APC experts solve computing problems

Broken Alienware?

My monitor is an Alienware 25 and it says it will display 240Hz, but if I go to my settings to change it to 240Hz the screen goes black and then nothing happens until it reverts automatically to 60Hz. Do I need to have an Nvidia graphics card, or can I use it with an AMD graphics card? GREGORY MUENZER

APC responds: There are two versions of the Alienware 25 monitor, and which model you have will determine which card you’ll need. The G-Sync version (model number AW2518H) requires a G-Sync compatible card, which basically means GeForce GTX 650 Ti Boost or higher. If you have an AMD card – any Radeon RX model – you’ll need the FreeSync version (AW2518HF). One final consideration: 240Hz mode is only available through DisplayPort, it’s not supported through HDMI, so make sure your card has a DP 1.2 or better.

If you have the G-Sync model with a compatible Nvidia graphics card, open