34" Dell S3422DWG 3440x1440 144Hz VA Curved FreeSync Gaming Monitor Expired

So here's some tips for getting the most out of this monitor, particularly for HDR. Its accuracy out of the box isn't great. Standard is the least weird looking Preset Mode. If you're using Windows you really want to make sure the Dell HDR10_v4 profile is set in Color Management. If it's not there for some reason then install the monitor driver from dell's website. It also comes with a couple sRGB modes you can try if you never use HDR. You probably want to restart your PC any time you change CM profiles. For other devices you just have to settle for stock colors, or take your chances with the rtings values entered into one of the game/custom Preset Modes.

https://www.rtings.com/monitor/re...#test_1468

For HDR you want brightness at 100, contrast 75. For everything else brightness is negotiable and you can bump contrast up to 80 if you're a fan of really boosted saturation. For the Smart HDR setting "Desktop" is a safe bet that leans more towards reliable full colors. "DisplayHDR 400" lets you try pushing the monitor's limits. Comes down to preference and content.

The best response time is usually "Super Fast". If you're using it on something that only sends a 60 hz feed like an older console you might get less input lag with "Fast", but you may find this introduces a distracting amount of white ghosting.

I've only really used Nvidia GPUs with this monitor. Make sure you've actually set the refresh rate to 144 in the GPU control panel. Usually go with RGB 10-bpc Full, or you can leave it on default color settings if you like the way that looks. Some games render better in YCbCr444, so you can try that if you're not having much luck. For a real hail mary you can go to 3D settings and disable AA Gamma correction and see if that gives you a more natural look. I've noticed sometimes after Windows wakes from sleep the HDR can be a bit washed out, and a full restart fixes it. Don't know if it's a common problem but it's something to keep in mind if you A/B test a lot of combos.

Also for games don't go stretching their bright/dark HDR sliders to extremes. Less is often more. You also don't want to leave HDR on when you're viewing regular content, especially in Windows. It makes most things look significantly worse on basically any monitor. Win+Alt+B flips HDR on and off via the game bar.

Windows 11 comes with a couple extra little perks. There's an AutoHDR feature that does a surprisingly good job up-converting most Directx games. Not quite as good but generally pretty nice. There's also an HDR calibration app in the store, but it doesn't let you correct the color balance aside from bumping saturation, so I found it too off to be worth it with this monitor. If you do use it make sure you drag the black level to 0, otherwise it sets the brightness midpoint too high.

I looked through a lot of options before settling on this model and overall I'm pretty happy with what it can do. The HDR obviously isn't on the same level as my high end tv with local dimming, but it's surprisingly good for a cheaper screen. Definitely wouldn't want to go back to gaming without it. Only thing I really miss from samsung monitors is the quantum dot color, but I'm not putting up with their horrible quality control or CS again.

VA panel, for those wondering.

It has been the same price on Dell store since the last 10 days if not more. When you buy at Dell, you get Dell rewards and 10% CB + possibly PayPal or Amex benefits. I don't see the benefit of buying this on Amazon instead.