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When it comes to competitive FPS gaming, every millisecond matters, and the right monitor can make the difference between victory and defeat. The refresh rate of a monitor is an essential aspect to consider when evaluating the fluidity and responsiveness of visual displays.
A higher refresh rate (Hz) allows for smoother image transitions, reducing motion blur and ensuring every intricate detail and swift movement on the screen is accurately represented.
Understanding Refresh Rates
What Is a Refresh Rate?
Refresh rate, measured in hertz (Hz), refers to the frequency at which a display updates the onscreen image. For instance, a display with a refresh rate of 144Hz refreshes the image 144 times per second. So basically, in modern monitors, 1Hz is equal to 1 FPS. The more Hz your monitor has, the more FPS (frames per second) you will be able to see. In other words, the higher the refresh rate, the smoother the on-screen motion appears, which can significantly enhance your gaming experience, especially in fast-paced FPS games.
Why Is Refresh Rate Important in Gaming?
A higher refresh rate can drastically impact your gaming experience, particularly when it comes to fast-paced, competitive games where every frame counts. However, it's not just about having a monitor that supports high refresh rates - your gaming system must also be able to deliver the high frame rates necessary to make full use of the monitor's capabilities. If your system is only pushing out 30 frames per second, a 144Hz refresh rate won't be utilized to its full potential.
In first-person shooter games like CS:GO, COD, and Valorant, every single frame matters. Every additional frame gives you more time to react and enables smoother gameplay. Even though many say the human eye can’t see more than 60 FPS, it’s not true. The game is just not the same at 60 and 100 FPS. If you don’t believe us, try it! The difference is just too big, you will spot it in the first second.
Hardware Considerations for High Refresh Rates
When it comes to achieving high refresh rates, there are three critical components to consider:
- Monitor: It should have the capability to refresh quickly.
- CPU: It should be fast enough to provide critical game instructions, including AI, physics, game logic, and rendering data.
- GPU: It should be capable of executing these instructions quickly and creating the graphics you see on the screen.
The monitor can only display an image at the rate the system produces it, so it's crucial that your CPU and GPU are capable of completing this process quickly. Even if your monitor has impressive specifications, without a compatible CPU and GPU, you won't be able to enjoy a high-refresh-rate image.
Best 144Hz Monitors for FPS Gaming
LG 24GN650
Price: $250,00
The LG 24GN650 is a 24-inch monitor that offers a 1920x1080 resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. It supports FreeSync, ensuring smoother gameplay without screen tearing. With its IPS display, expect excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles, enhancing your overall gaming experience.
LG 32GQ950-B
Price: $850,00
This monitor comes with a 32'' inch IPS panel in 4K resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels) and a fast response time that delivers stunningly detailed and sharp images, resulting in engaging visuals. Its native refresh rate is 144Hz, but it provides faster speeds when overclocked to 160Hz.
Overall, its performance remains strong in FPS games thanks to the quickness at which it refreshes its image. This monitor also supports HDR10 for all compatible displays and takes full advantage of the HDMI 2.1 bandwidth, allowing users to game at 4K up to 120Hz on their current-gen consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Best 240Hz Monitors for FPS Gaming
ViewSonic XG2431
Price: $280,00
The ViewSonic XG2431 is a 24-inch monitor with a 1920x1080 resolution and a lightning-fast 240Hz refresh rate. It features an IPS panel and supports FreeSync, making it an excellent choice for hardcore gamers who value speed and performance.
Dell S2522HG
Price: $200,00
The Dell S2522HG is a 25-inch monitor that provides a 1920x1080 resolution and a 240Hz refresh rate. It's designed with an IPS panel and supports FreeSync, ensuring tear-free and smooth gameplay. Its slightly larger screen size may offer a more immersive gaming experience than smaller monitors.
Best 360Hz Monitors for FPS Gaming
Acer Aopen 25XV2QF
Price: $310,00
The Acer Aopen 25XV2QF is a high-performance monitor introduced by AOpen in 2021. It features a 24.5-inch IPS display with a W-LED backlight, offering a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The display provides a wide viewing angle of 178 degrees both horizontally and vertically, ensuring consistent image quality from different perspectives, an ideal monitor for FPS gaming.