700 more than the S3225QC Monitor?

It depends on your needs. The Alienware AW3425DW Monitor scores 90 overall vs 62 for the S3225QC Monitor. If you need the extra performance for demanding tasks, the premium is justified. For most users gaming at 1440p or below, the S3225QC Monitor offers better value.

Which GPU is better for 1440p gaming, the Alienware AW3425DW Monitor or S3225QC Monitor?

The Alienware AW3425DW Monitor delivers higher frame rates at 1440p, but both GPUs handle 1440p gaming well. The Alienware AW3425DW Monitor provides more headroom for ray tracing and future titles, while the S3225QC Monitor still maintains smooth gameplay in current games.

Can the S3225QC Monitor handle 4K gaming?

The S3225QC Monitor can handle 4K gaming in less demanding titles and with upscaling technologies like DLSS or FSR. For native 4K at ultra settings in demanding games, the Alienware AW3425DW Monitor is the better choice with its higher performance ceiling.

Which should I buy, the Alienware AW3425DW Monitor or S3225QC Monitor?

Choose the S3225QC Monitor if you want the best value for money and primarily game at 1080p or 1440p. Choose the Alienware AW3425DW Monitor if you need maximum performance, play at 4K, or do professional workloads like video editing and 3D rendering.

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