This new 4K Alienware monitor overcomes the limits of OLED, and its specs almost feel like cheating

Faster, darker, and with higher contrast, QD-OLED looks to deliver the best gaming experience for PC and console.

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What you need to know

Screen size:31.6 inchesResolution:4K (3840x2160)Refresh rate:240HzResponse time:0.03 GTGContrast ratio:1,000,000:1DCI-P3:99%Curvature:1700RSyncing:NVIDIA G-SYNC and VESA AdaptiveSync

Alienware just unveiled a new gaming monitor atCES 2024that looks like an incredible choice for PC or console gaming. We’ll have to see real-world performance before judging the newly announced Alienware 32 4K QD-OLED, but its specs are impressive across the board. It also features a “world first” when it comes to displays.

The Alienware 32 4K QD-OLED is the “world’s first 4K QD-OLED gaming monitor with Dolby Vision HDR,” according to Dell. The monitor is a 2024 CES Innovation Award Honoree, thanks in large part to its QD-OLED panel.

The curved 4K monitor has a 240Hz refresh rate, a 0.03 response time,Dolby VisionHDR support, and VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400. Tack on NVIDIA G-SYNC support, VESA AdaptiveSync support, HDMI 2.1, FRL (Fixed Rate Limit), and eArc compatibility, and you have what could be one of thebest gaming monitors.

The Alienware 32 4K QD-OLED launches this week on January 11, 2024 for $1,199.99.

What is QD-OLED?

The new 32-inch monitor from Alienware is the “world’s first 4K QD-OLED gaming monitor with Dolby Vision.” But what is QD-OLED, and more importantly, why should gamers care?

Many have heard of OLED, which is a type of display that delivers perfect blacks and an incredibly high contrast ratio (marketing material often says “near-infinite”). OLED panels also have wide viewing angles. There are downsides to normal OLED screens however, such as lower brightness than some other display types.

The QD in QD-OLED stands for “quantum dot.” That technology has been around in Samsung TVs for a while, as well as devices from a few other manufacturers. Alienware launched a34-inch gaming monitor with QD-OLEDin 2022, but it’s generally a new technology for gaming monitors. The new 32-inch QD-OLED monitor from Alienware also has a much higher 240Hz refresh rate (the 34-inch monitor had at most a 175Hz refresh rate).

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QD-OLED addresses several of the weaknesses present in standard OLED displays. QD-OLED screens are brighter than OLED screens while still delivering up to a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio. QD-OLED displays use a blue self-emitting layer overlaid by a layer of quantum dots.

Dell says the Alienware 32K QD-OLED Gaming Monitor has “infinite contrasts.” That’s obviously technically inaccurate, but with technology like this, it might as well be infinite.

Alienware is using the latest display tech in its new gaming monitor. A 240Hz refresh rate wasn’t available to consumers in an OLED display until recently. Add in quantum dot tech and you have what looks to be an extremely impressive gaming monitor from Alienware.

More than a screen

While the screen of the Alienware 32 4K QD-OLED (rightfully) received focus from Dell, the monitor includes several other features that are worth highlighting.

The monitor supports HDMI 2.1 FRL, which helps deliver the best console gaming experience you can get on a monitor. The Alienware 32 4K QD-OLED supports up to 4K@120Hz via HDMI, VRR (variable refresh rate), and ALLM (auto low latency mode). The monitor also has a dedicated console mode for tone mapping and optimizing HDR for consoles.

Compatibility with eARC allows the Alienware 32 4K QD-OLED to connect to Dolby Atmos speakers and soundbars as well.

The Alienware 32 4K QD-OLED also supports 3-zone AlienFX lighting.

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.