Alienware 39-inch 5K OLED monitor targets versatile gaming
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Alienware’s 39-inch 5K OLED ultrawide monitor is positioned as a versatile premium display, combining an expansive field of view with the 2,160-pixel vertical height more commonly found on 32-inch 4K screens. The review argues this makes it better suited than shorter 49-inch ultrawides for immersive gaming, media editing and general use, while switchable high-refresh modes also cater for competitive games.
Priced at $1,100, it is about $500 cheaper than LG’s comparable 5K2K UltraGear. It offers a 5,120 by 2,160 resolution at 165Hz, plus lower-resolution 330Hz modes, and uses a four-stack tandem OLED panel rated for 500–1,300 nits of HDR brightness, Dolby Vision, 99 per cent DCI-P3 coverage and improved text clarity; height and tilt adjustment are included.
- A spacious 5K OLED ultrawide for work and gaming.
- Switchable 330Hz modes favour competitive play.
- It undercuts LG’s comparable monitor by roughly $500.
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OLED monitors use self-lit pixels, which can provide deep blacks and strong contrast, while ultrawide screens give a wider view than standard displays. A 5K ultrawide resolution adds more detail and vertical workspace than many wide gaming monitors.
Refresh rate measures how often the image updates each second: higher rates can make fast-moving games appear smoother. Alienware competes with firms such as LG in the premium gaming-monitor market, where buyers often weigh image quality, screen size, speed and price together.
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The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters would argue that Alienware’s monitor offers an unusually practical compromise for premium PC gamers: its 5K ultrawide format provides an expansive, immersive view without sacrificing the vertical workspace that can make 49-inch super-ultrawides awkward for everyday use. The ability to choose high-resolution 165Hz play or 330Hz lower-resolution modes makes one display credible for both cinematic single-player games and demanding competitive titles. At a reported $500 below a closely comparable LG model, its OLED image quality, HDR capability and ergonomic stand strengthen the case that it is good value within an inherently high-end category.
The case against
Sceptics would argue that $1,100 remains a substantial price for a monitor, and the product’s versatility may involve compromises rather than replacing specialist displays. Players who prioritise competitive gaming may prefer a dedicated native 330Hz monitor, while those focused on productivity could favour a less expensive LCD, a dual-monitor arrangement or a larger super-ultrawide. OLED’s familiar concerns around long-term static-interface use, alongside the demanding hardware needed to drive 5,120 by 2,160 pixels in modern games, may also limit the appeal of its premium specification.
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Originally published by Engadget as “Alienware 39 5K review: The ultrawide gaming monitor sweet spot”.