AW3225QF, always boots with 120Hz active

It should be at the refresh rate you set it at under Windows. Set Windows 11 monitor refresh rate

Be aware you need to install the monitor driver in order to get the proper selection menu.

Hi Vanadiel:

I have installed the latest drivers for the monitor.  When I load into Windows 11, under the monitor refresh rate (Display -> Advance Display -> Chose a refresh rate -> Windows only lists 120 hz as an option.  In Nvidia's Control Panel (NVIDIA Control Panel -> Display -> Change resolution -> Refresh rate -> it also only lists 120 Hz as the displays refresh rate.

It is a perplexing issue and the only way to force the monitor to 240 hz is as follows:

• Windows System Settings -> Display -> Use HDR -> Off
• Dell Monitor OCD ->Display -> Smart HDR -> Off -> then -> Smart HDR -> On (I use HDR Peak 1000)

And DSC is enabled?

Hi Vanadiel:

I am assuming you mean Display Screen Compression?  If so, I couldn't find a way to enable or disable it online.  I am using an NVIDIA 4090 GPU with a AMD Ryzen 9 7950x3D.  If you can point me to the right software to enable DSC, I'll give it a try.  I have the Alienware AW3225QF connected to my 4090 via a Display Port cable.  Thanks for the idea.

@MynusTen​ Some monitors support turning DSC on/off from within the monitor OSD. However, I am not sure about this monitor as the manual shows nothing regarding being able to turn DSC on/off.

The fact you disable Windows HDR to enable 240 Hz points to an issue with bandwidth in my opinion.

Could also be the monitor file has a bug in it, but I doubt it. You are using 8 or 10 bit display signal?

Maybe this can shed some light on it also: DP 1.4

"DSC is a fantastic way to get more for your cabling and with DisplayPort 1.4 and DSC, you can support 4K at up to 120Hz with 30-bit/px color and HDR-enabled"

I would try the HDMI 2.1 port, as that one according to the manual also supports HDR 240 Hz.

Hi Vanadiel:

Changing the cable to HDMI 2.1 solved the problem.  Now, when booting into my PC with the HDMI cable connecting my AW3225QF to my Nvidia 4090, the monitor is always set to 240 Hz.  I did have to recalibrate everything, but very easy to do with Window's HDR calibration software.

Thanks for the idea and I guess this is partially resolved.  I'll keep an eye out for firmware updates.

@MynusTen​ It is interesting. I have an AMD card so I have DP 2.1. Nvidia is lagging behind a bit in that area, as they use DP 1.4. 

I am thinking it should be enough for 240 Hz as the monitor has DP 1.4 so hooking it up to a DP 2.1 would make it link at DP 1.4 regardless.

Interesting, because the manual for the monitor states the DP connection supports 240 Hz, but I am not so sure it does in HDR mode.

Maybe I can get someone in the Alienware lab to test it out in more detail.

@Vanadiel agree; I read the samething in the AW3225QF manual that DP 1.4 supports 4K @ 240 Hz.  My bet is its a firmware thing and it will be fixed with updates.  If Alienware can replicate, hopefully, it can find a solution.

All must start a case with Dell Support. They need to first verify the warranty and ownership status. Click the "Get Help Now" icon on the right to start a live chat session. Provide to them the private AW3225QF Service Tag.

Using the provided 1.8m/5.9ft DP 1.4 cable, DP 1.4 should support 3840x2160 240Hz, DSC, HDR
Using the provided 1.8m/5.9ft HDMI 2.1 FRL cable, HDMI 2.1 should support 3840x2160 240Hz, DSC, HDR, FRL eARC

Did you test the provided DP 1.4 cable on all of the 4090 DP out ports?
Did youtest another DP cable?

The monitor doesnt seem to be enabling DSC when it awakes from sleep, therefor always defaulting to 120hz on startup. Powering off and on again fixes the issue and it runs at 240hz fine. I've tried multiple cables and none have fixed the issue.

Using my above instructions, you start the Case with Dell "Get Help Now" agents. They record the issue in their notes. When 10 or more customers report the same issue in a Case, the issue is sent to the L2/L3 who escalate.

All should be using the supplied OEM HDMI 2.1 cable. Update to the February 6 released M2B102 firmware and retest.

I have the same issue.  Even Linus Tech Tips had this issue when they reviewed your monitor thats how I knew how to fix it.

I’m having the same problem.  I spoke to support and they want me to replace the monitor.  I have a feeling this won’t solve the problem.  Mine randomly stays on 240hz but most of the time is 120hz.  I found turning the monitor off and back on will automatically change it to 240.  Also pulling the DP cable out and back in changes it.

This is what they tell me…

As we troubleshooted over the call and checked with the Senior team for the firmware updates and installed them and still the issue persists so we identified the issue with the monitor and for the same we can replace the monitor under the warranty. However if you want to return the monitor you can have a word with our care team