GIGABYTE M28U 28" 4K 144Hz KVM Gaming Monitor vs Alienware AW2523HF 24.5" FHD 360Hz Gaming Monitor
The GIGABYTE M28U 28" 4K 144Hz KVM Gaming Monitor is the smarter buy for gamers seeking top-notch resolution and features like a built-in KVM switch. Its 3840 x 2160 resolution delivers stunning visuals compared to the Alienware AW2523HF 24.5" FHD 360Hz Gaming Monitor's 1920 x 1080, which is better suited for fast-paced esports games. In real-world testing, the GIGABYTE's 144Hz refresh rate feels smooth enough for immersive gaming, but it can't match the Alienware's blistering 360Hz. If you're into fast-paced titles like CS2 or Valorant, that 360Hz could give you a competitive edge, but you lose out on the detail and clarity that 4K brings to the table. The choice really boils down to whether you prioritize resolution or sheer speed in your gaming experience.
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GIGABYTE M28U 28" 4K 144Hz KVM Gaming Monitor
Alienware AW2523HF 24.5" FHD 360Hz Gaming Monitor
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: GIGABYTE M28U 28" 4K 144Hz KVM Gaming Monitor vs Alienware AW2523HF 24.5" FHD 360Hz Gaming Monitor
GIGABYTE M28U 28" 4K 144Hz KVM Gaming Monitor
Alienware AW2523HF 24.5" FHD 360Hz Gaming Monitor
| Criterion | GIGABYTE M28U 28" 4K 144Hz KVM Gaming Monitor | Alienware AW2523HF 24.5" FHD 360Hz Gaming Monitor |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(271)Best Buy | ★4.8(238)Best Buy |
Screen Size | 28" Viewable (28" Class) | 24.5" Viewable (25" Class) |
Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) | 1920 x 1080 (FHD) |
Aspect Ratio | 16:9 | 16:9 |
Screen Type | SS IPS (Super Speed IPS) | Fast IPS |
Refresh Rate | 144 Hz (PC) / 120 Hz (Console via HDMI 2.1) | 360 Hz (via DisplayPort) / 255 Hz (via HDMI) |
Response Time | 1 ms (GtG) / 2 ms (MPRT) | 0.5 ms (GtG Min) / 1 ms (GtG Extreme) |
Brightness | 300 nits (Typical) | 400 nits (Typical) |
Contrast | 1,000:1 (Typical) | 1,000:1 (Typical) |
Color Gamut | 94% DCI-P3 / 120% sRGB | 99% sRGB |
Color Depth | 8-bit | 16.7M (8-bit) |
HDR | VESA DisplayHDR 400 | Smart HDR (Accepts signal; not VESA DisplayHDR certified) |
Adaptive Sync | AMD FreeSync Premium Pro | AMD FreeSync Premium / VESA Adaptive-Sync Certified |
Viewing Angles | 178° (H) / 178° (V) | 178° (H) / 178° (V) |
Curvature | Flat | Flat |
Speakers | 2x 3 W (Stereo) | No (None) |
Ports | 2x HDMI 2.1; 1x DisplayPort 1.4 (DSC); 1x USB-C (DP Alt Mode, Data, 15W PD); 3x USB 3.0 Downstream; 1x USB-B Upstream; 1x 3.5mm Headphone Out | 1x DisplayPort 1.4; 2x HDMI 2.0; 1x USB-B 3.2 Gen 1 Upstream; 4x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 Downstream (1x with Battery Charging 1.2); 1x Headphone Out; 1x Audio Line-Out |
USB C | Yes (Video + Data + 15W Power Delivery) | No |
Kvm | Yes (Built-in) | No |
Vesa | 100 x 100 mm | 100 x 100 mm |
Ergonomics | Height (130mm), Tilt (-5° to 20°); No Swivel or Pivot | Height (110mm), Swivel (-20° to 20°), Pivot (90°), Tilt (-5° to 21°) |
Power Consumption | 40.5 W (Typical) / 115 W (Max) / 0.5 W (Standby) | 16.3 W (Typical) / 74.5 W (Max) / 0.3 W (Standby) |
Weight With Stand | 6,930 g (15.28 lbs) | 5,770 g (12.72 lbs) |
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GIGABYTE M28U 28" 4K 144Hz KVM Gaming Monitor
✓ Pros:
- • HDMI 2.1 ports support 4K @ 120Hz for PS5 and Xbox Series X (utilizing DSC or chroma subsampling due to 24Gbps bandwidth)
- • Built-in KVM switch allows controlling two devices (e.g., PC and Laptop) with one keyboard/mouse
- • Super Speed IPS panel delivers low 1ms response time with wide viewing angles
- • Excellent pixel density (157 PPI) results in extremely sharp text and images
- • Reasonably priced entry point for high-refresh 4K gaming
✗ Cons:
- • USB-C power delivery is limited to 15W/18W, which is insufficient to charge most laptops
- • HDMI 2.1 bandwidth is capped at 24Gbps (relies on DSC for full 4K 144Hz 4:4:4)
- • Stand lacks Swivel and Pivot adjustments
- • Contrast is average for IPS (1,000:1), meaning blacks look gray in dark rooms
- • HDR performance is minimal (DisplayHDR 400) with no local dimming
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Alienware AW2523HF 24.5" FHD 360Hz Gaming Monitor
✓ Pros:
- • 360Hz refresh rate (via DisplayPort) offers elite-tier motion clarity for CS2 and Valorant
- • Fast IPS panel combines speed (0.5ms) with much better colors/viewing angles than TN panels
- • Compact hexagonal base and retractable headset hanger are designed specifically for esports desks
- • Includes a rich USB hub (4 downstream ports) for connecting peripherals effortlessly
- • Excellent factory calibration (99% sRGB) ensures accurate colors out of the box
✗ Cons:
- • HDMI ports are limited to 255Hz; you must use DisplayPort for the full 360Hz experience
- • Lacks VESA DisplayHDR certification; 'Smart HDR' is largely software-based with no local dimming
- • 1080p resolution provides lower pixel density compared to 1440p options
- • No built-in speakers
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Which one is better?
The GIGABYTE M28U 28" 4K 144Hz KVM Gaming Monitor is the better buy for most people - its 3840 x 2160 resolution crushes the Alienware AW2523HF's 1920 x 1080. That said, grab the Alienware if you need ultra-fast refresh rates for competitive gaming - its 360Hz refresh rate offers an edge in motion clarity.
Who should buy each?
Choose the GIGABYTE M28U 28" 4K 144Hz KVM Gaming Monitor if: you want stunning 4K visuals, enjoy console gaming with HDMI 2.1 support, or need a KVM switch for multiple devices.
Choose the Alienware AW2523HF 24.5" FHD 360Hz Gaming Monitor if: you play competitive FPS games, prefer a lightweight monitor, or want the fastest refresh rate for esports. (24.5" display, 360 Hz refresh)
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
GIGABYTE M28U 28" 4K 144Hz KVM Gaming Monitor excels if you value hdmi 2.1 ports support 4k @ 120hz for ps5 and xbox series x (utilizing dsc or chroma subsampling due to 24gbps bandwidth). Alienware AW2523HF 24.5" FHD 360Hz Gaming Monitor is better if you prioritize 360hz refresh rate (via displayport) offers elite-tier motion clarity for cs2 and valorant. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
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+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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