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The Dell Alienware AW2523HF is still worth buying for competitive PC gaming when its price is genuinely discounted and your system can sustain roughly 300–360 fps. Its 360Hz IPS panel, low input lag, adaptive sync, ergonomic stand, and USB hub are excellent, but 1080p resolution, weak HDR, low IPS contrast, and limited console support make it a poor all-purpose monitor.
The AW2523HF is a specialist display rather than a universally good gaming monitor. It prioritizes refresh rate, motion clarity, and competitive responsiveness over sharpness, deep blacks, HDR impact, and cinematic image quality. That trade-off made more sense when 360Hz monitors were new; now that newer 360Hz, 500Hz, 1440p, and OLED displays exist, the AW2523HF needs to be bought at the right price.
Key takeaways
- The Alienware AW2523HF is a 24.5-inch 1920×1080 Fast IPS monitor with a maximum 360Hz refresh rate over DisplayPort.
- 360Hz reduces the theoretical refresh interval to approximately 2.78ms, compared with approximately 4.17ms at 240Hz, so the upgrade is real but incremental.
- Independent testing found very low input lag and consistently fast response performance, although the monitor is not literally blur-free in every transition.
- HDR10 and DisplayHDR 400 support are present, but the lack of local dimming and limited contrast make HDR a minor feature rather than a buying reason.
- The AW2523HF is best for competitive PC players who can maintain roughly 300–360 fps and prefer 24.5-inch 1080p esports gaming over 1440p image quality.
- Dell’s US page showed a $349.99 price signal but also indicated limited or unavailable status in the source crawl, so current stock and price must be checked before buying.
Dell Alienware AW2523HF specifications
The Dell Alienware AW2523HF is a flat 24.5-inch Fast IPS gaming monitor designed around competitive PC gaming. The native resolution is 1920×1080, the aspect ratio is 16:9, and the maximum refresh rate is 360Hz when the monitor is connected through DisplayPort.
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| Specification | Alienware AW2523HF | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Panel | 24.5-inch Fast IPS | Wide viewing angles and generally better color than traditional esports TN panels |
| Resolution | 1920×1080 | Good for high frame rates, but less sharp and spacious than 1440p |
| Refresh rate | 360Hz over DisplayPort | Designed for very high-frame-rate competitive gaming |
| Pixel density | Approximately 90 ppi | Acceptable at a normal desk distance, but not especially crisp for text |
| Brightness | 400 cd/m2 manufacturer rating | Usable in a bright room; not a guarantee of strong HDR highlights |
| Contrast | 1,000:1 manufacturer rating | Normal for fast IPS, but weak for dark-room viewing |
| Response rating | 1ms GtG in Extreme mode; 0.5ms minimum claim | Manufacturer figures that depend on overdrive mode and test conditions |
| VRR | VESA Adaptive-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium | Variable refresh support; Nvidia-compatible operation was also reported independently |
| HDR | HDR10 and DisplayHDR 400 | Supported technically, but limited in practical impact |
| Video inputs | 1× DisplayPort 1.4; 2× HDMI 2.0 | DisplayPort is required for the full 360Hz PC mode |
| USB | USB upstream plus four USB-A downstream ports | Useful for a mouse, keyboard, headset, or other peripherals; one port supports battery charging |
| Speakers | None | External speakers or headphones are required |
| Warranty | Three years listed for the US model | Dell lists next-business-day response, Advanced Exchange, and Premium Panel Exchange; terms vary by geography |
The official AW2523HF documentation should be used to confirm regional specifications, connection details, and current operating instructions. Dell’s regional listings differ on the maximum HDMI refresh rate: Dell Singapore lists 255Hz over HDMI, while DisplayPort is the connection associated with 360Hz.
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- QD-OLED technology enables stunningly rich color and clarity, while QHD resolution (2560x1440) provides high level of detail.
- 360Hz refresh rate translates to superb motion clarity, empowering players to see and react to in-game situations at high speed.
- 0.03 ms gray-to-gray minimum response time** virtually eliminates blurring and ghosting and keeps latency to an absolute minimum.
- Infinite contrast ratio and VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 make for deep blacks and stunning brights, all in the same scene.
- Excellent color performance with DCI-P3 99.3% color coverage and Delta E<2 accuracy for true-to-life visuals.
Is the Alienware AW2523HF still worth buying?
The Alienware AW2523HF is worth buying when competitive PC gaming is the priority, your computer can produce well above 240 fps, and the monitor is meaningfully cheaper than newer high-refresh or higher-resolution alternatives. The AW2523HF is not worth buying simply because the specification says “360Hz.”
Dell’s US product page showed a $349.99 price signal in the supplied research, but the same page also showed limited or unavailable status during the source crawl. That is not a reliable promise of an active sale price. Treat $349.99 as a reference point, verify live availability, and be more cautious if the AW2523HF is priced close to newer 1440p, OLED, or 500Hz monitors.
| Buyer situation | Recommendation | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Competitive PC player producing 300–360 fps | Buy if discounted | The 360Hz refresh rate, low latency, and fast IPS response are the monitor’s core strengths |
| PC gamer usually producing 100–180 fps | Consider 1440p or a cheaper 240Hz display | The system cannot consistently exploit the AW2523HF’s refresh headroom |
| Mixed gaming and office use | Usually choose 1440p | Higher resolution provides sharper text, more workspace, and better general-purpose image quality |
| HDR or cinematic single-player gamer | Skip | Low contrast, no local dimming, and limited HDR brightness reduce visual impact |
| PS5, Xbox Series X, or Xbox Series S buyer | Usually skip | The 1080p panel and lack of HDMI 2.1 make it a weak current-generation console choice |
How much faster is 360Hz than 240Hz?
360Hz is faster than 240Hz, but the difference between 360Hz and 240Hz is incremental rather than transformational. A 60Hz display refreshes approximately every 16.67ms, 144Hz every 6.94ms, 240Hz every 4.17ms, and 360Hz every 2.78ms.
| Refresh rate | Approximate refresh interval | Practical position |
|---|---|---|
| 60Hz | 16.67ms | Standard desktop and entry-level gaming experience |
| 144Hz | 6.94ms | Large improvement over 60Hz for general gaming |
| 240Hz | 4.17ms | Already highly responsive for competitive gaming |
| 360Hz | 2.78ms | Smallest refresh interval in this comparison; aimed at high-level esports use |
The theoretical refresh-interval difference between 240Hz and 360Hz is approximately 1.39ms. That can contribute to smoother motion and slightly lower display-side latency, but the benefit depends on frame rate, frame pacing, game engine behavior, input devices, network latency, and player skill. A 360Hz monitor does not automatically make a player better.
The AW2523HF makes the most sense for games such as Counter-Strike 2, Valorant, Overwatch 2, Rainbow Six Siege, Fortnite, Apex Legends, and similar competitive titles when the PC can sustain roughly 300–360 fps. If a system normally renders 140 fps, a 360Hz panel still works, but much of its main advantage remains unused.
How good is the AW2523HF for competitive gaming?
The AW2523HF is excellent for competitive gaming because its fast refresh rate is paired with low input lag and consistently quick pixel response. Independent testing supports the monitor’s esports positioning, although test results should not be simplified into a claim that every pixel transition is perfect.
Motion clarity and response time
Tom’s Hardware reported essentially no visible motion blur in its testing, while RTINGS found consistently fast response performance but still observed some blur with fast-moving objects. Those findings can both be true: the AW2523HF performs extremely well for a fast IPS monitor without producing perfect transitions in every scene and overdrive condition.
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Input lag
Input lag is separate from pixel response time. A 1ms response-time claim does not mean the entire chain from mouse movement to visible image takes 1ms. Tom’s Hardware reported almost no input lag, and RTINGS characterizes the AW2523HF’s input lag as low. That makes the monitor appropriate for players who prioritize immediate on-screen feedback.
Adaptive sync and VRR
The AW2523HF supports VESA Adaptive-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium. Independent testing also found that the monitor worked with Nvidia G-SYNC-compatible mode. The AW2523HF does not contain native Nvidia G-SYNC hardware, so “G-SYNC-compatible” should not be confused with a monitor that includes a dedicated G-SYNC module.
Tom’s Hardware reported successful G-SYNC testing but noted that the monitor was not on Nvidia’s official certification list at the time of that review. Driver support and certification status can change, so Nvidia owners should test the current driver behavior rather than treating third-party compatibility as identical to native G-SYNC.
What image quality does the AW2523HF deliver?
The AW2523HF delivers good, practical SDR image quality for esports, but the 1920×1080 resolution and ordinary IPS contrast limit its appeal outside competitive gaming.
Is 1080p sharp enough at 24.5 inches?
At 24.5 inches, 1920×1080 produces approximately 90 pixels per inch. Dell lists a 0.2829mm pixel pitch and approximately 90 ppi. The image is adequate at a normal desk distance and the compact screen size keeps the entire game view within a player’s central field of vision, but text, fine interface elements, and desktop content are visibly less crisp than on a similarly sized 1440p monitor.
The resolution is a deliberate esports trade-off. Lower resolution makes it easier for a gaming PC to reach very high frame rates, while the smaller 24–25-inch format is familiar to competitive players. The same design becomes a disadvantage for productivity, photo work, and detailed single-player games.
Are the colors accurate?
Color accuracy is generally good out of the box according to independent testing, but the AW2523HF is not a wide-gamut creator monitor. Tom’s Hardware measured more than 108% sRGB volume, while RTINGS found good pre-calibration accuracy but noted that the display lacks a dedicated sRGB mode and can look oversaturated in ordinary sRGB content.
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That distinction matters. Good color accuracy means colors can be close to the intended values under testing conditions; it does not mean the monitor has a professional color-managed workflow. The AW2523HF is suitable for casual editing and everyday content, but creators who need a controlled sRGB mode, wider-gamut coverage, or more reliable calibration should choose a display designed for that work.
How good are the blacks and contrast?
The AW2523HF has normal-to-decent IPS contrast rather than deep blacks. Dell rates the panel at 1,000:1, Tom’s Hardware measured close to 1,200:1 on its sample, and RTINGS describes the monitor’s native contrast as low. Measurement differences are expected across samples and test methods, but the practical conclusion is consistent: dark scenes can look gray in a dark room.
IPS glow and backlight uniformity also vary between individual units. VA and OLED monitors generally produce stronger black levels, while OLED provides the most dramatic contrast. The AW2523HF’s weaker blacks are a typical fast-IPS compromise, not necessarily a fault unique to this model.
Is HDR good on the Alienware AW2523HF?
HDR is supported, but the AW2523HF is fundamentally an SDR esports monitor with an HDR input mode, not a monitor to buy for HDR movies or visually rich HDR games.
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The monitor supports HDR10 and carries DisplayHDR 400 certification. However, it has no local dimming, limited contrast, and no meaningful wide-gamut advantage for premium HDR presentation. Tom’s Hardware criticized the lack of additional HDR contrast, and RTINGS found that HDR highlights do not pop.
DisplayHDR 400 confirms a baseline certification rather than OLED-like HDR quality. Buyers should not expect bright highlights beside genuinely black shadows, strong specular effects, or the depth provided by OLED and good full-array local-dimming displays. Many users will prefer the monitor’s more consistent SDR image and may choose not to leave Windows HDR enabled globally.
Which ports can deliver 360Hz?
DisplayPort is the connection to use for 360Hz PC operation. The AW2523HF includes one DisplayPort 1.4 input, two HDMI 2.0 inputs, a USB upstream connection, four USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 downstream ports, a headphone output, and an audio line-out.
| Connection | Quantity | Practical use |
|---|---|---|
| DisplayPort 1.4 | 1 | Use this for the monitor’s full 360Hz PC mode |
| HDMI 2.0 | 2 | Useful for secondary devices; Dell’s regional specification lists up to 255Hz over HDMI |
| USB upstream | 1 | Connects the monitor’s USB hub to the computer |
| USB-A downstream | 4 | Connects peripherals; one downstream port provides battery charging |
| Headphone output | 1 | Connects headphones or powered audio equipment |
| Audio line-out | 1 | Passes audio to compatible external equipment |
The included cable list in Tom’s Hardware’s specifications includes DisplayPort, mini-DisplayPort-to-DisplayPort, and USB cables. The monitor does not include HDMI 2.1, so it is not designed around the highest-bandwidth current-generation console features.
A laptop may not be able to drive 360Hz even when it has USB-C or Thunderbolt. The USB-C port must support DisplayPort output, the output must be connected to the discrete GPU when required by the laptop design, and the cable or adapter must support the necessary bandwidth. The graphics driver must also expose the 360Hz mode.
How do you enable 360Hz in Windows?
To enable 360Hz, connect the monitor through DisplayPort, select the AW2523HF in Windows display settings, and choose 360Hz under Advanced display. The game may also require a separate refresh-rate selection.
- Connect the graphics card directly to the AW2523HF with DisplayPort.
- Open Settings → System → Display.
- Select the AW2523HF if more than one monitor is connected.
- Open Advanced display.
- Choose 360Hz in the refresh-rate selector and confirm.
- Open the game and select 1920×1080 and 360Hz if the game provides separate display settings.
Windows labels can vary by Windows version and graphics driver. If 360Hz is missing, do not assume the monitor is defective.
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- With industry-leading 360Hz variable refresh rate and blazing-fast 0.5ms GtG (Gray to Gray) response time, you’ll experience unbelievably smooth gameplay while being able to view fast-moving graphics with incredible clarity for a quicker in-game reaction time. 0.5ms (gray-to-gray min), 1ms (gray-to-gray most observed) in Extreme mode.
- AMD FreeSync Premium Technology and VESA AdaptiveSync Display Certification let you experience stutter-free, tear-free gaming and crystal-clear graphics, even during action-packed sequences.
- With its Fast IPS panel, sRGB 99% color coverage and support for HDR content playback, you're guaranteed consistent, vivid colors across a wide viewing angle for immersive, lifelike visuals.
- Hexagonal base: The all-new base has been redesigned after listening to feedback from pro gamers. The result is our revamped Legend 2.0 design now featuring a hexagonal base for an optimized footprint and free and easy movement of the mouse and keyboard for the ideal esports set-up.
- Headset hanger: The new integrated retractable headset hanger keeps your headset off the desk and out of the way when not in use.
What should you check if 360Hz is unavailable?
- Confirm that the cable is plugged into the graphics card rather than the motherboard.
- Replace HDMI with DisplayPort.
- Update the graphics driver.
- Check that the monitor is using the correct input source.
- Temporarily disable display duplication with a lower-refresh monitor.
- Check whether a laptop’s USB-C or Thunderbolt output supports the required DisplayPort bandwidth and is connected to the appropriate GPU.
- Check the game’s own resolution and refresh-rate settings.
- Review the monitor’s on-screen display for a mode that restricts refresh rate.
- Restart the computer after changing the cable, driver, or display configuration.
How do you configure Nvidia and AMD graphics cards?
The AW2523HF works with AMD FreeSync Premium and can also operate with Nvidia’s G-SYNC-compatible mode according to independent testing, but the exact driver options depend on the graphics card, driver, connection, and current certification status.
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- Open NVIDIA Control Panel.
- Choose Change resolution.
- Select the AW2523HF under the PC resolution list, rather than an underspecified television resolution list if both appear.
- Choose 1920×1080 and 360Hz.
- Open Set up G-SYNC.
- Test G-SYNC-compatible mode if the option appears.
- Choose fullscreen or windowed/fullscreen operation according to how the games are played.
The AW2523HF is not a native hardware G-SYNC display. If the G-SYNC option does not appear or behaves inconsistently, use the current Nvidia driver documentation and test the monitor with the specific games being played.
AMD setup
- Connect the PC through DisplayPort.
- Enable 360Hz in Windows.
- Open AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition.
- Confirm that FreeSync is enabled for the AW2523HF.
- Use an in-game frame-rate cap if testing frame pacing or VRR behavior.
There is no universal frame-rate cap that is best for every game. The appropriate setting depends on the game engine, driver behavior, VRR implementation, and whether the player prioritizes minimum latency or tear-free presentation.
Is the stand and design practical?
The AW2523HF’s most useful design features are its flexible stand, relatively compact 24.5-inch format, USB hub, and headphone hook—not its Alienware styling.
Dell lists the monitor at approximately 21.9 inches wide and 9.6 inches deep with the stand, with a panel weight of approximately 7.6 pounds without the stand. Dell’s product information also lists a height-adjustable stand with an overall stand-supported height of approximately 15.4 to 19.7 inches. The stand provides height, tilt, swivel, and pivot adjustment according to the monitor documentation, and VESA mounting should be confirmed against the current regional manual before installation.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteThe redesigned base leaves more usable desk area than a bulky gaming-monitor stand, while the headphone hook and USB hub are convenient for a competitive setup. The AW2523HF has no built-in speakers, so headphones, desktop speakers, or another audio device are necessary.
Dell’s US listing describes a three-year limited warranty with next-business-day response, Advanced Exchange, and Premium Panel Exchange. Warranty coverage, exchange rules, and dead-pixel terms can vary by country, seller, and refurbished status, so buyers outside the United States should check the regional policy rather than assuming that the US terms apply.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How does the AW2523HF compare with a 240Hz monitor?
The AW2523HF is preferable to a 240Hz monitor only when the buyer can exploit the extra refresh headroom and values competitive motion performance more than the alternative monitor’s price or image quality.
| Choice | Best for | Main advantage | Main compromise |
|---|---|---|---|
| AW2523HF, 360Hz at 1080p | High-frame-rate esports players | Extra refresh headroom, low latency, fast IPS response | Lower sharpness and weaker general-purpose image quality |
| Good 240Hz 1080p monitor | Competitive players seeking value | Strong responsiveness at a potentially lower price | Less refresh headroom above 240 fps |
| 1440p 165–240Hz monitor | Mixed gaming, productivity, and modern PC games | Sharper image and more desktop workspace | Higher GPU demand and usually less emphasis on maximum esports frame rate |
A good 240Hz display may be the better purchase if the price difference is large, the PC rarely exceeds 240 fps, or the alternative offers better response tuning, contrast, resolution, or availability. The ViewSonic XG2431 is one example of a cheaper 240Hz monitor that RTINGS identifies as a strong gaming alternative, although current price and stock should be verified separately.
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The Alienware AW2524HF family provides more refresh-rate headroom than the AW2523HF, but the practical gain from 360Hz to 480Hz or 500Hz is also incremental and is relevant mainly to exceptionally high-frame-rate esports systems.
| Monitor family | Refresh information | Best fit | Buying caution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alienware AW2523HF | 360Hz over DisplayPort | Competitive PC gaming at a discounted price | Older 1080p model with limited HDR and changing availability |
| Alienware AW2524HF | 480Hz over standard DisplayPort; up to 500Hz over DisplayPort in overclocked mode; 255Hz over HDMI | Esports players who can sustain exceptionally high frame rates | Higher refresh does not improve resolution, HDR, or black levels by itself |
| AW2524H family | Newer high-refresh Alienware positioning | Buyers comparing the newer generation and its feature set | Check the exact model, refresh behavior, price, and regional availability |
Dell’s AW2524HF product information lists 480Hz over DisplayPort, up to 500Hz in an overclocked DisplayPort mode, and 255Hz over HDMI. The AW2524HF is a direct refresh-rate upgrade, but most buyers should not pay a large premium unless their games and hardware can consistently use that extra headroom.
Is the Alienware AW2523HF good for consoles?
The AW2523HF is generally a poor console monitor unless the buyer specifically wants a responsive 1080p screen and does not need HDMI 2.1 or a higher resolution. Current-generation consoles cannot exploit the monitor’s full 360Hz PC advantage.
The limitations are straightforward: the panel is 1080p, HDMI 2.1 is absent, and the monitor’s strongest feature is a refresh rate intended for high-frame-rate PC gaming. RTINGS rates the monitor poorly for console gaming because of its resolution, lack of HDMI 2.1, low contrast, and lack of local dimming.
A console-focused buyer should normally prioritize a monitor with appropriate 1440p or 4K support, compatible HDMI features, and stronger image quality. The AW2523HF only makes sense for a console setup where 1080p responsiveness matters more than resolution and HDR.
Is the AW2523HF suitable for office work and content creation?
The AW2523HF can handle office work and casual creative tasks, but its 24.5-inch 1080p workspace is limiting for multitasking, detailed editing, and long documents.
The monitor’s brightness and reflection handling can work well in a bright room, and the adjustable stand helps with positioning. However, approximately 90 ppi provides less desktop space and less crisp text than a similarly sized 1440p display. The lack of a dedicated sRGB mode can also make ordinary managed and unmanaged sRGB content look more saturated than intended.
For professional photo, video, or design work, choose a monitor with a more suitable color-management feature set, resolution, and gamut specification. The AW2523HF is a gaming monitor that can perform secondary office duties, not a creator-first display.
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What are the main weaknesses of the AW2523HF?
- 1080p resolution: The 1920×1080 image is appropriate for esports but visibly less sharp than 1440p at a similar screen size.
- Limited value of 360Hz: The monitor needs a very high and consistent frame rate to justify its main advantage over 240Hz.
- Weak HDR: DisplayHDR 400 support does not overcome the lack of local dimming and limited contrast.
- Gray-looking blacks: Fast IPS technology provides speed and viewing angles, but dark-room contrast is weak compared with VA and OLED.
- No wide-gamut advantage: The monitor is not intended for serious DCI-P3 or professional color work.
- No speakers: External audio is required.
- DisplayPort dependence: Full 360Hz operation requires DisplayPort; HDMI is not the route to maximum refresh.
- Changing availability: The Dell US listing showed a $349.99 signal alongside unavailable or limited-stock indicators in the supplied crawl.
Verdict: should you buy the Alienware AW2523HF?
Buy the Alienware AW2523HF if you are a competitive PC gamer who prefers a 24.5-inch 1080p esports format, can sustain roughly 300–360 fps, and finds the monitor at a genuinely discounted price. The AW2523HF delivers the performance that matters most in that use case: 360Hz motion, low input lag, consistently fast response, VRR support, and a strong adjustable stand.
Choose something else if you want a sharper desktop, better HDR, deeper blacks, wide-gamut color, cinematic single-player gaming, or a monitor primarily for PS5 or Xbox. A good 240Hz model may provide better value for systems below 240 fps, while a 1440p high-refresh or OLED monitor is usually the better all-purpose purchase.
The central buying decision is not “360Hz is better, therefore buy it.” The correct question is whether your games, hardware, budget, and preference for competitive motion justify giving up 1440p sharpness and stronger image quality. If the answer is yes and the current price is substantially below newer alternatives, the AW2523HF remains a capable esports monitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Alienware AW2523HF really support 360Hz?
Yes. The Alienware AW2523HF supports 360Hz through DisplayPort when the graphics card, cable, driver, and game support the mode. Dell’s regional specification lists a lower maximum refresh rate over HDMI, so DisplayPort should be used for 360Hz PC gaming.
Is the Alienware AW2523HF G-SYNC compatible?
The AW2523HF is not a native hardware G-SYNC monitor, but independent testing reported that Nvidia G-SYNC-compatible mode worked. Nvidia certification and driver behavior can change, so test the current driver and confirm that the option appears in NVIDIA Control Panel.
Is 360Hz better than 240Hz for gaming?
360Hz has a shorter theoretical refresh interval than 240Hz—approximately 2.78ms versus 4.17ms—but the difference is incremental. The AW2523HF is most worthwhile when competitive games run consistently above 240 fps and the player values small motion and latency improvements.
Can the AW2523HF be used with a PS5 or Xbox Series X|S?
Yes, the monitor can display console video, but it is generally a poor console purchase. The 1080p resolution, lack of HDMI 2.1, limited HDR, and inability of consoles to use the full 360Hz PC advantage make a suitable 1440p or 4K console monitor a better choice for most buyers.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: The Alienware AW2523HF remains a strong discounted 360Hz esports monitor, not a strong all-purpose display. Buy it for high-frame-rate competitive PC gaming; skip it for HDR, console gaming, productivity, or sharper 1440p image quality.
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