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What gaming monitor response time do I need?

  1. Introduction
  2. Common response times
  3. Advantages of faster response times
  4. Considerations when choosing a response time
  5. Tips and common mistakes
  6. FAQs

What is monitor response time?

Response time refers to how quickly a monitor's pixels can change from one colour to another, typically measured in milliseconds (ms). Lower response times indicate faster pixel transitions, which reduces motion blur and ghosting during gameplay.


Why is response time important for gaming?

In fast-paced games like first-person shooters (FPS) or racing games, slower response times can lead to visual artifacts like motion blur. Faster response times ensure clearer visuals during rapid movements, enhancing gameplay

Did you know?

A faster response time can make the difference in tracking fast-moving objects in games like Rocket League? For instance, with a 1ms monitor, the ball's trajectory appears sharper and smoother, enabling players to react quicker and score critical goals.

Common monitor response times

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1ms monitors

Best for: Competitive gaming where every millisecond matters.

Provides the clearest motion and eliminates ghosting.

Common in TN panels and some modern IPS monitors.

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4ms monitors

Best for: Casual and immersive gaming.

Slightly slower but generally unnoticeable to most gamers.

Found in many IPS and VA panels.

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5ms + (GTG)

Best for: General use and non-competitive gaming.

Motion blur may be more noticeable in fast-paced games.

Common in budget monitors and older technologies.

Benefits and drawbacks of faster response times

GTG vs. MPRT:

GTG (Gray-to-Gray): Measures the time it takes a pixel to change between shades of grey. This is the most common metric used by manufacturers.

MPRT (Moving Picture Response Time): Measures how long a pixel remains visible. Lower MPRT reduces motion blur but isn’t as widely advertised.

  • Clearer motion: Reduces ghosting and blurring, making it easier to track fast-moving objects
  • Competitive edge: In fast-paced games, faster response times improve reaction times and accuracy
  • Enhanced immersion: Sharp visuals during motion create a more engaging experience
  • Increased cost: Monitors with faster response times often come at a premium
  • Panel trade-offs: TN panels offer the fastest response times but sacrifice color quality and viewing angle
  • Diminishing returns: For casual gamers, the difference between 1ms and 4ms may be negligible

Considerations when choosing a response time for your monitor

1. What type of games do you play?

  • "Are you into competitive games like Valorant or CS:GO? A 1ms response time monitor is highly recommended."
  • "Do you prefer story-driven games or casual play? A 4ms monitor may suffice."

2. How important is visual quality?

  • "For competitive gaming, prioritize response time. For casual gaming or content creation, you might opt for better colour accuracy with slightly slower response times."

3. What is your budget?

  • "Faster response time monitors, particularly those with 1ms, tend to be more expensive. Balance your needs with your budget."

Response time tips and common mistakes

  • Match response time to your needs: If you’re a competitive gamer, prioritize a 1ms monitor. Casual gamers can look at 4ms or higher options.
  • Understand panel trade-offs: Faster response times are common in TN panels, but IPS panels now offer a good balance of speed and color accuracy.
  • Overprioritizing response time: A 1ms monitor is unnecessary if you don’t play competitive games.
  • Ignoring other specs: Don’t focus solely on response time. Consider refresh rate, resolution, and panel type.
  • Believing all 1ms monitors are equal: Check whether the response time is GTG or MPRT, as they measure different aspects of performance.

Monitor response time FAQs

Yes, for competitive gaming, but for casual play, the difference between 1ms and 4ms is often negligible.

Not necessarily. A 4ms monitor is sufficient for most non-competitive games.

TN panels offer the fastest response times, but modern IPS panels provide a great balance between speed and colour quality.

Not directly. Input lag is influenced by multiple factors, including refresh rate and hardware, though faster response times can enhance overall performance.

GTG is more commonly used and focuses on pixel colour changes, while MPRT measures overall motion clarity. Neither is strictly better, but they indicate different aspects of performance.

Yes, especially if they play visually demanding games or want the best clarity, but it’s not essential for non-competitive play.

Ghosting occurs when response times are too slow to keep up with rapid movements, creating a trailing image effect. Faster response times help minimize this issue.

Not usually. In slower-paced games, higher response times are less noticeable as motion transitions are not as rapid.

Yes, OLED monitors often achieve near-instant response times, making them ideal for high-motion clarity in gaming.
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