AW3420DW, why HDMI 1.4?

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?

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).

@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.

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

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?

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/

On your second question see here: https://www.dell.com/support/article/en-us/sln306826/installing-and-configuring-the-alienware-command-center-software-for-your-alienware-gaming-keyboards-and-mice?lang=en#Installing_Alienware_Command_Center

@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.

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

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@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.

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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.

@Tesla1856 

So what's the point of an alienware laptop with G-Sync capable GPU,if not to have high performance? or you would deny that all together too?

And why a 120hz monitor make the 100 or 120hz performance only available via DP and not have an HDMI 2.0 or 2.1 for the sake of the user?

You see, you can't keep justifying a weakness in a product and consistently putting it back on the customer and say the user is the issue not the product! This is the underlying tone of the whole problem, not being customer eccentric.

This is why it takes talking to more than 10 people to find a solution that Dell is not sure whether it does actually solve it! Makes the customer purchase an adapter for $50 without knowing if it works.

This an apparent weakness and a big fail in both the product and the service/user experience.

@Tesla1856

So what's the point of an alienware laptop with G-Sync capable GPU,if not to have high performance? or you would deny that all together too?

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I'm not trying to justify anything. Just trying to explain why things are the way there are.

... and trying to steer you toward using DisplayPort (if you have one).

@Tesla1856 

Sure. Next time if you actually read the comments it might help.

So do you know if USB-C to DP adapter would work or not?

I own a alienware area 51, and its been giving me small issues like not coming on when I press the power button. I have to power down and try it again from time to time. Not a big problem. 

My wife wanted to surprise me with a new monitor so she called dell and they told her about this monitor. She got it and it came in today. I game on my ps4 so I went to plug my elgato capture card to the monitor and I noticed it was a 1.4.....I could have died! After some time passes, I'm going to tell my wife to never by alienware again.

I hear you. Your wife must really wanted to impress you because this monitor seems like the most impressive in the market but a huge disappointment unfortunately. dell/alienware lacks a good user experience and tries to cover that fail with looks and a price tag. I hope you can still return it and get a practical monitor, better service, and more value for your hard earned money and precious time that dell/alienware doesn't value at all.