The Alienware 38 Curved Gaming Monitor AW3821DW is, simply put, a beast for serious gamers and even creative professionals who demand top-tier performance and immersive visuals.
This ultrawide marvel delivers on its promises with a stunning WQHD+ resolution, smooth 144Hz refresh rate, and NVIDIA G-SYNC Ultimate certification, ensuring tear-free, buttery-smooth gameplay.
While its price point places it firmly in the premium category, the sheer quality of the IPS Nano Color panel, excellent color accuracy, and thoughtful Alienware design truly justify the investment for those seeking a no-compromise desktop experience. It’s not just a monitor.
For those looking to level up their setup, here’s a quick rundown of some top-tier gaming monitor options and related peripherals, including the AW3821DW itself:
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- Key Features: 38-inch ultrawide curved IPS Nano Color display, WQHD+ 3840 x 1600 resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, 1ms GtG response time, NVIDIA G-SYNC Ultimate, VESA DisplayHDR 600, DCI-P3 95% color coverage, AlienFX Lighting.
- Average Price: ~$1,000 – $1,300
- Pros: Exceptional immersion, stunning color accuracy, smooth G-SYNC Ultimate performance, premium build quality, great for both gaming and productivity.
- Cons: Expensive, large footprint, requires a powerful GPU to drive at native resolution and high refresh rates.
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- Key Features: 38-inch ultrawide curved IPS display, WQHD+ 3840 x 1600 resolution, 144Hz OC to 160Hz refresh rate, 1ms GtG response time, NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, VESA DisplayHDR 600, DCI-P3 98% color coverage.
- Average Price: ~$900 – $1,200
- Pros: Slightly higher refresh rate potential, excellent color, good HDR, FreeSync and G-SYNC compatibility, generally a strong alternative.
- Cons: Can have some backlight bleed, stand adjustability isn’t as extensive as some.
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- Key Features: 49-inch super ultrawide curved VA display, DQHD 5120 x 1440 resolution, 240Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, VESA DisplayHDR 1000.
- Average Price: ~$1,200 – $1,600
- Pros: Unparalleled immersion with extreme curvature, incredibly high refresh rate, true HDR 1000, massive screen real estate.
- Cons: Very expensive, huge desk space requirement, VA panel can have worse viewing angles/color uniformity than IPS, some reported quality control issues.
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- Key Features: 35-inch ultrawide curved VA display, UWQHD 3440 x 1440 resolution, 200Hz refresh rate, 2ms response time, NVIDIA G-SYNC Ultimate, DisplayHDR 1000, Quantum-dot technology.
- Average Price: ~$1,000 – $1,400
- Pros: True G-SYNC Ultimate, impressive HDR with FALD, high refresh rate, solid build.
- Cons: VA panel limitations viewing angles, significant blooming artifacts with FALD, older model, very expensive.
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- Key Features: Lightweight 63g, ergonomic design, Focus Pro 30K Optical Sensor, Optical Mouse Switches Gen-3, HyperSpeed Wireless.
- Average Price: ~$100 – $150
- Pros: Extremely precise tracking, incredibly light for competitive gaming, long-lasting battery, comfortable shape.
- Cons: No RGB lighting for some, a con, higher price point.
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SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless
- Key Features: OmniPoint 2.0 Adjustable Mechanical Switches, TKL form factor, Quantum 2.0 Wireless, OLED Smart Display, double shot PBT keycaps.
- Average Price: ~$200 – $250
- Pros: Unmatched actuation point customization, extremely fast response times, premium build quality, versatile for gaming and typing.
- Cons: Expensive, some users might prefer full-size keyboards.
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- Key Features: Bluetooth 5.0, 45mm large-aperture drivers, up to 50 hours battery life, multipoint pairing, low latency mode.
- Average Price: ~$180 – $220
- Pros: Studio-quality sound for gaming and media, comfortable for long sessions, excellent battery life, reliable wireless connection.
- Cons: Not specifically marketed as “gaming” headphones no built-in mic for example, though adaptable, can be a bit heavy.
The Design and Aesthetics of the Alienware AW3821DW
Alright, let’s talk about the look and feel of the Alienware AW3821DW.
Alienware has always been known for its distinct, almost futuristic design language, and this monitor is no exception.
It’s got that signature Lunar Light light grey finish, which stands out in a sea of black gaming gear. But it’s not just about flashy looks. the design is functional and well-engineered.
Signature Alienware Aesthetics
When you unbox this thing, you immediately notice the premium feel.
The plastic is high-quality, and the construction is solid.
The stand, with its V-shaped legs, is robust and keeps the massive 38-inch display stable on your desk. This isn’t some flimsy piece of kit.
It feels like it can take a beating, which is what you’d expect from Alienware.
The back of the monitor features AlienFX lighting, allowing you to customize the RGB zones the Alien head logo, the ’38’ on the back, and the light bar to match your setup or in-game actions.
It’s a nice touch that adds to the immersion, particularly if you’re already invested in the Alienware ecosystem.
Ergonomics and Adjustability
For a monitor this size, ergonomics are crucial. Samsung 75 Inch Class The Frame Qled Tv Review
You’re going to be staring at it for hours, so comfort is key. Thankfully, Alienware nailed it here. The stand offers a good range of adjustments:
- Height Adjustment: You can raise or lower the screen to find your optimal eye level. This is vital for long gaming or work sessions to prevent neck strain.
- Swivel: The monitor can swivel left and right, which is handy if you need to show something to someone next to you or reposition slightly.
- Tilt: You can tilt the screen up or down to minimize glare and find the perfect viewing angle.
What you don’t get is pivot functionality rotating to portrait mode, which is pretty standard for ultrawide curved monitors. It’s not something you’d typically need with a screen this wide anyway. The cable management passthrough in the stand is also a neat feature, helping keep your desk tidy and preventing cable clutter, which for a clean setup enthusiast, is a big win.
Immersive Visuals: Panel Quality and Resolution
This is where the AW3821DW truly shines. It’s not just big. it’s beautiful. The display is a 38-inch IPS Nano Color panel with a WQHD+ resolution, and for gaming, it’s an absolute game-changer. Let’s break down what that means for your eyes.
The WQHD+ Resolution Experience
The resolution is 3840 x 1600. Now, for those unfamiliar, that’s more pixels than a standard 1440p monitor 2560 x 1440 but less than a full 4K 3840 x 2160. The “plus” in WQHD+ here signifies the additional vertical pixels compared to a standard ultrawide QHD 3440×1440. This extra vertical space is a significant advantage, especially for productivity, as it gives you more room to stack windows or view content without constant scrolling. In gaming, it means a wider field of view without sacrificing vertical detail, making games feel incredibly expansive. Think about it: a wider perspective in a racing game or seeing more of the battlefield in an RTS without zooming out. It truly changes the way you perceive game worlds.
IPS Nano Color and Color Accuracy
Alienware equipped this monitor with an IPS Nano Color panel, and the results are stunning.
IPS In-Plane Switching technology is renowned for its excellent color reproduction and wide viewing angles, making it ideal for both gaming and color-sensitive work like photo or video editing.
The “Nano Color” part refers to a layer of nanoparticles applied to the backlight that helps produce more vibrant and accurate colors.
- Color Gamut: The AW3821DW boasts 95% DCI-P3 color coverage. DCI-P3 is a wider color space than the more common sRGB, meaning it can display a much broader range of colors. For gamers, this translates to more vivid and lifelike visuals. For content creators, it means your work will look more accurate and true to life.
- Delta E Values: Professional reviews often cite average Delta E values a measurement of color accuracy, where lower is better for this monitor being consistently below 2, and often closer to 1, right out of the box. This means the colors you see are very close to what they should be. You won’t typically need extensive calibration unless you’re doing highly professional color-critical work.
- Viewing Angles: Thanks to the IPS panel, colors remain consistent and accurate even when viewed from extreme angles. This is great if you have multiple people watching or if you move around your desk frequently.
The combination of high resolution and superb color accuracy means everything from sprawling open-world games to high-definition movies looks incredible on this display.
Gaming Performance: Refresh Rate, Response Time, and G-SYNC Ultimate
This is where the rubber meets the road for a gaming monitor review.
The Alienware AW3821DW is built for performance, and it delivers a remarkably smooth and responsive gaming experience. Fixmestick Review
144Hz Refresh Rate and 1ms Response Time
Let’s start with the basics:
- 1ms GtG Gray-to-Gray Response Time: Response time refers to how quickly pixels can change color. A 1ms GtG response time is excellent and helps minimize motion blur and ghosting, which are visual artifacts that can make fast-moving objects appear blurry or leave trails. In competitive gaming, this is crucial for clarity and precision. You want those pixels to change almost instantly so you always see the sharpest image possible.
The combination of a high refresh rate and low response time is the bedrock of a great gaming monitor.
The AW3821DW nails this, providing a visual experience that feels immediate and free from distracting blur.
NVIDIA G-SYNC Ultimate Certification
This is the big one for NVIDIA GPU owners. The AW3821DW is NVIDIA G-SYNC Ultimate certified. What does “Ultimate” mean here? It’s the highest tier of G-SYNC certification, indicating that the monitor includes a dedicated G-SYNC hardware module. This module allows the monitor’s refresh rate to dynamically synchronize with the frames being output by your NVIDIA graphics card.
The benefits are profound:
- Eliminates Screen Tearing: Without G-SYNC, if your GPU outputs frames at a different rate than your monitor’s refresh rate, you get screen tearing – a distracting horizontal line where two different frames are displayed simultaneously. G-SYNC completely eliminates this.
- Minimizes Stuttering: When your frame rate dips below the monitor’s refresh rate, you might experience stuttering. G-SYNC smooths out these dips, making transitions feel much less jarring.
- Reduced Input Lag: Because G-SYNC manages the display process more efficiently, it often results in lower input lag compared to V-Sync, which is an alternative method to prevent tearing but can introduce noticeable delay.
The “Ultimate” designation also typically guarantees a higher standard of HDR performance and a wider variable refresh rate VRR range.
In practice, this means your games will look incredibly smooth, tear-free, and responsive, regardless of minor fluctuations in your frame rate.
It’s a truly premium experience that once you try, it’s hard to go back to standard monitors.
HDR Performance and Contrast Ratio
HDR High Dynamic Range is a buzzword in display technology, and while the AW3821DW supports it, it’s important to set realistic expectations.
This monitor features VESA DisplayHDR 600 certification. Hp Scanjet Pro 2600 F1 Review
VESA DisplayHDR 600 Explained
VESA DisplayHDR 600 is a mid-tier HDR standard. Here’s what that means:
- Peak Brightness: It requires a peak brightness of at least 600 nits. The AW3821DW typically hits around 600-650 nits in HDR mode for highlights, which is significantly brighter than standard SDR content which usually tops out around 300-350 nits. This allows for brighter highlights and a more impactful visual experience.
- Local Dimming Limited: To achieve true HDR, displays need some form of local dimming to control contrast. The AW3821DW has a very basic form of edge-lit local dimming, with around 32 dimming zones. While this is better than no local dimming at all, it’s not comparable to monitors with hundreds or thousands of FALD Full Array Local Dimming zones, like some VA panel alternatives or mini-LED displays.
- Contrast Ratio: Standard IPS panels, like the one in the AW3821DW, typically have native contrast ratios around 1000:1. This is good for SDR content, but for HDR, where deep blacks are crucial, it can be a limitation. While the DisplayHDR 600 certification means it can display HDR content, don’t expect OLED-like black levels or punchy contrast seen on true HDR 1000+ monitors with FALD. You might still notice some “glow” around bright objects on a dark background due to the limited local dimming.
In essence, while the AW3821DW offers a noticeable improvement in brightness and color volume for HDR content compared to SDR, it’s not going to blow you away with extreme contrast or perfect black levels.
It’s a “good enough” HDR experience, especially for gaming where the overall immersion and speed are priorities, but it’s not its strongest suit compared to its excellent SDR performance.
Connectivity and Features
A monitor is more than just a screen. it’s the hub of your desktop setup.
The Alienware AW3821DW comes with a respectable array of ports and additional features that enhance its usability.
Port Selection
On the rear of the monitor, tucked away somewhat discreetly, you’ll find a solid selection of inputs:
- 1 x DisplayPort 1.4: This is your primary connection for gaming, essential for achieving the full 3840×1600 resolution at 144Hz with G-SYNC.
- 2 x HDMI 2.0: These ports are useful for connecting consoles, media players, or a secondary PC. Keep in mind that HDMI 2.0 has bandwidth limitations. it won’t support 3840×1600 at 144Hz, but it’s fine for 60Hz or lower resolutions/refresh rates.
- 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 upstream port: This connects the monitor to your PC and enables the downstream USB ports.
- 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 downstream ports: Two of these are conveniently located on the bottom edge of the monitor, easy to reach for plugging in peripherals like a mouse, keyboard, or flash drive. The other two are on the back.
- 1 x Audio line-out jack: For connecting external speakers or a sound system.
- 1 x Headphone jack: Also conveniently located on the bottom edge.
It’s a comprehensive set that should cover most users’ needs.
The placement of the USB and headphone jacks on the bottom edge is a thoughtful design choice, making them much more accessible than ports on the back.
On-Screen Display OSD and Navigation
Navigating the monitor’s settings is done via a joystick controller located on the bottom right of the monitor.
This is generally preferred over traditional buttons, making it intuitive to adjust brightness, contrast, color modes, input selection, and gaming features. Samsung 50 Inch Class The Frame Qled Tv Review
The OSD itself is well-organized and easy to understand.
You can quickly switch between game presets, enable or disable G-SYNC, adjust response time overdrive settings, and manage the AlienFX lighting.
There are also options for power management and other system settings.
It’s a user-friendly interface that doesn’t overwhelm you with unnecessary jargon, but provides enough depth for fine-tuning.
AlienFX Lighting Integration
As mentioned earlier, AlienFX lighting is a key aesthetic feature.
You can control the RGB zones directly through the OSD or, for deeper customization and synchronization with other Alienware peripherals, through the Alienware Command Center software on your PC.
This allows for dynamic lighting effects that can react to in-game events, create custom color schemes, or simply provide ambient lighting for your setup.
It’s a nice touch for those who appreciate integrated RGB ecosystems.
Productivity and General Use
While the Alienware AW3821DW is undoubtedly marketed as a gaming monitor, its characteristics make it surprisingly effective for productivity and general desktop use.
The ultrawide aspect ratio and high resolution offer significant advantages for multitasking and workflow optimization. Dell 34 Curved Usb C Monitor S3423Dwc Review
Multitasking Prowess
The 38-inch ultrawide form factor with a 21:9 aspect ratio or effectively 24:10 due to the 3840×1600 resolution is fantastic for productivity. Think of it as having two or even three 16:9 monitors side-by-side without any bezels in between. This provides an expansive canvas for:
- Spreadsheets: See more columns and rows of data without scrolling.
- Coding: Have your code editor on one side and documentation/browser on the other.
- Video Editing: A wide timeline for your video clips, with ample space for preview windows and effects panels.
- Photo Editing: Large workspace for your images with toolbars neatly arranged around.
- Writing/Research: One window for your document, another for research tabs, and maybe a third for communication.
The extra vertical resolution 1600p compared to standard 3440×1440 ultrawides is a subtle but significant benefit here.
It just gives you that much more vertical breathing room, reducing the need for vertical scrolling in documents or web pages.
Many users report that once they switch to an ultrawide, especially one with 1600 vertical pixels, they find it incredibly difficult to go back to standard 16:9 displays for work.
Color Accuracy for Creative Work
The IPS Nano Color panel with its 95% DCI-P3 coverage and low Delta E values means this monitor is not just good for vibrant gaming visuals, but also for tasks that demand color accuracy.
While it’s not a professional-grade reference monitor, it’s certainly capable enough for:
- Graphic Design: Creating visual assets where color consistency is important.
- Photo Editing: Ensuring your images have accurate colors and tones.
- Casual Video Editing: For content creators and YouTubers, the accurate colors and wide timeline are a huge boon.
The wide viewing angles of the IPS panel also mean that colors don’t shift significantly if you move slightly off-center, which is great for collaborative work or just repositioning yourself at your desk.
Price and Value Proposition
Let’s address the elephant in the room: the price.
The Alienware AW3821DW sits firmly in the premium segment of the gaming monitor market.
When it was released, it retailed for well over $1,500, though current market prices have generally settled around the $1,000-$1,300 mark. Corsair K70 Rgb Pro Mini Wireless Review
Is it worth it? That depends entirely on your budget and what you prioritize in a display.
Is the AW3821DW a Good Investment?
For the enthusiast gamer with an NVIDIA graphics card and a deep appreciation for immersive, high-fidelity experiences, the answer is often yes. Here’s why:
- No Compromise Gaming: You’re getting a large ultrawide IPS panel with excellent colors, a high refresh rate, low response time, and the gold standard in variable refresh rate technology G-SYNC Ultimate. This combination delivers a truly premium, tear-free, and stutter-free gaming experience that few monitors can match.
- Build Quality and Design: Alienware monitors are known for their robust build and distinctive aesthetics. This isn’t a flimsy plastic box. it’s a statement piece for your desk.
- Productivity Benefits: Beyond gaming, the monitor excels as a productivity hub, offering vast screen real estate for multitasking and capable color accuracy for creative tasks. It could easily replace a dual-monitor setup for many users.
- Longevity: Investing in a high-end monitor often means it will serve you well for many years, enduring several GPU upgrades.
Comparing Value Against Alternatives
When considering the price, it’s useful to compare it to its peers:
- LG 38GN950-B: This LG model is often seen as the direct competitor, offering very similar specs IPS, 3840×1600, 144Hz, HDR 600 and often comes in at a slightly lower price point. The main difference is that LG is G-SYNC Compatible software-based rather than G-SYNC Ultimate hardware module. While G-SYNC Compatible works well, the dedicated G-SYNC chip in the Alienware often provides a more robust and wider VRR range experience.
- Samsung Odyssey G9: If maximum immersion and refresh rate are your goals, the G9 offers a 49-inch super ultrawide with 240Hz and a much more aggressive curve. However, it uses a VA panel which has trade-offs in viewing angles and color consistency compared to IPS and is often more expensive, requiring even more desk space and GPU power.
- Cheaper Ultrawides: You can find 34-inch ultrawides with similar specs for significantly less. However, they usually come with 3440×1440 resolution less vertical screen space and may lack the G-SYNC Ultimate certification or the same level of build quality.
Ultimately, the AW3821DW represents a significant investment.
However, for those who demand a top-tier ultrawide gaming and productivity experience with premium build quality and true G-SYNC Ultimate performance, its value proposition is strong.
It’s about paying for a no-compromise experience rather than just a raw spec sheet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the native resolution of the Alienware AW3821DW?
The native resolution of the Alienware AW3821DW is 3840 x 1600 pixels, which is known as WQHD+ or UWQHD+.
What refresh rate does the AW3821DW support?
The Alienware AW3821DW supports a maximum refresh rate of 144Hz.
Does the Alienware AW3821DW have G-SYNC?
Yes, the Alienware AW3821DW is NVIDIA G-SYNC Ultimate certified, meaning it includes a dedicated G-SYNC hardware module for superior variable refresh rate performance.
What panel type does the AW3821DW use?
The Alienware AW3821DW uses an IPS In-Plane Switching Nano Color panel. Postal Brain Damaged For Pc Review
What is the response time of the AW3821DW?
The Alienware AW3821DW has a 1ms Gray-to-Gray GtG response time.
Is the AW3821DW good for competitive gaming?
Yes, its high refresh rate 144Hz, low response time 1ms GtG, and G-SYNC Ultimate certification make it excellent for competitive gaming, providing smooth, tear-free visuals.
Does the Alienware AW3821DW support HDR?
Yes, the Alienware AW3821DW supports HDR and is VESA DisplayHDR 600 certified.
What is the curvature of the Alienware AW3821DW?
The Alienware AW3821DW has a 2300R curvature.
Can I use the AW3821DW with an AMD graphics card?
Yes, you can use the AW3821DW with an AMD graphics card, but you will not benefit from the NVIDIA G-SYNC Ultimate features. It will operate as a standard 144Hz monitor.
How much desk space does the Alienware AW3821DW require?
Due to its 38-inch ultrawide size and robust stand, the AW3821DW requires a significant amount of desk space, particularly in depth due to the stand’s V-shaped feet.
Does the AW3821DW have built-in speakers?
No, the Alienware AW3821DW does not have built-in speakers.
It does, however, have an audio line-out and a headphone jack.
What ports does the Alienware AW3821DW have?
It typically includes 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 upstream, and 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 downstream ports, along with audio out and headphone jacks.
Is the AW3821DW suitable for productivity work?
Yes, the AW3821DW is excellent for productivity due to its expansive ultrawide screen with 3840×1600 resolution, allowing for superior multitasking and window management. Monoprice Monolith M1000Anc Review
Does the Alienware AW3821DW come with an adjustable stand?
Yes, the stand offers height, tilt, and swivel adjustments for ergonomic comfort.
Can I wall-mount the Alienware AW3821DW?
Yes, the Alienware AW3821DW is VESA mount compatible 100x100mm, allowing you to use a monitor arm or wall mount.
What is the typical contrast ratio of the AW3821DW?
The typical native contrast ratio for the IPS panel in the AW3821DW is around 1000:1.
How good are the viewing angles on the AW3821DW?
Thanks to its IPS panel, the AW3821DW offers excellent wide viewing angles, maintaining consistent color and brightness even from off-center positions.
What is AlienFX lighting?
AlienFX lighting refers to the customizable RGB lighting zones on the monitor’s back and stand, which can be personalized through the OSD or Alienware Command Center software.
Is there any backlight bleed on the AW3821DW?
Like most IPS panels, some degree of IPS glow or minimal backlight bleed can be present, though it’s typically well-controlled on premium monitors like the AW3821DW.
What is the power consumption of the Alienware AW3821DW?
The typical power consumption is around 50-60W, with a maximum consumption around 130W, varying based on brightness and usage.
Does the AW3821DW support Picture-in-Picture PiP or Picture-by-Picture PbP?
Yes, the AW3821DW supports Picture-in-Picture PiP and Picture-by-Picture PbP modes, allowing you to display content from multiple sources simultaneously.
What is the optimal viewing distance for the AW3821DW?
For a 38-inch ultrawide monitor, an optimal viewing distance is typically between 2.5 to 3.5 feet 75-105 cm to comfortably take in the entire screen.
Does the AW3821DW require a powerful PC?
Yes, to fully utilize the 3840×1600 resolution at 144Hz in modern games, a powerful graphics card e.g., NVIDIA RTX 3070/4070 or higher is highly recommended. Sigma 20Mm F14 Dg Dn Art Review
How does the AW3821DW compare to a dual monitor setup?
The AW3821DW offers seamless ultrawide viewing without bezels, which many users prefer over a dual monitor setup for a more immersive and aesthetically pleasing workspace.
Are there any known issues with the AW3821DW?
While generally very reliable, like any monitor, some users might report minor issues such as IPS glow or specific firmware quirks, though widespread problems are uncommon.
What kind of warranty does Alienware offer for the AW3821DW?
Dell Alienware’s parent company typically offers a 3-year advanced exchange service for their premium monitors, meaning they send a replacement unit before you return the faulty one.
Is the AW3821DW factory calibrated?
Yes, the Alienware AW3821DW comes factory calibrated for color accuracy, often showing excellent Delta E values right out of the box.
Can the AW3821DW be used for console gaming?
Yes, it can be used for console gaming via HDMI 2.0. However, consoles typically output at 16:9 aspect ratios, so you’ll have black bars on the sides, and 144Hz support might be limited based on the console’s capabilities.
Is the curve noticeable on the AW3821DW?
Yes, the 2300R curve is noticeable but subtle enough to enhance immersion without distorting the image, making it comfortable for both gaming and productivity.
What is the difference between G-SYNC and G-SYNC Ultimate?
G-SYNC Ultimate monitors feature a dedicated NVIDIA G-SYNC hardware module, guaranteeing superior performance, wider VRR ranges, and often better HDR integration compared to G-SYNC Compatible monitors which rely on software-based adaptive sync over DisplayPort.
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