I’ve been using this Alienware 240Hz gaming monitor for 2 years — less than $1 a day if I'd bought it with this Prime Day discount

PC gamers could argue all day about the "perfect" resolution and refresh rate combination on gaming monitors, but I've rarely seen any appeal in the extremely high-end options. For me, 2560 x 1440, also known as 1440p, is an ideal middle ground that bumps you over "Full HD" (1080p) without going to a GPU-stressing 4K (2160p).

Ever since I reviewed the Alienware AW2723DF in March 2023, I've never been tempted by anything else. Sure, it can push its refresh rate above 240Hz (up to 280Hz), but I generally keep it at the former for desktop use and cap most of my games around 144 FPS anyway. Now that Amazon is selling the Alienware AW2723DF for $393.90, just before Amazon Prime Day, it's easier than ever to recommend (if you have a Prime membership).

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1440p @ 240Hz

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Alienware 27" Gaming Monitor (AW2723DF): was $649.99 now $393.90 at Amazon

"The perfect 27" IPS gaming monitor dominates in 240Hz+"

Windows Central review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

✅ Great for: 1440p gaming at 144-240Hz, an ideal middle ground for resolution and smooth framerates.

❌ Avoid if: You crave the pitch-black dark response of an OLED panel, as this IPS screen has a visible backlight leak.

👉 See at: Amazon.com

💰 Price check: $393.99 at Dell

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"I'm something of a USB hub myself"

Part of the reason I kept the 27-inch AW2723DF as a permanent fixture on my monitor arm is its wealthy selection of ports, including a USB 3.2 Gen 1 hub. Essentially, I can leave a collection of USB dongles in the underside of this monitor, hidden from view, and have a single cable connected to my PC to handle it all.

I have two receivers for a work mouse (Logitech MX Master 2S, my beloved) and a gaming mouse (Logitech G305 Lightspeed, I am a simple man) connected behind there, along with a USB-A to USB-C cable that connects whatever I feel like. It's usually hooked up to an official Xbox Series X|S controller, but it works with anything else. Too convenient, especially with the slide-off panel.

I know it sounds unusual to shower so much praise on a monitor stand that I eventually removed, but Alienware really deserves its flowers on this one. Yeah, the feet are big and encroached too much on my older desk (it would be fine with my replacement), but it's almost too easy to adjust this thing vertically, and it doubles as a cable management solution.

600 nits is almost comically bright, and I haven't felt a reason to crank the brightness anywhere close to its max. Then again, I generally keep my monitors in an area free of glare and direct natural light, so it doesn't necessarily need to be that bright in the first place. It's nice to have, if you're gaming in a well-lit room.

Otherwise, the DisplayPort and HDMI port pairing works well to have my Xbox Series X hooked up alongside my PC, ready to switch when inspiration strikes. However, being an IPS panel, you won't get the same lush experience with dark scenes in games or videos as you would on an OLED equivalent, and it can look a little washed out in extreme darkness. It's never been bad enough for me to care in the long run, but it's worth mentioning.

Again, I'm still a fan of monitor arms

Dual monitor arm

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MSI MAG MT201D: was $129.99 now $84.99 at Amazon

"It's a dual-arm monitor mount that works flawlessly and is built to a high standard. What else can I say? Sure, you could spend less, but at this price you really can't go wrong with what MSI offers from its MAG MT201D. If you have two monitors on your desk, this should be your next office upgrade."

Windows Central review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Features: 75mm x 75mm or 100mm x 100mm VESA support, screen size up to 45 inches, tilt/swivel/pivot ergonomics, three-year warranty.

👉 See at: Amazon.com or Newegg.com

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