Alienware’s latest gaming monitor duo majors on speed
Esports-friendly 25in and style-centric 27in models land with huge variable refresh rates
Admit it, gamers: we’ve all used the old “my hardware was too slow” excuse for not spotting enemies in time. Well, you won’t be able to get away with that once one of Alienware’s two new monitors lands on your desk. The 25in AW2523HF and 27in AW2723DF promise super-high refresh rates and adaptive sync
The AW2523HF is the more esports-centric of the pair, with a hexagonal base that takes up less room on a desk – freeing up space for a massivec mouse pad, or to tilt your keyboard at ever more extreme angles. There’s also built-in headset hangar to further cut down on clutter. Swivel, pivot, height and tilt adjustment cover all the bases when it comes to ergonomics.
It’s got a Full HD IPS display that tops out at a lightning-quick 360Hz, with AMD FreeSync Premium and VESA AdaptiveSync to eliminate tearing. Expect up to 400nits of peak brightness and support for HDR10 video playback. In terms of connectivity, the two HDMI 2.0 ports and a DisplayPort 1.4 around back are joined by a USB3 hub and twin 3.5mm ports.
Alienware has also stepped up its environmental efforts, using at least 25% post-consumer plastic than previous efforts.
Going bigger with the AW2723DF gets you a QHD resolution IPS panel with 240Hz native refresh rate, but you can boost that to 280Hz with overclocking. It’s got superior AND FreeSync Premium Pro adaptive sync tech, along with Nvidia G-Sync, so PC gamers on both sides can get their smooth on. It covers 95% of the DCI-P3 colour space and gets DisplayHDR 600 certification from industry body VESA.
It’s got a jazzier design, with much skinnier screen bezels. Expect built-in cable management, integrated headset hangar and fully adjustable stand. Naturally there’s integrated RGB lighting, too.
The AW2523HF goes on sale in the UK from the 7th of September for £399. It’ll be followed by the AW2723DF on the 6th of October, and will set you back £519. Both will be available through the Alienware website.
Tom Morgan-Freelander
Deputy Editor 
