Whether you're grinding your way up the competitive ladder in a ranked FPS or just trying to shave a few milliseconds off your reaction time, you probably already know that your monitor can make or break those clutch moments. There's a huge difference between "good enough" and "built for speed," and that's where the Alienware AW2524HF steps in. With a 24.5-inch display and a jaw-dropping 500Hz refresh rate, this monitor is aimed squarely at gamers who treat smooth performance as a top priority and not just a luxury.
It’s the kind of display that doesn’t just keep up with your gameplay, Instead, it anticipates it. If you’ve ever been frustrated by ghosting, screen tearing, or lag during a tight firefight, the AW2524HF’s speed-focused approach might feel like a breath of fresh air. It sticks with a 1920x1080 Full HD resolution, a deliberate choice that keeps the action fast and fluid, especially when paired with high frame rates. In other words, it sacrifices pixel density for pure performance and for many competitive gamers, that’s a trade worth making.
Alienware has clearly designed this monitor for players who demand the quickest response times and the least possible input lag. It doesn’t pretend to be an all-around entertainment display or a creative professional’s dream canvas. Instead, it leans fully into its identity as a precision tool for gaming. If you’re the type of player who measures victories in milliseconds, the AW2524HF is meant to keep you one step ahead of the competition.
Design and Build Quality
The AW2524HF showcases Alienware's signature "Legend" design, combining sleek curves with a minimalist aesthetic. Its thin bezels on the top and sides enhance the immersive experience, making it suitable for multi-monitor setups. The stand is robust, offering height adjustment, tilt, swivel, and pivot functionalities, ensuring ergonomic comfort during extended gaming sessions. Additionally, a built-in headset hook adds a practical touch for gamers.
Despite its plastic construction, the monitor feels sturdy and well-built. The matte finish reduces glare, and the overall design is both functional and visually appealing. However, it lacks RGB lighting, which might be a downside for those who enjoy customizable aesthetics.
Display Performance
The AW2524HF's 500Hz refresh rate is its standout feature, providing exceptionally smooth motion clarity. This is particularly beneficial in fast-paced games like first-person shooters, where every millisecond counts. The monitor supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and VESA Adaptive Sync, ensuring tear-free gaming experiences. Its Fast IPS panel delivers wide viewing angles and accurate color reproduction, covering 100 percent of the sRGB color gamut.
While the Full HD resolution might seem limiting, it allows for higher frame rates without overburdening the GPU. This makes the monitor ideal for competitive gamers who prioritize performance over visual fidelity. However, the 1080p resolution may not be sufficient for those who also use their monitor for content creation or media consumption.
HDR and Color Accuracy
The monitor supports HDR10, offering enhanced contrast and color depth in compatible games and media. Its peak brightness reaches around 400 nits, which is adequate for most lighting conditions. The color accuracy out of the box is commendable, with the option to fine-tune settings via the on-screen display for those seeking precise calibration.
However, the HDR performance is somewhat limited due to the monitor's edge-lit backlighting and lack of local dimming zones. This results in less impactful HDR visuals compared to monitors with more advanced backlighting technologies. Therefore, while HDR is a nice addition, it's not the primary strength of the AW2524HF.
Connectivity and Features
The AW2524HF offers a range of connectivity options, including two DisplayPort 1.4 inputs and one HDMI 2.1 port. It also features a USB hub with four downstream USB-A ports, facilitating easy connection of peripherals. The absence of a USB-C port and built-in speakers might be a drawback for some users, but these omissions are common in gaming-focused monitors.
The on-screen display is user-friendly, navigated via a joystick located beneath the screen. It provides access to various settings, including multiple picture modes and gaming-specific features like crosshair overlays and frame rate counters. These additions enhance the gaming experience by offering customization and real-time performance monitoring.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional 500Hz refresh rate for ultra-smooth gameplay
- Fast IPS panel with accurate colors and wide viewing angles
- Robust build quality with ergonomic stand adjustments
- Comprehensive connectivity options, including multiple USB ports
- User-friendly on-screen display with gaming-centric features
Cons:
- Limited to Full HD resolution, which may not suffice for all users
- HDR performance is modest due to edge-lit backlighting
- Lacks USB-C port and built-in speakers
- No customizable RGB lighting for aesthetic personalization
- Requires a high-end GPU to fully utilize the 500Hz refresh rate