Buying a Gaming Monitor: What You Need to Know
Specs for gaming monitors and other computer components require sorting through a lot of numbers. It makes the process of buying anything computer related extremely tough. Gamers may be a bit more tech savvy than everyday users, but still, monitors and their technology have gotten extremely complex. Here is a guide to help you understand the basics so you can find a monitor that will help you see everything you need when the game is on the line.
A word before we get started. Computers are all limited by their slowest component. If you have the greatest graphics card in the world but a slow monitor with poor color, gaming is still not going to be a perfect experience. On the other hand, if you have an amazing display paired with an ancient graphics card you won’t be able to make the most of it. Make sure your entire chain is solid before you spend more money. Monitors will usually outlast your cards, so spending a bit more to get a feature you might use after a future upgrade does have value.
The Basics
There are numerous features to consider when it comes to buying a monitor for gaming.
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- Resolution
- Screen Size
- Refresh Rate
- Response Time
- G-Sync/FreeSync
- HDR
- Inputs/Outputs
This isn’t the order of priority, but it is likely how things will be presented to you as you shop for a monitor.
Screen Size and Resolution
I’m lumping resolution and screen size together because they play off each other. Depending on your desk, your decision for screen size might already be made, but I’m guessing it’ll be between 24-32″. As for resolution, you’ll have another range of Full HD to 4K. Bigger is obviously, well, bigger, while higher resolution provides a sharper more detailed image.
ASUS VA24EHE 23.8″ 16:9 75 Hz Adaptive-Sync IPS Monitor
Screen size will likely determine your resolution. If you need/want something smaller, a 24″ Full HD display will do great.
The mid-range and likely best for most people is a 27″, 2560 x 1440, also known as 1440p or QHD, monitor. Then at the top end is 32″ with a 4K resolution. Obviously, there are other options available, such as 4K 27″ displays and QHD 32″ displays and things outside these sizes and resolutions and aspect ratios, but we are trying to keep it simple.
LG UltraGear 27GL850-B 27″ 16:9 144 Hz HDR FreeSync IPS Gaming Monitor
For gaming, the 27″ 1440p is best for many reasons, even compared to the theoretical improvements that come with bigger sizes and greater resolution.
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- 27″ size is reasonable for most configurations
- 1440p is sharper than Full HD and puts less strain on graphics than 4K
- 1440p is able to hit higher refresh rates
Technically, these advantages get even better if you move down to the 24″ Full HD displays, but I think the extra screen real estate of a 27″ display is worth it. Also, if you do move up to a 4K display, you have to think about the extra processing you need to power it.
All those extra pixels will need to be rendered and that can put a drag on any system. Keep this in mind, sometimes more pixels is not better.
BenQ PD3200U 32″ 16:9 4K IPS Monitor
You aren’t limited to these types of displays. Among the fun upgrades are ultra-wide and curved monitors, or simply larger displays or TVs (not recommended unless you have good reason). Ultra-wide monitors introduce other potential complications, because they use less conventional resolutions and this, in turn, can result in lower refresh rates and longer response times, both of which we will get into next.
Curved and dual-screen setups:
- If you want a larger display, curved makes a lot of sense for immersion.
- Curved displays have unusual resolutions and not all games support wide field of view.
- Curved displays have no seam.
- Dualscreen setups have a seam, which is a big problem for gaming.
Refresh Rate and Response Time
Ah, now for the real gaming specs.
When you look for a gaming monitor, you will absolutely want to check out the refresh rate, measured in hertz (Hz). This reflects how many times the monitor will refresh the screen each second. Higher numbers are better. Basic displays and televisions hit around 30 Hz, with some going up to 60 Hz. For gaming, 60 Hz is recommended as the bare minimum.
If you want the real-world explanation, higher refresh rates benefit gamers by making sure what you are seeing on screen matches what is happening on the computer. Think about it this way: If someone is running in front of you in a game with a low refresh rate of 30 Hz, the image on screen might not be showing you where they are in the game world at that precise moment. This may seem like an incredibly short time differential—it is—but games require incredible precision to make your shot and human response times recognize the difference.
Samsung 27″ G75T 16:9 240 Hz Curved VA Gaming Monitor
Now, 60 Hz is considered the bare minimum, but there are many 144 Hz displays now on the market.
This is highly recommended for serious gaming. You can tell the difference between 60 and 144 Hz, and this difference can help you improve your own response times. There are even 240 Hz monitors if you want to go for the top of the line, though it remains to be seen whether there is a benefit for average gamers.
Reiterating an earlier point—if your graphics and processing can’t reach these high frame rates, you won’t see the benefit by using a high-refresh-rate display. Make sure the entire graphics pipeline can support your resolution and refresh rates. You can always bump down resolution in settings to boost frame rates.
The notes:
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- Higher refresh rates are better.
- 60 Hz is the bare minimum, but 144 Hz will give a boost to performance.
- 240 Hz is nice but is unlikely to give as large a jump in performance as the 60-144 Hz jump.
- You need graphics powerful enough to run games at these frame rates to benefit fully from a fast monitor.
The other time-related spec is response time. It is right there in the name. This refers to how long it takes each pixel to change from one setting to the next. This is commonly measured in milliseconds (ms) from one shade of gray to another shade of gray (GtG). For gaming, you are looking for sub 5 ms, but getting down to 2 ms, or even 1 ms, is preferred.
Response time is important because during fast motion a slower response time can lead to motion blur or ghosting, since the monitor isn’t keeping up with the game. You want a nice, crisp image at all times, and a high refresh rate combined with a fast response time will do it. These are generally the features that make a gaming monitor a gaming monitor.
Things to keep in mind for response time:
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- Keep response times at 5 ms or faster.
- 1 ms is a now-common option that is advised.
- Fast response times minimize motion blur and ghosting.
Adaptive Sync, aka Variable Refresh Rate
If you’ve seen any frame-rate benchmarks for games and gaming computers, you’ve likely seen frame rates fluctuate depending on the action on screen.
With minimal action, frame rates shoot up while in high action they can drop dramatically. Without any smart technology help, this can result in screen tearing.
LG UltraGear 34GN850-B 34″ 21:9 Curved 160 Hz Adaptive-Sync HDR IPS Gaming Monitor
Screen tearing is when the monitor displays a part of one frame and the following frame at the same time. You’ll notice it, for sure, since the image looks split where the sync is broken. This happens because displays are set to run at a set refresh rate, and they don’t always know what to do when the frame data they receive doesn’t match up with their hard-wired settings.
One option has been VSync, which is simplistic because it tells the monitor to wait for the entire next frame before switching. This isn’t a perfect solution since it can introduce lag, which is very bad for gaming.
AMD and NVIDIA have both developed adaptive sync, or variable refresh rate solutions, to help monitors maintain smooth playback even when the graphics cards are putting out non-standard frame rates.
AMD has FreeSync while NVIDIA has G-Sync. Both do a great job of eliminating tearing but require compatible hardware to do so.
AMD’s FreeSync is more widely available and is cheaper to implement, meaning you will often find it on more affordable monitors. NVIDIA’s G-Sync, on the other hand, requires certification and goes through quality control to guarantee performance and usually results in a premium on the display. You’ll likely have to choose based on your graphics cards. If you have an AMD card, get a FreeSync monitor. If you have NVIDIA, get G-Sync.
Is one better than the other? Well, you could argue that G-Sync is technically better since it has additional certifications and guarantees of performance compared to the open FreeSync that allows for inconsistencies from monitor to monitor. However, G-Sync displays are more expensive.
Takeaways:
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- NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync help fix screen tearing with adaptive sync tech.
- Screen tearing happens when the frame rate doesn’t match the monitor’s refresh rate, causing two frames to load on top of each other.
- G-Sync monitors require NVIDIA GPUs and are more expensive, but can be more reliable.
- FreeSync monitors require AMD GPUs and are affordable, but can have major differences from one display to another.
- Adaptive sync, or variable refresh rate, is great for gaming.
FreeSync (left) and G-Sync (right)
HDR
A lot of people think that more resolution is the best move for better quality. I would argue that High Dynamic Range, or HDR, will make a bigger difference to your image quality than more resolution. The extra pop and more vivid colors available in HDR imagery represent a huge jump compared to older display systems. If you haven’t seen an HDR display yet, you really are missing out.
HDR on computer monitors is a bit unusual, still. True HDR requires a specific maximum brightness and minimum brightness to guarantee the dynamic range it promises, but many affordable displays can’t hit these targets. That has led to the introduction of DisplayHDR standard with alternative maximum brightness.
If you are shopping, DisplayHDR 400 or higher is likely a reasonable purchase and will give your images a more vibrant feel.
LG 34WL550-B 34″ 21:9 UltraWide FreeSync HDR10 IPS Monitor
You will need to make sure your OS, graphics card, and monitor all support HDR to get it working. And then, each game will need to have its own support for the format. Be careful with this, but it is highly recommended because it is quickly becoming a more standard feature.
What you should know:
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- High Dynamic Range (HDR) displays offer greater contrast with brighter highlights and deeper shadows while still maintaining detail in each. Also, they support more vivid colors.
- HDR requires a compatible imaging pipeline, including the operating system, graphics card, display, and game, to function properly.
- HDR has many standards, so make sure you have supported options, such as HDR10. Having a monitor rated with the DisplayHDR standard helps here, as well.
- HDR is highly recommended because it is becoming more and more popular.
Inputs/Outputs
This one should seem relatively straightforward; luckily, computers have so many standards! This is good in this case, because we seem to be moving toward a few specific standards that are objectively better nowadays. Those are DisplayPort, HDMI, and USB Type C/Thunderbolt™ 4. The tricky thing is that each one has multiple versions, and the latest are what you want.
Starting with the most popular monitor inputs, we have HDMI and DisplayPort. Practically everyone has seen HDMI—it’s everywhere these days—though DisplayPort is a very close neighbor. Historically, DisplayPort has been more efficient because it has granted better refresh rates and resolutions. The latest versions of HDMI have caught up, though DisplayPort does have an advantage with its locking connector to prevent accidental disconnects. Anyway, most monitors come with both.
What to know:
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- HDMI and DisplayPort are common standards and safe bets.
- HDMI 2.0 is solid, but 2.1 is best if you want to future-proof.
- DisplayPort 1.4 is current, but 2.0 is coming soon and will help you to future-proof.
- USB Type-C and Thunderbolt™ can offer support for DisplayPort and HDMI via adapters.
- Think about how many connections you need.
- Don’t forget USB and audio connections.
- Cables matter here; you’ll need compatible cables to match the versions of the connectors you have.
- HDMI and DisplayPort are common standards and safe bets.
This should be a solid guide to help you go from knowing nothing about gaming monitors to finding one that is the best fit for you. If you want more help or specific recommendations, please contact our sales team or stop by the Comments section, below.
The 5 Best 120Hz Monitors — Winter 2023: Reviews
- Table of Contents
- Intro
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Best Monitor
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Best Mid-Range
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Best Lower Mid-Range
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Best Budget
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Best Cheap
- Notable Mentions
- Recent Updates
- All Reviews
- Discussions
Updated Feb 08, 2023 at 08:58 am
By Nicholas Di Giovanni
While gaming devices are becoming more powerful to deliver smooth gameplay at high frame rates, there’s still a lot of interest in 120Hz gaming, mainly for consoles.
The latest Xbox Series X and PS5 consoles support 120Hz gaming at various resolutions. There are very few monitors that natively run at 120Hz, though, so most of the picks below default to a higher native refresh rate, but we’ve also tested their performance at 120Hz at their native resolution. When looking for a monitor for gaming at 120Hz, you’ll want good motion handling and low input lag for a responsive feel.
We’ve bought and tested more than 265 monitors, and below are our picks for the monitors with the best performance at 120Hz to buy. Also, check out our recommendations for the best monitors for PS5, the best monitors for Xbox Series X, and if you want a slightly higher refresh rate, the best 144Hz monitors.
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Best 120Hz Monitor
Gigabyte AORUS FO48U
SEARCH
Amazon.de
Unavailable
Missing Store
Gaming
9.
0Size
48″
Pixel Type
OLED
Max Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Variable Refresh Rate
Yes
Native Resolution
3840 x 2160
HDR10
Yes
See all our test results
The Gigabyte AORUS FO48U OLED is the best 120Hz monitor we’ve tested. It’s one of the few monitors available with a native 120Hz refresh rate and a 4k resolution, also making it the best 4k 120Hz monitor.
It delivers stunning picture quality thanks to its OLED panel, and while OLEDs are more common as TVs, they’re becoming more popular in the monitor market. With a 48-inch screen size, you get an immersive gaming experience that’s great for small spaces. OLEDs are great for dark room gaming because they have a near-infinite contrast ratio and perfect black uniformity, resulting in deep and inky blacks in dark scenes.This monitor is fantastic if you want to use it for gaming with the PS5 or Xbox Series X. With HDMI 2.1 bandwidth on its two HDMI ports, it can take full advantage of either console with 4k gaming up to 120 fps. Motion looks incredibly smooth at 120Hz, and it has low input lag for a responsive feel. Unfortunately, OLEDs are prone to burn-in, so if that’s a concern for you, the Gigabyte AORUS FV43U is a good LED alternative that costs less, but it has worse motion handling at 120Hz.
See our review
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Best Mid-Range 120Hz Monitor
Gigabyte M32U
SEE PRICE
Amazon.
de
Unavailable
Missing Store
Gaming
8.6
Size
32″
Pixel Type
IPS
Max Refresh Rate
144 Hz
Variable Refresh Rate
Yes
Native Resolution
3840 x 2160
HDR10
Yes
See all our test results
If you find the Gigabyte AORUS FO48U OLED too expensive or don’t want the 48-inch screen size but still want the best 4k 120Hz monitor, look into the Gigabyte M32U.
It’s different from the FO48U because it has a smaller 32-inch screen and doesn’t have an OLED panel either, meaning it isn’t as good for dark room gaming as blacks look gray. The smaller screen doesn’t offer as much screen space to view more of your game at once, but it delivers sharper image details thanks to its higher resolution.It still offers an excellent gaming experience with an excellent response time at 120Hz, and it also has an optional backlight strobing feature that works at 120Hz to reduce persistence blur. Its input lag remains low with 120Hz signals for a responsive gaming experience. Like the FO48U, it has HDMI 2.1 bandwidth that lets you play games from the PS5 or Xbox Series X, and if you’re also a PC gamer, it has a slightly higher 144Hz max refresh rate. If you find the 32-inch screen size too big, the Gigabyte M28U is available, which is essentially a smaller monitor that costs less but has a less ergonomic stand and it has lower peak brightness.
See our review
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Best Lower Mid-Range 120Hz Monitor
LG 32GP850-B
SEE PRICE
Amazon.
de
Unavailable
Missing Store
Gaming
8.5
Size
32″
Pixel Type
IPS
Max Refresh Rate
180 Hz
Variable Refresh Rate
Yes
Native Resolution
2560 x 1440
HDR10
Yes
See all our test results
If you want something cheaper, consider a lower-resolution monitor like the LG 32GP850-B.
It has the same 32-inch screen size as the Gigabyte M32U but with a lower 1440p resolution, which means that images aren’t as sharp. Also, it doesn’t have HDMI 2.1 bandwidth, so you can’t use it to play 4k @ 120Hz games from the PS5 and Xbox Series X, but it accepts 1440p and 1080p signals at 120Hz without issue. It’s excellent for gaming because it has a remarkable response time at 120Hz, resulting in minimal motion blur. It also has a backlight-strobing feature that works with 120Hz signals to reduce persistence blur, but it doesn’t work at the same time as the variable refresh rate (VRR) feature.Speaking of which, it has native FreeSync VRR to reduce screen tearing with the Xbox and has G-SYNC compatibility if you want to use it for PC gaming with an NVIDIA graphics card. It also has low input lag for a responsive feel while gaming. In terms of picture quality, it has decent image clarity, but if that’s important to you, the smaller LG 27GP850-B has better image clarity, so get whichever size you prefer, but the 27-inch model can be harder to find.
See our review
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Best Budget 120Hz Monitor
ViewSonic XG2431
SEARCH
Amazon.de
Unavailable
Missing Store
Gaming
8.4
Size
24″
Pixel Type
IPS
Max Refresh Rate
240 Hz
Variable Refresh Rate
Yes
Native Resolution
1920 x 1080
HDR10
Yes
See all our test results
If you’re on a budget and want a monitor that’s great for 120Hz gaming, check out the ViewSonic XG2431.
As you get into the budget category, it’s harder to find 1440p displays like the LG 32GP850-B, so it’s easier to find a 1080p display like this one, which also has a smaller screen size, but the image clarity is still decent. It’s a great choice if you prefer smoother gameplay over a sharp image, like when you’re gaming with 1080p @ 120Hz signals, but you can’t use it with 4k @ 120Hz signals as it lacks HDMI 2.1 bandwidth, and it doesn’t support 1400p @ 120Hz from the Xbox.Luckily, it works well with the consoles as it can also downscale a 4k image, and while its VRR support works with the Xbox, it doesn’t with the PS5. It’s a great gaming monitor, and it delivers incredibly clear motion, with little blur behind fast-moving objects and low input lag. Despite being a budget model, it still has a few neat features for gamers, including an optional backlight strobing feature to improve motion clarity, and you can customize the flicker frequency of it, which is a nice addition for a low-cost display.
See our review
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Best Cheap 120Hz Monitor
HP X27q
SEE PRICE
Amazon.de
Unavailable
Missing Store
Gaming
7.9
Size
27″
Pixel Type
IPS
Max Refresh Rate
165 Hz
Variable Refresh Rate
Yes
Native Resolution
2560 x 1440
HDR10
Yes
See all our test results
If you want a simple and cheap monitor, then the HP X27q is a good alternative to the ViewSonic XG2431.
It has a bigger screen and higher 1440p resolution compared to the ViewSonic, providing a more immersive gaming experience, but it’s a step down in overall gaming performance. It has a slower response time at 120Hz and at 60Hz, meaning you’ll see more motion blur with fast-moving objects, but the motion handling is still good. It has a backlight-strobing feature like the ViewSonic, but it isn’t as customizable, and there’s image duplication. Luckily, it has low input lag for a responsive feel and has native FreeSync VRR with G-SYNC compatibility.As expected for a cheap monitor, it doesn’t have many extra features, but it still has a virtual crosshair to give you a competitive advantage, and there’s a frame rate counter to show the current frame rate of your games. It also has an edge-lit local dimming feature that performs terribly, but it’s only on in HDR and not SDR, so that doesn’t make a difference for SDR gaming. Lastly, it has good accuracy before calibration, meaning images look life-like.
See our review
Notable Mentions
- Samsung LS32BG852NNXGO:
The Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 S32BG85 is a high-end 4k monitor that costs a bit more than the Gigabyte AORUS FO48U OLED. It’s a different type of display with Mini LED backlighting and gets much brighter, but the Gigabyte still delivers better blacks and has better motion handling, so it’s worth getting for cheaper.
See our review - Acer Nitro XF243Y Pbmiiprx:
The Acer Nitro XF243Y Pbmiiprx is a 1080p monitor that’s smaller than the HP X27q and has better motion handling at 120Hz. However, it doesn’t support 1440p @ 120Hz from the Xbox like the HP, so if you want it for 120Hz gaming on that console, stick with the HP.
See our review - Gigabyte M27Q:
The Gigabyte M27Q is a budget gaming monitor with a higher resolution than the ViewSonic XG2431, which is great if you want sharper detail, but it has worse motion handling at 120Hz.
See our review
Recent Updates
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Feb 08, 2023:
Replaced the LG 27GP850-B with the LG 32GP850-B because it’s easier to find; replaced the LG 24GL600F with the HP X27q because it’s better overall; updated Notable Mentions based on changes. -
Dec 14, 2022:
Updated text for clarity and verified that the monitors are still available; added the LG 32GQ900-B to Notable Mentions. -
Nov 01, 2022:
Replaced the Dell G3223Q with the Gigabyte AORUS FO48U OLED because it has better picture quality; replaced the Gigabyte M28U with the Gigabyte M32U for consistency and renamed to ‘Best Mid-Range Monitor’. Replaced the Gigabyte M32Q with the LG 27GP850-B and renamed to ‘Best Lower Mid-Range Monitor’ because it has better motion handling; removed the LG 42 C2 OLED; updated Notable Mentions based on changes.
All Reviews
Our recommendations are based on what we think are the best monitors currently available that you can use at 120Hz. They are adapted to be valid for most people, in each price range. Rating is based on our review, factoring in price and feedback from our visitors.
If you would prefer to make your own decision, here is the list of all of our monitor reviews that support at least a 120Hz refresh rate. Be careful not to get too caught up in the details. Most monitors are good enough to please most people, and the things we fault monitors on are often not noticeable unless you really look for them.
Discussions
Monitor Refresh Rate: Which is Best
So, if you’re wondering what monitor refresh rate is best for the best gaming experience, or to figure out which one is best for you and your play style, we’ve got all the answers for you. . Read on to find out more. If you want to get the most out of your esports games, read our review.
Most monitors aren’t set to the highest setting right out of the box, which means you might be missing out on a smooth gaming experience.
What is the refresh rate?
The refresh rate is how quickly the monitor can display a new image. In other words, the higher the refresh rate, the smoother the image on the screen will be. Basically, it reduces annoying flickering or stuttering in fast paced games. A higher refresh rate matters more if you’re playing fast-paced games like Cyberpunk 2077, as opposed to older games like Minecraft, which are less demanding on your computer’s system. However, when it comes to choosing a monitor with a specific refresh rate, it really depends on what you plan to use it for.
If you’re just watching movies or browsing the web, a monitor with a high refresh rate won’t affect the visuals much. If you play intense first person shooters, then a higher refresh rate will definitely improve your gaming experience. However, your monitor must be able to keep up with a GPU that puts out 100 frames per second.
They need to work in tandem. If your GPU is running millions of frames per second and your monitor isn’t refreshing fast enough, you’ll experience screen tearing where the image looks like it’s split in two.
How do I check and change the refresh rate of my monitor?
Checking or changing the refresh rate of your monitor is very easy. If you’re using Windows 10 or 11, press the Windows + I buttons to access the settings menu (you can also open it from the start menu). From there, tap on Display Settings and then scroll down to Advanced Display Settings.
Find your monitor’s model number, current refresh rate, and other supported refresh rates here. Selecting «Select Refresh Rate» will display a drop-down menu with supported refresh rates.
Try different options to find your desired refresh rate.
The best place for a monitor with a good refresh rate depends on what kind of gamer you consider yourself to be. For those who want to play competitive games, I recommend a monitor with a refresh rate of 144Hz, because it’s a good starting point.
They’re not overly expensive (many of them often go on sale) and work well with first-person shooting games that rely on fast reaction times. For casual gamers, 60Hz is perfectly acceptable.
If you want to play super competitive games, you need 360Hz or higher. These monitors are great for professional gamers and eSports enthusiasts as they can refresh the image instantly. However, there are a number of disadvantages, including the need for a compatible GPU. Prices are also astronomically high. Apart from the shortcomings, you will not find a smoother and clearer image.
How is frame rate related to refresh rate?
GPU frame rate is completely separate from monitor refresh rate. FPS (or Frames Per Second) is the number of frames your GPU takes. The refresh rate is how often the monitor refreshes the image on the screen. If your GPU’s frame rate is higher than your monitor’s refresh rate, you’ll run into some issues. When the two images don’t match, you’ll experience the oddity of screen tearing when two different images are displayed at the same time.
VSync technology fixes this by essentially making the GPU and monitor communicate with each other, keeping them in sync.
144, 240, 360 Hz monitors: do they offer real benefits?
03/30/2022
Author: CHIP
1 star 2 stars 3 stars 4 stars 5 stars
144, 240, 360 Hz monitors: do they offer real benefits?
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5
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24
1
The topic is not new, but we decided to talk in detail about all the nuances.
In the technical specifications of any display, you can find such a parameter as the refresh rate. It is measured in hertz and displays the maximum number of frames per second that the monitor can display.
Budget models operate at 60 Hz, but now on sale you can find devices with a hertz equal to 144, 240 and even more. Such devices are significantly more expensive than their low-frequency counterparts. Is it worth paying extra for it? Or is it all marketing?
How did it all begin?
Our brain is arranged in such a way that a set of a certain number of consecutive pictures that are very similar to each other is perceived as an animation. The more images in the set, the smoother the animation looks. And the missing fragments are completed with the help of imagination. Thus, in the era of the birth of cinematography, directors took the number 24 as the standard. It was 24 frames, in their opinion, that was the minimum necessary for comfortable perception of smooth animation, without noticeable gaps between images.
But the basis of the film recording was not only the physiological characteristics of the human body.
Do not forget about the economic costs of production. Why should a slide projector pass through itself more than 24 frames per second, if this value is enough for comfortable perception? Indeed, in this case, the costs associated with storage, transportation and printing of the film itself increase. And this is unprofitable.
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Computers and laptops
TN, IPS, OLED: what are the matrices of monitors and laptops
It all just started, but the benefit of technology does not stand still and the technical characteristics of all gadgets are improving. In the future, the developers switched to the standard 60 frames. Now we see 144 and 240. What will happen next? 500? Or maybe 1000?
How many frames can the human eye capture?
It is almost impossible to objectively answer the question in the subheading, since this is an individual parameter.
You can’t tell how fast a person’s reaction is. Someone reacts to a stimulus within a tenth of a second, while for someone a few seconds are not enough. No, of course, you can cite an example of an individual with a lightning-fast reaction. But, most likely, it will be a person who regularly practices this. So it is with the perception of a change in the visual environment.
People whose activities require maximum concentration and attention, as a rule, are able to catch the slightest changes in the environment. For example, pilots, stuntmen, policemen and so on. According to research, their eyes can perceive up to 1000 frames per second. But not all people have such sensitive visual perception. To understand how different a high-frequency monitor is from a low-frequency one, you can only try the displays from the first category. Someone will immediately feel a huge difference, but someone will not be impressed with the result. Nevertheless, there is a profit from 144 and 240 Hertz.
But do not forget that you will also need the appropriate hardware.
What if my hardware is weak?
As you understand, the monitor polling rate is the maximum number of frames that the screen can display. But what if the hardware produces fewer frames per second than the monitor’s hertz? The answer is very simple: no way! To take advantage of a smooth picture, your frame rate must be at least as high as the hertz of your monitor.
That is, if the monitor is at 144Hz, and you have 60 FPS in the game, the result will be equivalent to running a 60Hz display. The same works in reverse. If the FPS value is higher than the monitor’s hertz, then this will not give additional smoothness. Of course, there are benefits to higher frame rates. For example, you will get more responsive controls and will have some headroom for especially dynamic and heavy scenes in games, as a result of which the frame rate sags a lot. But if we talk purely about smoothness, remember: the frame rate should be higher than the monitor’s polling rate.
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Computers
Gaming monitor: how not to overpay for what you need
Does a frequency of 144 or more hertz give an advantage in games?
In theory, yes. The higher the hertz, the more relevant frames regarding what is happening in the game you see. When using a 60-Hz monitor, the current frame lags behind the actual game conditions by 16 milliseconds. It seems to be a negligible value. But let’s remember that the response time of gaming monitors is only 1 millisecond. The response times of good gaming mice and keyboards are the same. And when using a 144Hz screen, you see a frame that is only 7 milliseconds behind. For 240-Hz models, the figure is even lower. In addition, you see a smoother image due to less time allocated to each frame.
The described benefits are suitable only for professional e-sports players and fans of competitive online games.
For players who prefer single projects, this makes little sense. In this case, in our opinion, the quality of the picture is higher than the smoothness of the image. Also, a high-hertz monitor is not needed to watch movies, since 60 frames per second is the standard for many digital video formats.
Increased hertz — is it expensive?
A high refresh rate does not always make the monitor more expensive. In the game series, she has become just a «must have». For example, even the relatively inexpensive Acer Nitro RG241YPbiipx already has a 165Hz refresh rate.
If you’re serious about competitive shooters, flight sims, or racing sims, you’re looking for not only the highest possible refresh rate, but also the lowest latency. Accordingly, it makes sense to consider more advanced models — for example, Acer Nitro XV252QFbmiiprx with a frequency of 360 Hz and a delay of 1 ms. Of course, in order to realize the potential of such a monitor, you will need to take care of the hardware and even cables: for example, the bandwidth of the HDMI 2.