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ex-alienfan

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ex-alienfan

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April 3rd, 2020 18:00

AW3420DW, why HDMI 1.4?

Why build a 1440p 120hz monitor in 2019-2020 with HDMI 1.4? It doesn't make sense. Feels like if your latest brand new 2020 BMW purchase had no Bluetooth connectivity.

Also Command Centre doesn't detect the monitor. Yes USB upstream IS connected, still not working.

The price almost doubled in AU/NZ in COVID-19 comparing to US which stays the same. Taking advantage of the situation and people in times like this is not nice at all. I lost my years of loyalty to these brands, a huge disappointment.

 

  • DELL-Chris M

    Community Manager

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    Posted April 3rd, 2020 19:00

    We in Technical Support cannot speak to pricing.

     

    Did you install the following Windows drivers in this order?

    Alienware AW3420DW Gaming Monitor Driver


    Alienware Gaming Monitor Control Center Driver
    1. Download the package and run the exe file
    2. Follow the installer wizard to complete the installation process
    3. After installation completed, go to the Microsoft Store, search for Alienware Command Center and Get the application
    4. Open Alienware Command Center, go to FX menu to configure FX lights of the monitor

     

    Are you saying that prior to purchase, you did not first look at the AW3420DW Monitor User’s Guide specifications on page 13? Or read through any of the reviews?

     

    Image

    Image


    DELL-Chris M (old account)

    #IWork4Dell

  • Tesla1856

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    Posted April 4th, 2020 11:00

    I can't answer why HDMI-v1.4.

    However, HDMI is really targeted toward Home Theater, and really only provided on computer equipment for increased connectivity options. 

    I suggest you work toward a more optimal connectivity solution that uses Display-Port (all native DP and cables).

    Dell Rockstar

    Microsoft Windows and Apple iOS Developer (Retired)
    - Like many of you, I can appreciate a good game-engine.
    - I answer questions here, but I'm not a Dell employee.
    - Consider giving posts you like a "thumbs-up"
    - Posting models-numbers and software versions speeds trouble-shooting.
    - Click "Mark as Accepted Answer" on any post that answers your question best.

  • ex-alienfan

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    Posted April 5th, 2020 23:00

    @Tesla1856 

    I have an alienware laptop which only has HDMI and USB-C ports so your point on usage of HDMI is not quite accurate. The laptop has G-Sync support and does support over 50hz that I'm currently getting from this monitor. And bare in mind that HDMI 2.1 is faster than DP. So it would be futuristic to embed HDMI 2.1 into this monitor and not just make the design cool, if they care about the user experience. So far from here and tech support, customer care, etc sounds like it's my fault!!!

    I agree it was my fault to chose an alienware monitor and laptop.

  • ex-alienfan

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    Posted April 5th, 2020 23:00

    (I added this to my above reply so please ignore/delete this) By the way Microsoft Store can't find Alienware Command Center

    MS store CC.jpg

     

  • ex-alienfan

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    Posted April 5th, 2020 23:00

    Why would I look at "User guide" when I'm not a user yet? I look at 'product specifications' in product catalogue which is targeted towards purchasers, when I'm looking at purchasing.

    The only reason it does NOT specify HDMI 1.4 in product specs would be because it is an apparent weakness of the product. A purchaser shouldn't need to go to the "user manual" to get the specs, it should be available in the "specifications" section of the catalogue.

    Now! thanks to my numerous feedback on the website and speaking to more than 10 people and the pain of going through the whole purchase process, getting disappointed and talking to so many people denying the flaws and blaming me for the misleading website, the website is partially updated.

    • Another question for you, what is the MPRT response rate of this monitor please?

     

    Yes I did install the driver, but ''Alienware Command Center is not coming up on Microsoft Store:

    Something must be wrong with the customer again I suppose?

    Capture.JPG

  • r72019

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    Posted April 6th, 2020 04:00

    1.  This is a g-sync monitor, which requires use of displayport cable to function with g-sync.  A large portion of the cost was the gsync module.  Therefore, most people buying this monitor are using displayport because g-sync will not work over hdmi with this monitor.  Note that having a laptop with a gysnc display is not the same as the laptop supporting gsync over an external monitor.  Gsync can be enabled irrespective of whether the laptop screen is gsync, but the Nvidia requirements must still be met; including for example use of a displayport or minidp cable, and routing the monitor directly to a discrete nvidia gpu - that means not using igpu or Nvidia optimus.  Are you sure you do not have a miniDP connection?  Newer laptops like the 51m and 17R5 have miniDP to connect an external gsync monitor.

    2. This last gen cable support issue is a Nvidia limitation, not a Dell shortcoming.  Nvidia g-sync v2 modules can only support up to hdmi 1.4 and displayport 1.2.  So it would be misleading for dell to put higher hdmi 2.1 or 2.0/ dp1.4 connections on a monitor which cannot support that speed with gsync enabled.

    3.   If you want the latest hdmi/ dp connectivity you'd have to pay a large premium for a gsync ultimate module (also called gsync hdr because it supports hdr)

    https://www.nvidia.com/en-in/geforce/products/g-sync-monitors/g-sync-hdr-requirements/

  • ex-alienfan

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    Posted April 7th, 2020 04:00

    @r72019 

    This monitor has up to 120hz output regardless of G-Sync capability, is that right?:

    • If above is not correct, it MUST specify that 120hz is only via G-Sync, and it is Dell's massive failure.
    • If above is correct, having HDMI 2.0 or 2.1 would enable 100hz or 120hz without G-Sync if the customer chooses to have for instance, one connection for gaming (G-Sync enabled) via DP and one for work via HDMI which doesn't require G-Sync but would not kill the customers' eyes running on 50hz!! Otherwise what's the point of having an HDMI port in the first place??!! Dell's shortcoming again.
    • I mentioned my alienware laptop with a GPU that supports G-Sync, not a laptop with a G-Sync monitor. And no, it doesn't have mini DP. Like I said, it comes with only HDMI and USB-C thunderbolt. I have ordered a USB-C to DP adapter after talking to numerous Dell tech support people spending half an hour on average with each and them having no clue whatsowever. The last agent understood what the issue was, and suggested the USB-C to DP adapter without knowing whether it works or not.
  • ex-alienfan

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    Posted April 7th, 2020 07:00

    @r72019that link seems to be for keyboard and mouse from the title of the page?

  • Tesla1856

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    Posted April 7th, 2020 13:00


    @ex-alienfan wrote:

    @Tesla1856 

    I have an alienware laptop which only has HDMI and USB-C ports so your point on usage of HDMI is not quite accurate.


    Laptops are portable ... so they often have HDMI ports in case you want to connect to a conference-room projector or maybe the HDTV in your hotel room.

    But it's really to just get an acceptable picture to display. It's not about high-performance.

    Dell Rockstar

    Microsoft Windows and Apple iOS Developer (Retired)
    - Like many of you, I can appreciate a good game-engine.
    - I answer questions here, but I'm not a Dell employee.
    - Consider giving posts you like a "thumbs-up"
    - Posting models-numbers and software versions speeds trouble-shooting.
    - Click "Mark as Accepted Answer" on any post that answers your question best.