Refresh Rates and Screen Resolution for Gaming
Imagine that you’re on your PC playing a game online with your friends, but the image lags and the movements are jumpy and unnatural. You might think it’s a glitch in the game, but it could be your computer. Learn how high refresh rates and screen resolution can keep your gaming and streaming experiences super smooth.
What is a refresh rate?
Your computer’s refresh rate is how often your screen can update its display within the span of one second. It’s measured in Hertz (Hz).
If your display has a refresh rate of 60 Hz, that means the image on the screen is refreshed 60 times per second. If your monitor has a refresh rate of 120 Hz, a new image is shown on your screen at a rate of 120 times within a single second. The higher the refresh rate, the smoother and more realistic the motion within a game or video appears.
It’s important to note that your computer’s maximum refresh rate is dependent on a few factors:
- Your machine’s video card
- Your monitor’s overall quality
- Your screen resolution
A great monitor paired with an out-of-date video card won’t have a great refresh rate and vice versa.
What is screen resolution?
Screen resolution is the number of pixels a screen can show, both horizontally and vertically. For computers, this is measured in pixels per inch (PPI), which expresses the number of pixels in the display within one square inch.
How do refresh rate and screen resolution affect gaming?
If you’re playing Xbox or other video games on your PC, a low refresh rate can feel like a huge handicap. A high refresh rate will improve the responsiveness of the game you’re playing or video you’re watching while high screen resolution keeps images sharp and crisp. Especially for games involving intense action or movement, this ideal gaming combo keeps the experience as real-time and realistic feeling as possible.
Higher refresh rate and resolution can also help improve your gameplay. A monitor with lower Hz and PPI won’t be able to show images as clearly as one with higher quality. You might experience blurred image during gameplay or video playback.
If you encounter these issues, it might be time to upgrade your screen.
A higher refresh rate is also particularly important for gaming because it can help minimize screen tearing. This happens when the screen can’t keep up with the amount of information it’s receiving. This disconnect in information can result in skipping and incomplete frames, which can be distracting and disorienting.
What’s the best refresh rate and screen resolution for gaming?
The best refresh rate and screen resolution for gaming depend largely on the individual, their relationship with video games, and their computer. If you’re a casual gamer, 60 Hz and 95-110 PPI should be fine. If you’re in a competitive league, 144 Hz and 110-140 PPI might be a better fit. Some top-of-the-line gaming monitors have a refresh rate of 240 Hz and screen resolution above 140 PPI, which can be essential for a professional gamer.
How to change refresh rate in Windows 11
If you think your refresh rate isn’t what you need it to be, you might not be using the highest refresh rate available on your device.
To change your display refresh rate in Windows 11, follow these steps:
- Go to the Start menu.
- Select Settings > System > Display > Advanced display.
- You’ll find refresh rate options beside Choose refresh rate.
- To see what your device is capable of, you might try the highest available refresh rate.
For the best experience, go for a refresh rate and screen resolution high enough for consistent, smooth play, and learn about more ways Windows 11 was built for gaming.
Asus ROG Strix XG279Q Gaming Monitor Review: Speed and Style
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Asus’ ROG Strix XG279Q rocks our speed tests and delivers HDR with extended color.
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(Image: © Asus)
Tom’s Hardware Verdict
The Asus ROG Strix XG279Q needs a bit of tweaking to achieve the best possible image quality, but its gaming performance is at the premium level.
Both G-Sync and FreeSync are available, working in concert with blur-reduction, along with 170Hz and HDR and extended color. There’s a lot going on here for about $600, and most of it is very good.
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HDR and extended color have become important considerations when purchasing the best gaming monitor for you. But the top two criteria are still adaptive sync and speed. A static image might look fantastic, but if motion isn’t smooth and response isn’t quick, the experience falls apart quickly.
The Asus ROG Strix XG279Q is aimed squarely at the speed-seeking player with 170Hz refresh, FreeSync & G-Sync support, in a 1ms IPS panel. It also includes DisplayHDR 400 certification with HDR10 support and over 92% coverage of the DCI-P3 color gamut.
Frame rates are sure to be high (when paired with a capable graphics card) thanks to its QHD (2560×1440) resolution. Performance will be strong with a wide range of video cards. And there is a new feature here as well: the ability to run blur-reduction and adaptive sync at the same time. Asus calls it ELMB Sync and it’s our first experience with this feature.
(Image credit: Asus)
Asus ROG Strix XG279Q Specifications
Swipe to scroll horizontally
| Brand & Model | Asus ROG Strix XG279Q |
|---|---|
| Panel Type & Backlight | IPS / W-LED, edge array |
| Screen Size & Aspect Ratio | 27 inches / 16:9 |
| Max Resolution & Refresh | 2560 x1440 @ 144Hz, 170Hz w/overclock, G-Sync Compatible (40-170Hz) |
| Native Color Depth & Gamut | 8-bit / DCI-P3, Display HDR 400, HDR10 |
| Response Time (GTG) | 1ms |
| Brightness | 400 nits |
| Contrast | 1,000:1 |
| Speakers | 2x 2w |
| Video Inputs | 1x DisplayPort 1. 2, 2x HDMI 2.0 |
| Audio | 3.5mm headphone output |
| USB 3.0 | 1x up, 2x down |
| Power Consumption | 29w, brightness @ 200 nits |
| Panel Dimensions | 24.1 x 16.6-21.3 x 10.6 inches |
| WxHxD w/base | (611 x 422-542 x 270mm) |
| Panel Thickness | 3.2 inches (82mm) |
| Bezel Width | Top/sides: 0.2 inch (6mm), Bottom: 0.8 inch (20mm) |
| Weight | 15.4lbs (7kg) |
| Warranty | Three years |
- Asus ROG Strix XG279Q (HDR Black) at Amazon for $784.99
The XG279Q is part of Asus’ ROG Strix line, products that are gaming-oriented but sit in a more affordable price range than the high-end ROG Swift series.
That means you won’t see things like 1000-nit full array backlights or Ultra HD resolution at 144Hz. But in the heat of battle, this monitor is poised to deliver a superb experience.
The base refresh rate is 144Hz, but by engaging overclock in the OSD, speeds of up to 170Hz are possible. The adaptive sync range is 40-170Hz and both AMD and Nvidia technologies are supported for SDR and HDR signals. Asus prints the G-Sync logo on the box and the XG279Q is indeed certified by Nvidia as G-Sync compatible. Oddly, it does not appear on AMD’s list and Asus makes no mention of FreeSync in their marketing. But our tests confirm that it is FreeSync compatible over both DisplayPort and HDMI.
Also packed in are DisplayHDR 400 certification and extended color. Our tests confirm HDR10 support and a peak brightness of over 500 nits in HDR mode. And color coverage is a measured 92% of the DCI-P3 gamut, one of the best readings we’ve recorded thus far.
That said, the real gem here is ELMB Sync.
Many monitors include blur-reduction via backlight strobe, but it must be turned off to use adaptive sync. The XG279Q removes that limitation. Not only does blur-reduction operate up to 170Hz (we confirmed this) but it works while adaptive sync is turned on. And it works with both AMD and Nvidia boards. The only limit is you can’t use ELMB in HDR mode. Along with Asus’ other gaming features like GamePlus and a solid overdrive, this looks to be a seriously capable display.
Unpacking and Accessories
The panel and upright come already assembled. Just attach the base with a captive bolt and you’re ready to go. But don’t forget the lighting feature. Asus includes a snap-on part for the base with three interchangeable lenses that project two versions of the ROG logo on your desktop or just a soft glow. In addition to an external power supply, you get USB, DisplayPort and HDMI cables.
Product 360
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(Image credit: Asus)(Image credit: Asus)(Image credit: Asus)
The XG279Q has one of the thinnest bezels we’ve seen on a monitor yet, just 6mm around the top and sides.
It’s flush-mounted so there is no frame standing out from the front anti-glare layer. The image is sharp and clear, with no grain or other artifacts to spoil the fun. Across the bottom is a wider trim strip with the ROG logo displayed in the center.
Around the back right are four large control keys and a navigation joystick. The bottom button toggles power while the other three can be programmed for a variety of functions by the user. The joystick moves through the OSD quickly and easily and will have you up and running in short order.
Lighting effects come in two forms, Aura Sync and Light in Motion. Aura Sync refers to the large backlit ROG logo on the panel’s backside that can be set to breathe or flash and change color. The light show can coordinate with other ROG components so your whole rig can be used as an aircraft signaling device, or just to distract your competitors at LAN parties. Light in Motion is a small projector built into the XG279Q’s base that projects a ROG logo on the desktop surface.
Three lenses come in the package, two with logos and a one clear. You can choose any color you wish, as long as it’s red, but there are at least three brightness levels.
The stand is of very high quality and offers a 4.7-inch height adjustment along with 40° swivel both ways, 20 degree back tilt, 5 degrees forward and a 90-degree portrait mode. Movements are very smooth and there is no play or wobble. Overall build quality is as good as Asus’ premium monitors, with perfect fit and finish and a solid feel to all controls and ergonomics.
(Image credit: Asus)
The input panel is stocked with one DisplayPort (DP) 1.2 and two HDMI 2.0 ports. G-Sync only works over DP while FreeSync works with either interface but is limited to 144Hz over HDMI. HDR also works through any input. Best choice: Use DisplayPort if you want access to all the XG279Q’s features. USB 3.0 is supported with one upstream and two downstream connections and there is a 3.5mm analog audio output for headphones.
Two internal speakers are powered by 2-watt op-amps and provide polite sound that is free of distortion or bass.
OSD Features
The XG279Q’s OSD is full-featured and offers everything needed for a premium gaming experience. There are seven sub-menus arranged in logical categories.
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
The Gaming menu includes overclocking options with a slider that takes the monitor beyond its 144Hz native refresh rate up to 170Hz. Our sample was completely stable at that speed. The overdrive has five levels. We saw some ghosting at the most aggressive setting but number 4 works well. This option is grayed out when ELMB is engaged, but it does work with both types of adaptive sync.
As noted earlier, ELMB Sync is a new feature that allows blur reduction and adaptive sync to happen at the same time. It works up to 170Hz and with both FreeSync and G-Sync but not with HDR. There is a slight brightness reduction when enabled, which varies depending on content.
The XG279Q adjusts its backlight level dynamically when ELMB is turned on. This caused a bit of flickering in some of our tests, both in patterns and while gaming. More on that below.
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
Asus includes its usual suite of GamePlus enhancements to include aiming points, countdown timers, frame rate counter and display alignment guides. New here is Sniper which adds an aiming point and magnifies a box at the center of the screen up to two times larger. It’s something we haven’t seen before and should be helpful to FPS newbies.
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
The XG279Q has a full set of image controls, all of which are available when GameVisual (picture modes) is set to User. There are three color temp options plus a user mode with RGB sliders. Three gamma presets (1.8, 2.2, 2.5) are included as well as a color saturation slider.
For HDR signals, all picture options are grayed out, but you get two new modes, Cinema and Gaming. They are a bit different in their treatment of the luminance curve and in grayscale accuracy.
You can’t calibrate them, but they provide a very good HDR image. We’ll show you their numbers on page four.
Setup and Calibration
The XG279Q’s Racing mode has a cool grayscale and oversaturated color with a somewhat skewed gamma curve. By adjusting the RGB sliders and changing the gamma preset to 2.5, those issues are mostly eliminated. In fact, grayscale tracking after calibration is nearly perfect. The change in gamma also adds depth to the image and makes color more true. Our settings below should help you get the most from your XG279Q. If you’re looking for an sRGB mode, there is one among the GameVisual choices, but it locks out all calibration options and fixes brightness at over 300 nits. All other modes use the monitor’s full native DCI-P3 color gamut, which covers more than 92% of that standard.
In HDR mode, you can choose between Cinema or Gaming modes. They treat the luminance curve and grayscale a bit differently, so it’ll come down to which you prefer.
Both are reasonably accurate.
Swipe to scroll horizontally
| Picture Mode | User | Header Cell — Column 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Brightness 200 nits | 22 | Row 0 — Cell 2 |
| Brightness 120 nits | 8 | Row 1 — Cell 2 |
| Brightness 100 nits | 4 | Row 2 — Cell 2 |
| Brightness 80 nits | 1 (minimum 76 nits) | Row 3 — Cell 2 |
| Contrast | 80 | Row 4 — Cell 2 |
| Gamma | 2.5 | Row 5 — Cell 2 |
| Color Temp User | Red 98, Green 100, Blue 93 | Row 6 — Cell 2 |
Gaming and Hands-on
The XG279Q offers many possible settings combinations when considering refresh rate, adaptive sync, ELMB and HDR.
In SDR mode, you can run up to 170Hz with either G-Sync or FreeSync and engage ELMB blur-reduction if you wish. For HDR content, you can run up to 170Hz with both adaptive sync technologies, but you can’t use ELMB.
When ELMB is engaged, motion is glassy smooth, but we saw a bit of ghosting in areas of high contrast even though overdrive was disengaged. Switching ELMB off in favor of overdrive cuts the ghosting but then there is slight blur in the finest detail. It’s a six-of-one half-dozen-of-the-other proposition. Our preference was to use overdrive instead of ELMB. We played on both FreeSync and G-Sync machines and observed identical image quality. And since ELMB won’t work with HDR, there is no decision to make there.
Speaking of HDR, it looks spectacular. You could almost mistake the XG279Q for a FALD (full-array local dimming) display. Its dynamic contrast feature works wonders at making highlights pop, deepening blacks and delivering bold color without obscuring detail in the slightest.
Call of Duty WWII was loads of fun with its film-like appearance and grainy textures on full display. This game takes full advantage of HDR and extended color. Once we dialed in the highlight and shadow points using the in-game test patterns, we spent hours roaming the streets of bombed-out Europe in search of the enemy. This monitor handles HDR content extremely well.
The same is true for SDR. In Tomb Raider, we tried playing with ELMB and enjoyed a super-smooth blur-free experience. But there was a bit of ghosting when dark objects moved against a light background. It wasn’t always present, but the artifact popped up occasionally. Eventually, we turned it off and just stuck with adaptive sync, overdrive on level 3 and 170Hz. This delivered the best gameplay with instant control response and an image to die for. Even though the monitor’s color palette was larger than the game’s creators intended, it never looked overblown.
For day-to-day tasks, the XG279Q provides a sharp colorful picture with a pixel density of 109ppi.
QHD in the 27-inch size means solid detail and good performance with a wide variety of graphics hardware. Frame rates in games with detail maxed stayed between 150 and 170fps, with both a GeForce GTX 1080 Ti and a Radeon RX 5700 XT. So, one can expect 80-100fps with a mid-priced card. The XG279Q is quite versatile and delivers a superb gaming experience with any system built to a moderate budget.
Asus ROG Strix XG279Q: Price Comparison
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Christian Eberle is a Contributing Editor for Tom’s Hardware US. He’s a veteran reviewer of A/V equipment, specializing in monitors.
Games in which the monitor is no less important than the video card
Games are different, and despite the fact that you can play them on anything — just to «draw», there are cases when on a certain platform with certain peripherals one and the same game looks and feels much better than on everyone else.
And most often, the gaming experience is affected by the monitor, whether it’s a regular 16:9, a wide 21:9, or an old cathode-ray TV from grandpa’s garage.
Why is 120-144 Hz better than 60 Hz?
Increased display refresh rate is needed for cases when fps in games exceeds 60 frames. This is what happens here: formally, a regular monitor simply cannot display more frames per second than its matrix allows. In this case, the objects do move a little smoother, but still it’s not the same as the «native» 120 fps.
Framerate becomes really important in competitive shooters, where for maximum control of your actions it is necessary that the image does not blur even with sharp camera turns, and the crosshair moves as smoothly as possible. And this is achieved precisely at values much higher than 60 fps.
In addition, monitors with Free Sync and G-Sync technologies are used to optimize the frame rate. These are similar technologies that allow the monitor to synchronize its refresh rate with the frame rate of the game in each specific situation, so as not to lose, skip or rush frames.
They differ mainly only in support — FreeSync is designed for AMD Radeon video cards, and G-Sync works with Nvidia GeForce and is found only in the most expensive monitor models.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
The main competitive shooter on the modern esports scene has long been a testing ground for all new «gaming» technologies — who better than esportsmen with the fastest reaction to determine whether new solutions work to improve results.
And 120-144 Hz monitors received unequivocal support from the «CS-ers», they are really different from the usual ones.
True, the real advantage of such monitors is shown only in undemanding competitive games. For example, in the same The Witcher 3, very rare computers (if any) can squeeze out much more than 60 frames at ultra in 4K, and in such projects, resolution and effects are much more important than a high frame rate.
Why 4K HDR is needed
The display market is evolving and new technologies are taking the place of obsolete ones: cathode ray TVs have been replaced by flat LCD screens, 480p resolution has given way first to HD (720p), and then to Full HD (1080p) ), which remains relevant to this day.
And every time users are perplexed: why spend money on an expensive new TV or monitor with increased resolution, if the old one does not cause any discomfort?
This is quite understandable. Fixing what isn’t broken isn’t always the best idea. On the other hand, try to find your old square TV, turn it on and ask yourself the question — do you want to return to this format?
Next-generation technologies are 4K resolution and HDR extended color gamut. They provide the most bright, rich and detailed picture. And in games, the difference when moving from Full HD to a new monitor is especially noticeable.
Assassin’s Creed Origins
Assassin’s Creed has never looked so good — Ubisoft managed to recreate a bright, hot Egypt.
Thanks to HDR, it contrasts so strongly with the faded winter gloom outside the window that you want to dive into the picture and feel the light of the virtual sun and the shadow of virtual palm trees.
The game looks good in Full HD, but the textures of stones and sand spoil the whole impression, in 4K the environment still looks much better. The screenshots below show that the draw distance and the amount of detail on clothes and columns are changing.
2 photos
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3 is a very beautiful game, even almost three years after its release. The advantage of HDR and high resolution is felt especially well in Skellige and Toussaint — every rock, tree and stone in a dark cave has detailed textures and correct shadows.
In 4K, the textures of clothes and armor look much more natural, the grass is larger, and it is better drawn. HDR, on the other hand, adds more detailed skies and richer colors. In addition, more detail and midtones are displayed in dark scenes, since the dynamic range of color display is much wider.
2 photos
What to play on Ultrawide LG
A 21:9 aspect ratio screen isn’t just bigger — it fits more information; more play if you like. Unlike just a large monitor with a standard aspect ratio, LG’s Ultrawide (like the 34UC79G I recently reviewed) expands the player’s field of view in the virtual world (we also recently wrote about FOV and its importance).
Forza Horizon 3
In any racing or driving simulator, the Ultrawide LG monitor will come in handy — if the monitor covers the entire viewing angle of the player, then the immersion from this becomes deeper. And when you sit with the steering wheel, pedals and gearbox, driving around the Nurburgring with a view from the cockpit, it becomes damn important.
Forza Horizon 3
Why is Forza Horizon 3 in our selection? Yes, it’s not even a car sim, but more of an open world arcade racing game — but what a world! Such stunning landscapes are not found anywhere else, a real vacation in Australia.
Project: CARS 2
Elite: Dangerous
And since we are talking about simulators, where can we go without the main dream of mankind — space. In Elite, you can surf the galaxy in a personal ship, and you really want to plunge into this adventure with your head.
But here, if it’s possible, it’s better to go for broke and bet a super-rig of three Ultrawide LGs at once. This, of course, is very expensive and will justify itself only for the most ardent fans of space sims, but the impressions, especially with a joystick (not a gamepad, but a steering wheel) are absolutely unforgettable.
2 photos
League of Legends
«League», like any MOBA, is a game about maximum control and rapid response to a changing tactical environment. That is why FOV decides a lot in it — the ability to notice the enemy before he sees you, and have time to prepare for a counterattack (or quietly escape) can very often stretch the entire match. On Ultrawide LG, more information at the edges fits into the screen, objects and other players are drawn for you a little earlier than for owners of conventional monitors.
The already overloaded interface in these types of games is distributed more freely on the screen and does not block the view of the central part, where all the most important things happen.
But this extended field of view is not really useful everywhere. For example, in a 2D platformer, you’ll just see a little more obstacles, but nothing more. In addition, not all indie games correctly support non-standard screen resolutions. Super Meat Boy and The End Is Nigh, for example, only run in 16:9. But The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth just stretches the rooms.
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For what games is it worth getting an old TV
An old monitor or TV is needed, obviously, for old games. Especially for retro consoles — you can’t connect any PlayStation One to new screens without pain and adapters, and painfully stretched polygons, not designed for modern diagonals and resolutions, will beat off any desire to play your favorite childhood games.
In addition, by connecting your modern PC (with pain and adapters, of course!) to such a screen, you can achieve an original effect in games like The End Is Nigh, Owlboy and other retro indies.
Just don’t sit in front of an old TV for a long time, your eyes won’t thank you for it.
Do you need a monitor with a refresh rate of 144Hz, 240Hz or 300Hz?
Monitors with refresh rates ranging from 144Hz, 240Hz, 300Hz and above are mainly designed for fast-paced online gaming. Buying such a monitor can be a waste if you value image quality over frame rate.
If you’re looking for a new monitor, you might be tempted to buy a monitor with the highest refresh rate you can afford. But there are a few things to consider before going full 240Hz, 360Hz and beyond.
What is the refresh rate?
The refresh rate is the number of times your monitor updates per second, measured in hertz (Hz). A standard 60Hz desktop office monitor refreshes 60 times per second, which is fast enough for most simple computer tasks. Most TVs also run at 60Hz, although the new standard is twice as fast at 120Hz.
A monitor that refreshes at 120Hz displays twice as many images per second as a monitor that refreshes at 60Hz.
The term “high refresh rate” can be interpreted in many ways, but in general it means everything above 144 Hz. You can often find gaming monitors with refresh rates of 165Hz, 175Hz, 240Hz, and higher.
Why buy a 144Hz, 240Hz or 300Hz monitor?
The more frames displayed per second, the smoother the movement on the screen will be. You’ll get more feedback on what’s happening in games, and the monitor will respond to input faster than lower refresh rate models. This refresh rate improvement will also be visible on desktop and web browsing.
Monitors with high refresh rates and high resolutions (like the Gigabyte 4K M32U) cost more; the price starts at about $500 and goes up to several thousand. By comparison, you can get a 1080p or 1440p monitor with a 240Hz refresh rate for much less than a 4K or ultra-wide monitor with more pixels—for example, $200.
You won’t always notice the difference
When it comes to increasing the refresh rate, you’re much more likely to notice a difference between 60Hz and 120Hz than when going from 240Hz to 360Hz.
The same goes for frame rates in general when you compare the legacy 30fps version with the 60fps remaster. The benefits are much more obvious at the lower end of the spectrum.
Some even claim that they can’t tell 60Hz from 120Hz, confirming the fact that as a baseline for most gamers, the 60fps target is good enough. Many people prefer superior image quality, using methods such as ray-traced shadows and global illumination in modern games.
In 2020, ASUS launched the PG259QN, the world’s first 360Hz gaming monitor. Since then, there have been many high refresh rate monitors such as the ViewSonic Elite XG250 (280Hz), MSI Oculux NX253R (360Hz) and Acer Nitro XV272U (300Hz), all sold in the esports environment.
At that time, the Linus Tech Tips tech channel decided to test which employee could tell the difference between an ASUS 360Hz monitor and multiple 240Hz monitors. Despite the small sample size, most were unable to tell the difference between the monitors, and even those who were able to guess described the difference as “subtle” and barely noticeable.
..
A higher refresh rate can make you a better player and give you an edge by providing smoother movement and more up-to-date feedback on what’s happening on the screen. But perhaps there is a limit beyond which most of those who do not participate in the esports program will notice a difference. Chasing ever higher refresh rates is a game of diminishing returns.
What about 500Hz monitors?
That said, at CES 2023, Alienware announced the AW2524H 500Hz monitor, and ASUS introduced the ROG Swift Pro PG248QP, which can hit 540Hz when properly tuned. Can you tell the difference between 360Hz and 500Hz? Maybe. Does it make sense to overpay for most people? Probably not. On top of that, there are some serious compromises you’ll have to make if you want to break the 500Hz barrier.
Both monitors are only 1080p, which is to be expected if you want to generate enough frames to take full advantage of them. Both use TN-type panels, which is also to be expected since TN-type panels provide faster response times, both in terms of viewing angles and color reproduction.
These monitors prioritize motion processing in almost every metric, including overall image quality.
Unless you have a very specific use case in mind, then even a 360Hz monitor might not be worth the cost. We would recommend seeing these monitors first hand to decide if they are worth the money and if you are willing to compromise on picture quality. You will also need to make sure that your computer is up to the task.
Higher refresh rate requires higher frame rate
There’s no point in buying a monitor with a refresh rate of 240Hz or higher if you can’t play 240fps (or close to it) in the games you want to play. The highest refresh rate is ideal for those who play online competitive games, where many players choose lower graphics quality to get as many frames as possible.
If you don’t play these types of games or don’t have a system that allows you to run games at frame rates that make the most of your monitor’s refresh rate, it might not be worth buying a monitor with the highest refresh rate you can afford.
If you primarily play single player, you may prefer higher resolutions and lower refresh rates. If you’re having a hard time getting above 120fps in your favorite games, a modern 120Hz panel (like the 42-inch LG C2 OLED) will give you more bang for your buck. You may prefer higher quality HDR graphics by choosing a monitor with high peak brightness for a more immersive single player experience.
An argument can always be made in favor of buying a monitor with a higher refresh rate than you need right now, with the intention of breaking that threshold in a future upgrade. But games don’t always go in that direction. In the vast majority of games, we’re more likely to see better textures, better lighting, and more realistic reflections and shadows than big jumps in performance.
What speed is too high?
Whether the refresh rate is “too high” to justify the cost depends on two variables: your ability to accept higher refresh rates (ideally in blind testing) and the number of frames your PC can deliver in the games you choose.