Today, the market for gaming monitors is saturated with an overwhelminig array of choices. It can be difficult to discern which choices are truly the best for gaming. Refesh rate is an important factor in choosing the right gaming monitor, and is an often overlooked spec. Therefore an understanding of what refresh rate is and which type is best for gaming is a necessary part of any informed purchase decision.
Refresh rate is measured in Hertz (Hz). It is the number of times a monitor can display a completely new image in a second. So, a 60Hz monitor will display 60 complete images every second. This means that a faster refresh rate can have an advantage when it comes to gaming, as images will appear smoother and more consistent.
When it comes to choosing the best refresh rate for gaming, the general rule of thumb is the higher the refresh rate, the better. High refresh rates provide an ultra-smooth gaming experience, and are ideal for PC gamers playing intense action games, or anyone playing fast-paced competitive shooters. Many of these fast-paced games are designed to support refresh rates of 144hz or even higher.
A higher refresh rate can also be beneficial for gamers playing slower-paced games. An improved refresh rate can help to reduce motion blur, and make for a smoother overall experience. If a higher refresh rate is not available, then a lower rate such as 60 Hz is still sufficient for playing most games. However, if the budget allows for it, then a higher refresh rate is recommended.
Another important factor is adaptive sync technology. The most commonly used synthesis technology is AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync. Both of these technologies help to reduce screen tearing and stuttering, which can make for a more enjoyable gaming experience. G-Sync is proprietary to Nvidia, and is usually found on high-end gaming monitors. FreeSync is an open-source technology, and can be found on monitors of all price points.
Ultimately, the best refresh rate for gaming will depend on the games being played and the budget available. For those playing fast-paced games, higher refresh rates and adaptive sync technology are ideal. For those playing slower paced games, lower refresh rates are still sufficient. Ultimately, it’s important to understand all the specs involved before making a purchase, so that the best gaming monitor can be chosen.
Refresh Rate & Adaptive Sync Technology
Refresh rate, measured in Hertz, is the number of times a monitor can display a completely new image in a second. Therefore, a 60 Hz monitor will display 60 complete images each second. Faster refresh rates are thought to be best for gaming, as images appear smoother and more consistent. However, it might not always be possible to choose the highest refresh rate due to cost considerations.
Adaptive sync technologies such as G-Sync and AMD FreeSync are also important to keep in mind. G-Sync is a proprietary technology, most often found on high-end gaming monitors. AMD FreeSync is an open-source technology, which can be found on monitors of all price points. Both of these technologies help reduce screen tearing and stuttering, which can improve the quality of the gaming experience.
Motion Blur & Input Lag
Besides refresh rate and adaptive sync technology, there are other specs to consider when choosing the best gaming monitor. Motion blur is the blurring effect that visually occurs on-screen when objects are in motion. It can make for an unpleasant gaming experience and can be mitigated by a higher refresh rate. Input lag is another specification to consider. This is the amount of time it takes for a monitor to receive information from the source. A lower amount of input lag helps to ensure a smoother gaming experience.
Resolution & Response Time
Resolution is another important factor when it comes to gaming monitor specs. The higher the resolution, the better the image quality. However, this also means more power is needed to run the monitor and can result in more strain on the GPU. Response time is another spec to look into, as this refers to the amount of time it takes for the monitor to switch from one image to another. Lower response times can help to reduce motion blur and greatly improve the gaming experience.
Monitor Quality Factors
It is also important to evaluate the overall quality of the monitor itself. Look at the panel type, build quality, ergonomics, and ports that the monitor has. Generally speaking, IPS panels are considered superior to TN panels for image quality. However, TN panels can have a faster response time. Quality of construction should also be considered, as this will influence the longevity of the monitor. Finally, consider the ergonomic features that the monitor has, such as swivel, tilt, and height adjustments, as these can make gaming more comfortable.
