144Hz Monitor are the latest trend in gaming. This article will guide you through the decision of purchasing one, including whether a high refresh rate enhances gaming experience. As well as the top fast refresh rate displays available at different price points.
Thing You Need to Know About Fast Refresh Rate
Before evaluating its value, let’s first familiarize ourselves with the terms associated with high refresh rate. These terms include Hz, motion resolution, screen tearing, and input response. To start, what does Hz signify?
Hz Overview
Hz stands for Hertz, which is a unit of frequency measurement. In simple terms, 1Hz means one cycle per second. In reference to displays, Hz refers to the refresh rate, which is the speed at which an image is refreshed on a screen. The refresh rate affects how smoothly motion is displayed, as the difference between frames is what creates the illusion of movement.
Therefore, a higher refresh rate display can greatly improve the gaming experience if the game can run at a high frame rate, such as 100 frames per second. However, it will have no impact on the viewing experience of a movie with a standard frame rate of 24 frames per second.
Screen Tearing and Response Timing
Refresh rates and frame rates often do not match, leading to screen tearing. This occurs when your computer’s graphics card generates frames at a rate that exceeds the monitor’s refresh rate. Screen tearing can be particularly noticeable in games with high frame rates.
This includes Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, which usually runs above 100 fps. Although a single tear can be easily noticeable, multiple small ones often go unnoticed by most players.
Frame syncing technologies, such as V-Sync, FreeSync, and G-Sync, help mitigate screen tearing by synchronizing the frame rate with the refresh rate of the monitor.
The refresh rate of a display greatly affects input lag. For instance, a 60Hz monitor will always have a minimum lag of 16.67 milliseconds, as that is the time between refreshes. A 120Hz display reduces this lag to 8.33ms, while a 240Hz display further reduces it to 4.16ms.
Reducing lag can be crucial for ultra-competitive gaming or for those who prefer a smooth gaming experience. The perception of lag varies from person to person. It’s important to note that the refresh rate only determines the speed at which the outcome of an action is displayed on the screen and does not have any impact on input lag
Motion and Resolution
If your computer can run a game at a high enough frame rate to match a 144Hz or 240Hz display, you’ll see a significant improvement in the sharpness of moving images. Blurring occurs because the human brain blends individual frames displayed on a monitor to create a clear moving image, but some detail is lost in the process.
A higher refresh rate provides more information to the brain, reducing perceived blur. However, not all users are able to distinguish between a 60Hz and 144Hz monitor, and some may even find it hard to tell the difference between 144Hz and 240Hz as our brain processes moving objects differently.
Things to Consider Before Buying 144Hz Monitor
Here are some things to keep in mind when considering purchasing a 144Hz monitor:
- Ensure that your computer’s graphics card can support a high enough frame rate to make use of the 144Hz refresh rate.
- Consider the resolution of the monitor, as higher resolutions may require a more powerful graphics card to run games at a high frame rate.
- Different panel technologies have different characteristics, such as response time and color accuracy. Choose a panel that meets your specific needs.
- Consider if you want a monitor with adaptive sync technology, such as G-Sync or FreeSync, to reduce screen tearing and input lag.
- 144Hz monitors come in a wide range of prices, so consider your budget when making your decision.
- Make sure the monitor has the necessary ports and inputs for your devices, such as HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB.
- Choose a reputable brand with good customer support and warranty options.
- Consider your personal preferences, such as the design and size of the monitor, and adjust your budget accordingly.
5 Best 144Hz Monitor
LG 32GQ950-B
The LG 32GQ950-B is the best 144Hz monitor on the market, offering excellent gaming performance and responsiveness. With a native refresh rate of 144Hz, it can be overclocked to 160Hz with an NVIDIA graphics card. Also, it features native FreeSync VRR support and is G-SYNC compatible, reducing screen tearing.
It has DisplayPort 1.4 and two HDMI 2.1 inputs that support full 48 Gbps bandwidth, allowing for 144Hz refresh rate in HDR. It is also suitable for console gaming with the PS5 and Xbox Series X. While it has good HDR brightness, the local dimming feature is weak and it is not ideal for use in dark rooms.
Gigabyte M32U
The Gigabyte M32U is a cost-effective alternative to the LG. It has a 32-inch 4k screen, but its refresh rate of 144Hz cannot be overclocked to 160Hz like the LG. However, this may not matter if your graphics card is unable to reach high frame rates.
The Gigabyte’s HDR performance is also not as good as the LG, but it is a reasonable trade-off for the lower price. The monitor’s 4k resolution delivers an outstanding gaming experience and its HDMI 2.1 inputs have 24 Gbps bandwidth, which requires compression to reach 4k @ 144Hz signals.
It supports VRR for reducing screen tearing and works with both AMD and NVIDIA graphics cards. If a 32-inch screen is too big, there’s also a 28-inch model, the Gigabyte M28U, with similar features but with inferior ergonomics.
ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQ
The ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQ is a solid mid-range option for those who prioritize cost over high resolution. With a 1440p resolution, it is less demanding on your graphics card and provides a decent gaming experience without the need for a high-end GPU.
The monitor boasts a 144Hz refresh rate, which can be overclocked to 170Hz with a DisplayPort connection, and supports both FreeSync and G-SYNC VRR. It is worth noting, however, that the monitor lacks HDMI 2.1 compatibility, limiting its full compatibility with the PS5 and Xbox Series X.
In terms of performance, the XG27AQ has an excellent response time and low input lag across its entire refresh rate range. This makes sure of smooth motion even during periods of low frame rates. Additionally, the monitor comes with a convenient USB hub and a well-designed stand. And provide easy access to your peripherals and a comfortable viewing position.
LG 27GN650-B
The LG 27GN650-B is the best budget 144Hz monitor available. It has a lower resolution compared to higher-end models, but its 1080p clarity is still good. This monitor offers native FreeSync VRR support to eliminate screen tearing and is G-SYNC compatible. Though its refresh rate cannot be overclocked.
The fast response time and 144Hz refresh rate ensure smooth motion handling in games. The backlight-strobing feature helps reduce persistence blur for high-frame-rate games, and the monitor remains flicker-free to reduce eye strain. It also has low input lag for responsive gaming and extra gaming features. This includes a crosshair and adjustable gamma, giving you a competitive edge.
HP X24ih
The HP X24ih is a great choice for those seeking a budget-friendly 144Hz monitor. It has a smaller screen than the LG 27GN650-B, but offers a decent gaming experience. In addition to decent image clarity and fast response time.
The monitor supports VRR to reduce screen tearing and has low input lag for a responsive gaming experience. Despite its budget price, the HP X24ih is well-built with good ergonomics, although it doesn’t swivel. But it offers wide viewing angles, making it a good option for multi-monitor gaming setups.
Conclusion
Fast refresh rate monitors are a necessity nowadays and without it the gaming setup does not feel right. The market is filled with hundreds of them, however they are not all good. Therefore in this article we have discussed what makes a 144Hz monitor. Also what to consider before buying one. We have also listed the 5 best monitors in all budget ranges you can buy right now.
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