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What gaming monitor refresh rate do I need?

  1. Introduction
  2. Common refresh rates
  3. Advantages of higher refresh rates
  4. Considerations when choosing a refresh rate
  5. Tips and common mistakes
  6. FAQs

What is monitor refresh rate?


Refresh rate, measured in Hertz (Hz), is the number of times a monitor refreshes the image on the screen per second. For example, a 60Hz monitor refreshes the image 60 times per second.


Why is monitor refresh rate important for gaming?


Refresh rate affects the smoothness of gameplay. A higher refresh rate results in smoother motion and reduces motion blur, which is particularly important for fast-paced games like first-person shooters (FPS) or racing games.

Did you know?

In fast-paced eSports games like CS:GO, a split-second reaction can mean the difference between winning and losing? A 240Hz monitor refreshes the screen 4 times faster than a 60Hz monitor, ensuring you see every frame of action in near real-time. For professional players, this speed can be the edge they need to hit their shots before the opponent even registers their movement.

Common monitor refresh rates

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60Hz monitors

Best for: Casual gaming and non-competitive play.


Affordable and widely available.


Limitations: Motion can appear less smooth in fast-paced games.

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144Hz monitors

Best for: Competitive gaming and fast-action genres.


Significantly smoother motion compared to 60Hz.


Widely regarded as the standard for modern gaming monitors.

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240Hz + monitors

Best for: Competitive and professional gaming, especially in fast-paced eSports.



Limitations: Requires powerful hardware to maintain high frame rates, and benefits may be less noticeable for casual players.

Benefits and drawbacks of higher refresh rates

  • Smooth gameplay: Motion appears fluid, improving the overall gaming experience
  • Reduced input lag: Higher refresh rates lower the delay between player actions and screen response
  • Enhanced competitive edge: In fast-paced games, high refresh rates help players react more quickly to on-screen events
  • Increased cost: High refresh rate monitors are more expensive than standard 60Hz models
  • Hardware demands: Achieving high frame rates requires a powerful GPU, especially at higher resolutions
  • Diminishing returns: The jump from 60Hz to 144Hz is highly noticeable, but the improvement from 240Hz to 360Hz is less so

Considerations when choosing a refresh rate

1. What Games Do You Play?

  • "If you play fast-paced competitive games like Call of Duty or Valorant, a higher refresh rate monitor is essential."
  • "For slower-paced or story-driven games, 60Hz or 120Hz may be sufficient."

2. What Is Your Hardware Capability?

  • "Can your GPU consistently output frame rates that match your monitor’s refresh rate?"

3. What Is Your Budget?

  • "60Hz monitors are the most affordable, while 144Hz and above come at a premium. Consider your budget in conjunction with your gaming needs."

Monitor refresh rate tips and common mistakes

  • Match refresh rate to frame rate: Ensure your GPU can produce enough frames to utilize the monitor’s refresh rate.
  • Consider future-proofing: If you plan to upgrade your hardware soon, investing in a higher refresh rate monitor might be worth it.
  • Overpaying for features you won’t use: Don’t invest in a 240Hz or 360Hz monitor if your GPU can’t deliver the required frame rates, unless you are looking to future-proof your setup.
  • Neglecting other specs: Refresh rate is important, but don’t overlook response time, resolution, or panel type.

Monitor refresh rate FAQs?

Yes, especially for competitive gaming. The difference between 60Hz and 144Hz is dramatic, while the jump to 240Hz or 360Hz benefits only specific use cases.

Many modern consoles, like the PS5 and Xbox Series X, support 120Hz, but ensure your monitor is compatible.

Only for professional eSports players or those who prioritize the absolute best in responsiveness.

Yes, use DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1 cables to support higher refresh rates, especially at higher resolutions.

Yes, if your GPU produces more frames than your monitor’s refresh rate, you may experience screen tearing. Adaptive sync technologies like FreeSync or G-Sync can prevent this.

Not necessarily. While 60Hz may suffice for casual play, 144Hz provides noticeably smoother visuals, enhancing the gaming experience even in non-competitive games.

Yes, higher refresh rates reduce input lag, making your actions appear on-screen faster. This is especially beneficial in fast-paced games.

Refresh rate measures how often the monitor updates the screen per second, while response time measures how quickly pixels change. Both affect smoothness, but they are separate metrics.

For general use, refresh rate has minimal impact. However, higher refresh rates can make tasks like scrolling or video playback feel smoother.

Ensure you’re using a cable that supports the monitor’s maximum refresh rate (e.g., DisplayPort for 240Hz) and configure the setting in your GPU’s control panel or operating system.
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