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expired Posted by Meowssi | Staff • Nov 27, 2022
expired Posted by Meowssi | Staff • Nov 27, 2022

38" Alienware AW3821DW 3840x1600 144Hz G-Sync Ultimate IPS Curved Gaming Monitor

+ Free Shipping

$900

$1,350

33% off
Dell Technologies
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Deal Details
Dell has 38" Alienware AW3821DW Curved Gaming Monitor on sale for $899.99. Shipping is free.

Note: American Express via Amex Offers is offering select American Express Cardholders: $120 Statement Credit when you spend $599 or more w/ your enrolled Amex Card and make a purchase at Dell.com. Refer to this Frontpage Deal for complete details and discussion.

Thanks to Deal Hunter Meowssi for finding this deal.

Specs:
  • Resolution: 3840x1600
  • Refresh Rate: 144Hz
  • Response Time: 4ms
  • Panel Type: IPS
  • G-Sync Ultimate
  • HDR 600 with localized dimming
  • Viewing Angle: 178 / 178
  • Inputs:
    • 1x DisplayPort 1.4
    • 2x HDMI 2.0
    • 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 upstream
    • 3x USB 3.2 Gen 1 downstream (1 w/ Battery Charging 1.2)
    • 1x Headphone Out
    • 1x Audio Line-Out

Editor's Notes

Written by Corwin | Staff
  • About this deal:
    • This 38" Alienware AW3821DW Curved Gaming Monitor is priced $450 lower (33.3% savings) than the list price.
    • Refer to the forum thread for discussion of this deal.
  • About this product:
    • Manufacturer's warranty: 3-Years Advanced Exchange Service and Premium Panel Guarantee
  • About this store:
    • Dell return policy is here.

Original Post

Written by Meowssi | Staff
Community Notes
About the Poster
Deal Details
Community Notes
About the Poster
Dell has 38" Alienware AW3821DW Curved Gaming Monitor on sale for $899.99. Shipping is free.

Note: American Express via Amex Offers is offering select American Express Cardholders: $120 Statement Credit when you spend $599 or more w/ your enrolled Amex Card and make a purchase at Dell.com. Refer to this Frontpage Deal for complete details and discussion.

Thanks to Deal Hunter Meowssi for finding this deal.

Specs:
  • Resolution: 3840x1600
  • Refresh Rate: 144Hz
  • Response Time: 4ms
  • Panel Type: IPS
  • G-Sync Ultimate
  • HDR 600 with localized dimming
  • Viewing Angle: 178 / 178
  • Inputs:
    • 1x DisplayPort 1.4
    • 2x HDMI 2.0
    • 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 upstream
    • 3x USB 3.2 Gen 1 downstream (1 w/ Battery Charging 1.2)
    • 1x Headphone Out
    • 1x Audio Line-Out

Editor's Notes

Written by Corwin | Staff
  • About this deal:
    • This 38" Alienware AW3821DW Curved Gaming Monitor is priced $450 lower (33.3% savings) than the list price.
    • Refer to the forum thread for discussion of this deal.
  • About this product:
    • Manufacturer's warranty: 3-Years Advanced Exchange Service and Premium Panel Guarantee
  • About this store:
    • Dell return policy is here.

Original Post

Written by Meowssi | Staff

Community Voting

Deal Score
+45
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Top Comments

Did extensive research comparing this AW3821DW to the LG 38GN950 and 38GL950G. I personally think the LG variants are better, but whether they are worth $200-350 more will depend how applicable these pitfalls are to you. Hope some find this helpful.

Some pitfalls to be aware of:

- Response times are not as fast nor accurate as the LG models (per rtings). LG GL model for instance does 8.5ms response with zero overshoot. AW is not only slower at 10.2ms, but it has average overshoot error of 12.4%. Not sure how this is even possible since Dell is using LG's panel and the latest and greatest G-Sync module. However, tftcentral seems to have better results. Perhaps rtings had defective panel. All other professional reviews also say overshoot is not an issue if you keep it on default 'Fast'
https://i.rtings.com/assets/pages...-large.jpg
https://i.rtings.com/assets/pages...-large.jpg
- No sRGB emulation! The LG panels offer sRGB emulation whereas AW does not. God knows why the AW excluded this, but if you prefer a more natural look without oversaturated colors this might be annoying. It would almost seem a weakness of the AW is it's less well rounded for WFH and more heavily geared towards gaming for this reason. (with that said, all monitors are probably still going to be great)
- Color accuracy is not as good as the LG models, but probably good enough for most.
- Colors do not come factory calibrated out of the box like the LG models. Seems if you go the AW route, you will want one of those color calibration devices.
- The LED ring (Sphere Lighting 2.0) on the back of the LG models is better designed and brighter.
- Unlike the LG models where LED ring is built to the back of the panel, the AW LEDs are part of the stand itself. Therefore, if you ever decide to mount the AW to a 3rd party arm, goodbye LEDs.
- LG makes the panels for all these models including the AW. Therefore assume the panels are as likely subject to similar issues; while probably rare, there are reports out there where vertical line artifacts will randomly corrupt your display requiring RMA.
- No local exchange like you would find the LGs at Costco, Best Buy, etc. You must ship the panel back to Dell if you need to.
- Viewing angles are not AS good as the LG models.
- Reflection handling is not AS good as the LG models.
- The stand is larger on the AW which will put the display closer to your face. You will probably want a desk depth beyond 24" for this.

However with those pitfalls, the AW does have these advantages:

- Appears it might use a newer G-Sync (v2.2) model. Perhaps reduces risk of fan noise? Comes with extra HDMI that wasn't possible on the LG which is further evidence the G-Sync module is newer than the LG.
- AW uses a newer panel which could offer longer longevity than the LG versions.
- This deal beats all historical LG model pricing; even more-so if you stack the 120 off with amex.
- Higher quality stand, at the cost of being larger than the LG.
- Overall build quality is higher, but I don't know if that necessarily equates to lower failure as they all use LG panels.
- 3 year warranty off the bat versus 1 year on LGs. (I think Costco is the only place you can get 3 years on the LG)
- This is the only 38" display that has both HDR600 AND the G-Sync module. However the 38GN model does have G-Sync compatibility which everyone seems to think is just as good.

Some other differences that may be pluses or minuses depending on you:

- The AW's power brick is integrated into the panel itself unlike the LG's.
- I think the AW design is a little too gamery where the LGs are a bit more toned down. Though from the front they're about the same.
I got excited when I saw the "Alienware" and thought mistakenly thought "OLED." It's a very nice 38" IPS ultrawide at 3840x1600.

"The Dell Alienware AW3821DW is a good overall monitor. It's Dell's only 38 inch option in their Alienware lineup, and it has a high 3840x1600 resolution to deliver an immersive gaming experience. It has native G-SYNC support and a 144Hz refresh rate. Despite the lack of a Black Frame Insertion feature, motion looks smooth thanks to its quick response time, and input lag is incredibly low. Sadly, it has an IPS panel with a low contrast ratio that makes blacks look gray. It has an edge-lit local dimming feature, but it performs terribly as it fails to improve the contrast, and can't be disabled when viewing HDR content. It's also limited to a 120Hz refresh rate with a 10-bit signal over a DisplayPort connection. On the plus side, it's very well-built, but its ergonomics are mediocre, which is a bit expected for such a large screen."

8.0 overall and 8.2 on gaming from RTINGS: https://www.rtings.com/monitor/re...e-aw3821dw
But honestly, I would just save yourself $520 and buy the Dell S3422DWG for $380. They are pretty close in most respects other than price.

https://www.rtings.com/monitor/to...shold=0.10

166 Comments

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Original Poster
Pro
Deal Hunter
Nov 27, 2022
5,794 Posts
Joined May 2021
Nov 27, 2022
Meowssi
Nov 27, 2022
Original Poster
Pro
Deal Hunter
5,794 Posts
Amex Card holders, check your app/website for this offer:
Get a one-time $120 statement credit by using your enrolled eligible Card to spend a minimum of $599 in one or more purchases online at Dell.com.
Nov 27, 2022
46 Posts
Joined Jun 2019
Nov 27, 2022
Casey1947
Nov 27, 2022
46 Posts
add the $120 off $599 from American Express.

awesome deal for the best 21:9 monitor larger than 34in.

https://deals.dell.com/en-us/productdetail/fppu
Last edited by missiethegal November 27, 2022 at 01:11 PM.
Nov 27, 2022
93 Posts
Joined Mar 2015
Nov 27, 2022
host_unreachable
Nov 27, 2022
93 Posts
I got excited when I saw the "Alienware" and thought mistakenly thought "OLED." It's a very nice 38" IPS ultrawide at 3840x1600.

"The Dell Alienware AW3821DW is a good overall monitor. It's Dell's only 38 inch option in their Alienware lineup, and it has a high 3840x1600 resolution to deliver an immersive gaming experience. It has native G-SYNC support and a 144Hz refresh rate. Despite the lack of a Black Frame Insertion feature, motion looks smooth thanks to its quick response time, and input lag is incredibly low. Sadly, it has an IPS panel with a low contrast ratio that makes blacks look gray. It has an edge-lit local dimming feature, but it performs terribly as it fails to improve the contrast, and can't be disabled when viewing HDR content. It's also limited to a 120Hz refresh rate with a 10-bit signal over a DisplayPort connection. On the plus side, it's very well-built, but its ergonomics are mediocre, which is a bit expected for such a large screen."

8.0 overall and 8.2 on gaming from RTINGS: https://www.rtings.com/monitor/re...e-aw3821dw
But honestly, I would just save yourself $520 and buy the Dell S3422DWG for $380. They are pretty close in most respects other than price.

https://www.rtings.com/monitor/to...shold=0.10
Nov 27, 2022
1,298 Posts
Joined Oct 2008
Nov 27, 2022
kablam0r
Nov 27, 2022
1,298 Posts
Coupon doesn't work for me
Nov 27, 2022
580 Posts
Joined Jun 2014
Nov 27, 2022
cruiserusa
Nov 27, 2022
580 Posts
Waiting for the 175 Hz model.
2
Nov 28, 2022
271 Posts
Joined Nov 2020
Nov 28, 2022
HonestSeed1382
Nov 28, 2022
271 Posts
I have been using this for 2 years and love it. if you do not need hdmi 2.1 or USB-C port go for it.
Nov 28, 2022
48 Posts
Joined Aug 2017
Nov 28, 2022
dadavildy
Nov 28, 2022
48 Posts

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Original Poster
Pro
Deal Hunter
Nov 28, 2022
5,794 Posts
Joined May 2021
Nov 28, 2022
Meowssi
Nov 28, 2022
Original Poster
Pro
Deal Hunter
5,794 Posts
Quote from dadavildy :
This is the right link

https://deals.dell.com/en-us/productdetail/fpre
Thank you for finding that!
Nov 28, 2022
1,492 Posts
Joined Oct 2009
Nov 28, 2022
SlickAnon
Nov 28, 2022
1,492 Posts

Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank SlickAnon

Did extensive research comparing this AW3821DW to the LG 38GN950 and 38GL950G. I personally think the LG variants are better, but whether they are worth $200-350 more will depend how applicable these pitfalls are to you. Hope some find this helpful.

Some pitfalls to be aware of:

- Response times are not as fast nor accurate as the LG models (per rtings). LG GL model for instance does 8.5ms response with zero overshoot. AW is not only slower at 10.2ms, but it has average overshoot error of 12.4%. Not sure how this is even possible since Dell is using LG's panel and the latest and greatest G-Sync module. However, tftcentral seems to have better results. Perhaps rtings had defective panel. All other professional reviews also say overshoot is not an issue if you keep it on default 'Fast'
https://i.rtings.com/assets/pages...-large.jpg
https://i.rtings.com/assets/pages...-large.jpg
- No sRGB emulation! The LG panels offer sRGB emulation whereas AW does not. God knows why the AW excluded this, but if you prefer a more natural look without oversaturated colors this might be annoying. It would almost seem a weakness of the AW is it's less well rounded for WFH and more heavily geared towards gaming for this reason. (with that said, all monitors are probably still going to be great)
- Color accuracy is not as good as the LG models, but probably good enough for most.
- Colors do not come factory calibrated out of the box like the LG models. Seems if you go the AW route, you will want one of those color calibration devices.
- The LED ring (Sphere Lighting 2.0) on the back of the LG models is better designed and brighter.
- Unlike the LG models where LED ring is built to the back of the panel, the AW LEDs are part of the stand itself. Therefore, if you ever decide to mount the AW to a 3rd party arm, goodbye LEDs.
- LG makes the panels for all these models including the AW. Therefore assume the panels are as likely subject to similar issues; while probably rare, there are reports out there where vertical line artifacts will randomly corrupt your display requiring RMA.
- No local exchange like you would find the LGs at Costco, Best Buy, etc. You must ship the panel back to Dell if you need to.
- Viewing angles are not AS good as the LG models.
- Reflection handling is not AS good as the LG models.
- The stand is larger on the AW which will put the display closer to your face. You will probably want a desk depth beyond 24" for this.

However with those pitfalls, the AW does have these advantages:

- Appears it might use a newer G-Sync (v2.2) model. Perhaps reduces risk of fan noise? Comes with extra HDMI that wasn't possible on the LG which is further evidence the G-Sync module is newer than the LG.
- AW uses a newer panel which could offer longer longevity than the LG versions.
- This deal beats all historical LG model pricing; even more-so if you stack the 120 off with amex.
- Higher quality stand, at the cost of being larger than the LG.
- Overall build quality is higher, but I don't know if that necessarily equates to lower failure as they all use LG panels.
- 3 year warranty off the bat versus 1 year on LGs. (I think Costco is the only place you can get 3 years on the LG)
- This is the only 38" display that has both HDR600 AND the G-Sync module. However the 38GN model does have G-Sync compatibility which everyone seems to think is just as good.

Some other differences that may be pluses or minuses depending on you:

- The AW's power brick is integrated into the panel itself unlike the LG's.
- I think the AW design is a little too gamery where the LGs are a bit more toned down. Though from the front they're about the same.
Last edited by SlickAnon November 28, 2022 at 03:43 PM.
12
Nov 28, 2022
118 Posts
Joined Sep 2006
Nov 28, 2022
Jamister989
Nov 28, 2022
118 Posts
Ordered one! Been eyeing this monitor for 2 years finally under $900. FYI I got this for $953 with Tax -%15 C B from a certain provider, and $120 from Amex offer making this monitor ~$660.. Or about the price of a quality gaming 34" monitor.

Personally I'd prefer LG's 38WN95C-W as it has USB-C built in for my work laptop, if my primary use was gaming I'd buy the Dell OLED but I WFH 3/5 days a week and this is good enough for both! Plus I get a free USB-C dock from my employer so USB-C built in is just a convenience and not necessary.
Nov 28, 2022
26 Posts
Joined Jul 2020
Nov 28, 2022
SlickCorn4385
Nov 28, 2022
26 Posts
I have owned this monitor for about 5 months. I paid nearly 1400. For 899 I would sell my kidneys if I could. This is a fantastic monitor. The 600 brightness is glorious and the size is perfect. 10/10 for me.
1
Nov 28, 2022
671 Posts
Joined Feb 2019
Nov 28, 2022
MellowRain3662
Nov 28, 2022
671 Posts
Quote from HonestSeed1382 :
I have been using this for 2 years and love it. if you do not need hdmi 2.1 or USB-C port go for it.
Whats the fuss about not having HDMI 2.1? Is it because of consoles?
Nov 28, 2022
671 Posts
Joined Feb 2019
Nov 28, 2022
MellowRain3662
Nov 28, 2022
671 Posts
Quote from SlickAnon :
Did extensive research comparing this AW3821DW to the LG 38GN950 and 38GL950G. I personally think the LG variants are better, but whether they are worth $100-200+ more will depend how applicable these pitfalls are to you. Hope some find this helpful.

Some pitfalls to be aware of:

- Response times are not as good as the LG models, but should still be adequate.
- Color accuracy is not as good as the LG models, but probably good enough for most.
- Colors do not come factory calibrated out of the box like the LG models.
- The LED ring (Sphere Lighting 2.0) on the back of the LG models is better designed and brighter.
- Unlike the LG models where LED ring is built to the back of the panel, the AW LEDs are part of the stand itself. Therefore, if you ever decide to mount the AW to a 3rd party arm, goodbye LEDs.
- LG makes the panels for all these models including the AW. Therefore assume the panels are as likely subject to similar issues; while probably rare, there are reports out there where vertical line artifacts will randomly corrupt your display requiring RMA.
- The LG panels offer sRGB emulation whereas AW does not. God knows why the AW excluded this, but if you prefer a more natural look without oversaturated colors this might be annoying. It would almost seem a weakness of the AW is it's less well rounded for WFH and more heavily geared towards gaming. (with that said I would suspect they are all great.)
- No local exchange like you would find the LGs at Costco, Best Buy, etc. You must ship the panel back to Dell if you need to.
- Subjective, but I think the AW design is a little too gamery where the LGs are a lot more toned down.

However with those pitfalls, the AW does have these advantages:

- This deal beats all historical LG model pricing; even more-so if you stack the 120 off with amex.
- Overall build quality is higher, but I don't know if that necessarily equates to lower failure as they all use LG panels.
- 3 year warranty off the bat versus 1 year on LGs. (I think Costco is the only place you can get 3 years on the LG)
- This is the only 38" display that has both HDR600 AND the G-Sync module. However the 38GN model does have G-Sync compatibility which everyone seems to think is just as good.
The placement of the inputs (you have to plug them in perpendicular to the monitor) on the LG is garbage, especially if you want to mount the mon to some of the monitor stands out there.
QD-OLED is better than IPS.
LG warranty is one year (but good that you can return to Costco/BB)
Nov 28, 2022
671 Posts
Joined Feb 2019
Nov 28, 2022
MellowRain3662
Nov 28, 2022
671 Posts
Quote from SlickCorn4385 :
I have owned this monitor for about 5 months. I paid nearly 1400. For 899 I would sell my kidneys if I could. This is a fantastic monitor. The 600 brightness is glorious and the size is perfect. 10/10 for me.
Is it worthwhile to get a 38 if I have a 34? Wanted to get another UW for my simrig. I am using a 34 with the simrig now but would like a large mon. The 49 neo g9 is tempting but 1) have to wait for the deal again, 2) worry about quality...
Last edited by MellowRain3662 November 27, 2022 at 08:21 PM.

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Nov 28, 2022
1,492 Posts
Joined Oct 2009
Nov 28, 2022
SlickAnon
Nov 28, 2022
1,492 Posts
Quote from MellowRain3662 :
QD-OLED is better than IPS.
LG warranty is one year (but good that you can return to Costco/BB)
You confused this with the 34" QD-OLED. You are looking at the 38" IPS.

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