Alienware AW2518H review 2023

Rating: 4.6/5

Imagine having a flashy, reflective, and aesthetic monitor in front of your eyes. But wait, we are not here to just imagine things. In reality, we will be tackling something invigorating, and auspicious that will blow your mind away. Have you heard of Alienware AW2518H? If not, then seriously, you are missing on a lot. Don’t worry, before talking about the Alienware AW2518H review, we will shed light on why there’s a need for such an advanced monitor, and what sort of features and benefits it entails.

It goes without saying that gamers long for exclusive displays, and it’s a story of every individual. When we talk about gaming monitors/displays, it doesn’t mean that the monitor has some sort of horns, or looks like an Assassin’s Creed character. It means that the display brings in a plethora of features that are only applicable to gaming niches-for instance, G-sync and FreeSync. Both technologies make use of anti-tearing, and anti-ghosting variables to lower the unsynchronized refresh rate. For a normal person, it might not even weigh/equate to anything, but for a gamer, every single increase in FPS counts; hence, forcing us to pitch in our two cents regarding Alienware AW2518H review. 

Since the monitor belongs to Alienware lineage, it can be inferred that the model will be featuring a bazillion of mind-blowing features that can help you achieve a seamless gaming experience. Well, Alienware AW2518 review will allow you to have a more in-depth insight and understanding of whether the product is worth a shot. It’s worth mentioning that the product comes with an enticing build for aesthetics and has a score of buttons on its body for simple navigation. For this particular review, we will be dividing each top-notch finding to its designated label, making the analysis more accessible and understandable. Let me remind you that I do not mistake the model with its sister version (AW2518HF), which entails FreeSync technology.

Alienware AW2518H Specifications

Pricing and Availability

Before jumping into the bandwagon, let me clarify that Alienware AW2518H is not for everyone. I’m not trying to be condescending or patronizing; it’s just what it is. The price factor makes it restricted to a significant proportion of the population. Recently, the organic price was around $700, and that too for a 25-inch display monitor. Regardless, it feels decent and acceptable because of what the monitor entails. However, there were discernible decrease prices (cut of around 10%, making it reach $600), so yeah, you still got a shot!

For the availability, yes, the monitor is not that ancient. People are still buying it regardless of the price tag because Alienware has this integrated module that skyrockets gaming performance. Not to mention, this particular model focuses on G-Sync technology, rather than FreeSync. So, ensure that you got a decent working Nvidia GPU. 

Design and Features

Dell Alienware AW2518H makes use of extensive and durable features and a wonderfully eye-catching design. It has an ebony/black body that catapults the viewer in buying the display. Not to mention, the body is covered with a silver lining, which makes it more attractive. Do you know what’s amazing about the design? You get to behold the display from a variety of angles since the monitor comes with a fixed stand. At the back, there’s a small Alienware logo that lightens up as your turn on your PC. It makes it more attractive and pleasing. For the same logo, you can toggle different colors through AlienFX, a technology synching light on your Alienware products.

It’s worth mentioning that the monitor comes with a detachable piece at the base that makes the product neat and hexing. For the I/O ports, you get hold of DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 1.4, and four USB 3.0. No need to fret because four ports are more than enough to connect USBs and audio jacks. For the front side, the monitor shines bright in its matte black colors (including impressive thin side bezels). Additionally, the bottom layer of the monitor is covered with thick bezels, which is a usual practice. 

Moreover, the monitor offers a couple of buttons for on-screen menu options. It can be tricky at times to navigate properly through the use of buttons, but anyhow, they make your struggle a little less. 

Well, let me be honest with you, Alienware never promised superfluous gimmicks. They have been guileless in every aspect. If you have any receding thoughts, it’s time to reconsider because the design is on the spot and phenomenal. All in all, it’s a go-to display if the price factor doesn’t bother you.

G-Sync

You must have come across this term a million times, because of the rampant use of this synching technology. In layman’s terms, it’s nothing but a self-remedy feature to purge out spikes and tearing on screen. G-sync makes sure that all the refresh rate of the display is synched with the GPU’s refresh rate. If not, it will try to smooth out frame rate, tearing, and freezing marvelously. In particular, Alienware AW2518H makes use of G-sync technology, which is basically from Nvidia. If you have a suitable GPU (preferable GTX 1060+), you can use it to its fullest.

Performance

From the recently published performance charts, it can be said that Alienware AW2518H is on top of the list for being an ultimatum to the gaming world. It’s a monitor that brings accessibility, easy setup recognition, and tools to acquire seamless gaming performance. Indeed, the display is not as large as it should be, but at 25 inches, it’s still outperforming many flagship models. For the image quality, it’s just out of this world. You get discrete brightness levels and dedicated preset modes for toggling multiple display options (night, blue, yellow, movie, standard). There’s a setback that needs to be addressed for candor-ship between us (reviewers) and viewers. Well, the monitor makes use of a TN panel, which is probably not the best. 

Generally, the TN panel gives you ripped-off viewing angles, which means that the display will cease to exist after a certain threshold angle. Fortunately, this is not the case with IPS panels. Well, unfortunately, you can’t have a custom panel for the Alienware AW2518H. All you have to do is live with it! Anyways, let’s not veer off completely. For the colors, you get a whole load of vibrant pixels static on the screen, ultimately forming a detailed picture-even the contrast ratio is 1000:1, which is a feat.

When we tested the display against a couple of GPU-intensive games, we came across mind-blowing findings. On PUBG, the game was essentially faster in giving reflexes and generating more FPS (because of the G-sync). Surprisingly, there was not a speck of torn pixels on the screen, all hail to the technology used in manufacturing the model. 

Especially for movies, you get to choose from a couple of dedicated presets (which is independent of generalized presets for the screen). All in all, Alienware AW2518H is a wonderful product to go for in 2022. What are you waiting for, huh?

Final Verdict

When shedding light on past anecdotes of people, it can be easily said that Alienware AW2518H is an excellent gaming monitor. You get to bask in an ergonomic build, vibrant colors, and eye-soothing display. Not to mention, the high refresh rate and low response time make the monitor competitive in terms of pitching in performance. I would say, do give it a shot. Don’t let second thoughts ruin your fixed plans. I hope the guide was on the spot and easy to understand. If you have any queries, feel free to let me know in the comments. I would be much obliged and happy to help you out.

Muhammad Bilal

Hey, I’m Muhammad Bilal. I’m a tech fanatic (also read: Gamer), who loves scrutinizing fine details. I aim to strive hard in my respective fields (as a writer and software programmer). Before pursuing my majors in a university (right now in A-levels), I want to spend time exploring and reviewing the latest technology.