AW3821dw vs LG 38WN95C-W vs Gigabyte M34WQ?

[varrys]

I am in the market for an ultrawide, and because it's going to be more for work than straight gaming, I've started by focusing on the 3840x1600 resolution. I realize that the LG line and the Alienware are very similar panels, but I've read that LG has a shorter warranty (1 year) and is worse at customer service. I normally don't consider buying extended warranties, but depending on the setup my job gives me with a new computer/laptop, I may strongly benefit from the Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C. Not positive about that just yet.

 

Right now LG's site has their monitor at a much higher price than on Amazon. If I was considering buying the LG, does anyone think buying extra protection would be a good idea? If so, would it be best bought straight from LG's site rather than a third party (so wait for a direct-from-LG sale)? Or because their warranty service allegedly sucks anyway, would it be a bit of a waste? Is Dell simply the better, much safer option even if I have to forego the USB-C and Thunderbolt?

 

UPDATE: I decided to take a look at the 3440x1440 options and noticed that the Gigabyte M34WQ has a built-in KVM switch. I'm on a standard 1440p right now, so though the extra vertical room was appealing, the extra width is the most important. The KVM may come in handy for managing my gaming rig plus the work rig. Being immensely cheaper so I can easily afford a monitor mount at same time is nice. Rtings likes it, so I wonder if anyone here has experience with it?

 

 

[jaslion]

so basically a monitor is one of those things that either works or is broken on arrival.

 

The one thing warranty doesnt cover is small amount of dead pixels. So make sure wherever you get it from its  an easy send back money back guarantee if it has them as warranty wont apply

[varrys]

23 minutes ago, jaslion said:

so basically a monitor is one of those things that either works or is broken on arrival.

 

The one thing warranty doesnt cover is small amount of dead pixels. So make sure wherever you get it from its  an easy send back money back guarantee if it has them as warranty wont apply

Fair point. I will have to look into LG's policy more, but it seems they are worse about things like that than Dell. So unless the office features become essential, I'm likely going Dell.

[GoodBytes]

13 hours ago, varrys said:

Fair point. I will have to look into LG's policy more, but it seems they are worse about things like that than Dell. So unless the office features become essential, I'm likely going Dell.

Dell has the best consumer monitor warranty of all manufacturers for their UltraSharp series and select Alienware monitors. Their monitors is a bit more overpriced compared to the competition, but you do get that warranty.

 

The only downside from Dell, is that their QC on letting display out with dead pixels, isn't as good as LG or other brands (personal experience). Sure you can return and reorder (to reset the 30 day return period) but still an annoying. 

 

For high pixel density screens, I would definitely get a magnifying glass, and carefully scan through the whole screen. I had a Dell 4K 27inch which look problem free, until I got one and check the panel... lots of dead pixel or dead sub pixels. I ignored at first, as I wanted to see if I would be happy with the screen if I were to return it and reorder it, and then the situation got worse. So I just returned it, also, I wasn't happy. Didn't fit my needs.But otherwise, good monitor.

 

My biggest complain with Dell is they don't offer firmware upgrades. You need to ship them the monitor, to get a refurbished one with a newer (possibly not latest) firmware.

 

But, LG has terrible DDC/CI protocol support, and they use a dumb switch for its inputs selection, even on their most expensive monitors. So if you switch inputs, your source thinks you wanked out the video cable. A complete disconnect. While Dell uses a proper chip solution to keep the connection active, and hence they also can do PiP and PBP (2 source same screen, split in some fashion)

 

[Andrewtst]

If you want best support and extra warranty, better stand - Dell AW3821DW

 

If you want better HDR performance, respond times & better out of the box color accuracy - LG 38WN95C-W

 

Comparison 

Dell Alienware AW3821DW vs LG 38WN95C-W Side-by-Side Monitor Comparison - RTINGS.com

[varrys]

7 hours ago, Andrewtst said:

If you want best support and extra warranty, better stand - Dell AW3821DW

 

If you want better HDR performance, respond times & better out of the box color accuracy - LG 38WN95C-W

 

Comparison 

Dell Alienware AW3821DW vs LG 38WN95C-W Side-by-Side Monitor Comparison - RTINGS.com

Thanks. I do look at Rtings. Sadly the new job pays better so I can afford the monitor upgrade, but less time to play games because of it. LG seems to be the winner only if I will benefit from the office features of the monitor.

[varrys]

8 hours ago, GoodBytes said:

Dell has the best consumer monitor warranty of all manufacturers for their UltraSharp series and select Alienware monitors. Their monitors is a bit more overpriced compared to the competition, but you do get that warranty.

 

The only downside from Dell, is that their QC on letting display out with dead pixels, isn't as good as LG or other brands (personal experience). Sure you can return and reorder (to reset the 30 day return period) but still an annoying. 

 

For high pixel density screens, I would definitely get a magnifying glass, and carefully scan through the whole screen. I had a Dell 4K 27inch which look problem free, until I got one and check the panel... lots of dead pixel or dead sub pixels. I ignored at first, as I wanted to see if I would be happy with the screen if I were to return it and reorder it, and then the situation got worse. So I just returned it, also, I wasn't happy. Didn't fit my needs.But otherwise, good monitor.

 

My biggest complain with Dell is they don't offer firmware upgrades. You need to ship them the monitor, to get a refurbished one with a newer (possibly not latest) firmware.

 

But, LG has terrible DDC/CI protocol support, and they use a dumb switch for its inputs selection, even on their most expensive monitors. So if you switch inputs, your source thinks you wanked out the video cable. A complete disconnect. While Dell uses a proper chip solution to keep the connection active, and hence they also can do PiP and PBP (2 source same screen, split in some fashion)

 

Interesting info, thanks. So one more likely to send a lemon but happy to fix issue, and the other better chance of fine monitor but less help if problem. Six of one, half a dozen of the other!

[martward]

@varrys What monitor did you end up getting? Contemplating buying the M34WQ so I was wondering whether you bought it and if you enjoy it.

[varrys]

2 hours ago, martward said:

@varrys What monitor did you end up getting? Contemplating buying the M34WQ so I was wondering whether you bought it and if you enjoy it.

I keep hesitating, changing up what I think is best. I worry my work laptop may not be able to do ultrawide resolution, so now I'm leaning toward 4K and the Tempest GP27U. But, I do think the M34WQ is a good deal if you can handle the flat screen.