Refresh rate matters the most to gamers (irrespective of their playing level), as it brings considerable difference in gameplay. But what is the ideal parameter, and how to choose the same? Should you choose a gaming monitor with a refresh rate of 144Hz, 240Hz or 360 Hz? You may struggle a bit to notice the difference between them. So don't just go by the book and buy the highest refresh rate monitor you can afford. If you are looking for a new gaming monitor, here is something you should know before zeroing in on the one.
What is a Refresh Rate?You may know how crucial the refresh rate is for gamers, but chances are you aren't aware of what it is. The refresh rate is the number of times the monitor updates the image per second. It is measured typically in Hz (hertz). The higher refresh rate adds more responsiveness towards gaming. Besides, it reduces flickering, which is the prime cause of eye strain.
Many computers (even televisions) operate at 60Hz. It means they refresh pictures up to 60 times per second, fast enough for performing most standard computing tasks. However, higher-end monitors for gaming have higher refresh rates like 144Hz, 240Hz, and 360Hz. However, their performance depends highly on the frame rates they are provided with.
The refresh rate is different from the frame rate per second (FPS). While refresh rate denotes the number of times the monitor refreshes the image per second, frames per second (FPS) are responsible for the frame rates a computer can render. When the monitor displays only the desktop, the frame rate is almost similar to the monitor's refresh rate. However, when it comes to gaming, the frame rates vary dramatically. Herein powerful computers render low-end games at hundreds of frames per second, whereas low-end ones render the most demanding games at very few frames per second.
- Smooth & Better User Experience: A gaming monitor with at least 144Hz provides a better gaming experience than its lower Hz counterpart. It gives you better control over gaming, helping you enhance your performance. A high refresh rate also ensures that the device is smooth and fluid.
- Supports Gaming and Graphics Processing: Another added advantage of having a high refresh rate is that it supports screen and computer to provide a better gaming experience. When paired with frame rates offered by CPU & GPU, a gaming monitor with a refresh rate of 144Hz, offers even better performance for high-paced gaming.
- Offers Comfortable Viewing Experience: While a minimum of 60Hz rate is ideal for most computing tasks, for individuals playing for extended hours, a high refresh rate additionally helps ease eyestrain while reducing flickers & stutters noticeably less and thus provides a comfortable viewing experience.
Out of these refresh rates, the higher ones offer the most benefits to professional & heavy gamers. However, once you move beyond 240Hz, you will notice diminishing returns because of the FPS. Plus, much higher refresh rates are available on a few monitors, and even if you find one, it will be way expensive.
The best refresh rate for you depends on what you intend to do. If you are professional gamers, who don't want to compromise on the performance level, then going for a higher refresh rate will benefit you the most. Gamers interested in high picture quality and higher refresh rates must choose 4K options. However, there isn't an option for OLED at that refresh rate. You may have to go for a QD-OLED. But all these monitors are way expensive.
If you are looking for a good, all-around gaming monitor, 144Hz monitors are your ideal choice. They offer the most required smoother and more responsive gaming experience, yet they don't tag along the limitations or higher price tags like top displays. You can choose a variety of resolutions and display technologies. Moreover, you don't need high-end graphics and processors to support the performance.
Conclusion:If you are a regular gamer who prefers multiplayer gameplay, you can never go wrong with a 144Hz gaming monitor . In fact, in this scenario, this refresh rate should be your bare minimum criteria. Anything less will not deliver you a similar performance, and anything more you might not need or find considerable difference unless you pair it with high FPS.