With the rise in popularity of PC gaming and esports, higher refresh rate monitors like 144Hz have become increasingly common. But do casual gamers really need a 144Hz monitor, or is 60Hz enough? Let’s take a look at the key factors to consider.
What is refresh rate?
The refresh rate of a monitor refers to how many times per second it updates the image on the screen. The standard refresh rate for monitors and TVs has been 60Hz (60 times per second) for decades. But in recent years, monitors with 120Hz, 144Hz, and even 240Hz refresh rates have hit the market.
A higher refresh rate translates to a smoother visual experience. At 60Hz, you’re seeing a new frame every 16.7 milliseconds (1000 ms / 60 Hz = 16.7 ms). But at 144Hz, there’s a new frame every 6.9 ms, resulting in less motion blur and latency.
Advantages of 144Hz
There are several key advantages that a 144Hz monitor provides compared to 60Hz:
- Smoother gameplay – Games will look and feel significantly smoother, with less stuttering and tearing.
- Reduced motion blur – Objects in motion will appear sharper.
- Lower input lag – Actions will register faster, with less delay between input and result.
- Competitive edge – Higher frame rates can give you an edge in fast-paced competitive games.
The higher refresh rate allows you to see gameplay visuals and react to targets and actions more quickly. This is especially beneficial in fast-paced FPS and racing games where split-second reactions are vital.
What graphics card do you need?
To take full advantage of a 144Hz monitor in gaming, you’ll need a powerful graphics card (GPU) capable of high frame rates. Here are some tips:
- Aim for at least 100+ fps – You’ll want to get fps (frames per second) consistently above 100 to see benefits over 60Hz.
- Nvidia RTX 3060 Ti or AMD RX 6700 XT – These mid-range cards can typically deliver 100-144 fps in most games at medium-high settings at 1080p.
- Nvidia RTX 3080 / AMD RX 6800 XT – For maximum frame rates at 1440p or 4K resolution, a high-end card like this is recommended.
- Use performance monitoring software (like MSI Afterburner) to view your fps and fine-tune graphics settings to stay above 100fps.
Having a GPU that can output frame rates to match your high refresh rate monitor is key. There’s no benefit to 144Hz if your graphics card can only handle 60-80 fps.
What types of games benefit most?
While a 144Hz monitor can provide a better experience across all game genres, certain fast-paced game types see the most significant advantages:
- First-person shooters (FPS) – Smooth visuals and low input lag for aiming/targeting are extremely beneficial in games like CS:GO, Valorant, Call of Duty, Battlefield, etc.
- Racing games – Fast motion and quick reaction times when driving at high speeds make 144Hz ideal for racing sims.
- Fighting games – Fast movements and combos require fluid animation and quick input response times.
- RTS games – Smooth scrolling and unit movement can benefit real-time strategy games.
- MOBAs – Getting low input lag for activating skills when last hitting is advantageous.
For slower paced games like turn-based strategy, 144Hz provides less of an edge. But many gamers opt for 144Hz monitors to have a consistently smooth experience across all games.
What resolution should you play at?
Resolution and refresh rate have an inverse relationship in gaming. The higher the resolution, the harder it is to achieve high frame rates. Some tips:
- 1080p – A 1920 x 1080 resolution is ideal for 144Hz gaming. Graphics cards can easily output 100+ fps at high/ultra settings.
- 1440p – At 2560 x 1440 resolution, you’ll need a high-end card like an RTX 3070/RX 6800 to maintain 100+ fps at high settings in demanding games.
- 4K – Don’t expect high frame rates at 3840 x 2160 resolution, even with top-end cards. Aim for 60Hz gaming at 4K.
Competitive players for games like CSGO or Valorant often opt for 1080p resolution specifically to achieve frame rates upwards of 200-300 fps for super fluid gameplay. Casual gamers will benefit more from 1440p resolution and 100+ fps for a balance of high fidelity graphics and fluid frame rates.
Do you need G-Sync or FreeSync?
G-Sync (Nvidia GPUs) and FreeSync (AMD GPUs) are variable refresh rate technologies that match your monitor’s refresh rate to your game’s frame rate in real-time. This eliminates screen tearing and stuttering for a smoother overall experience. When buying a 144Hz monitor, having G-Sync or FreeSync support is highly recommended.
Key benefits:
- Prevents screen tearing without traditional Vsync input lag
- Smoother gameplay if frame rate fluctuates or drops below 144 fps
- G-Sync also reduces input lag for competitive advantage
Having G-Sync or FreeSync will ensure your 144Hz monitor performs optimally and provides an extremely smooth experience even if your frame rate varies.
60Hz vs 144Hz: What’s the difference?
Let’s directly compare some of the key differences between standard 60Hz monitors and 144Hz monitors for gaming:
| Spec | 60Hz Monitor | 144Hz Monitor |
|---|---|---|
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz |
| Frame Time | 16.7ms | 6.9ms |
| Motion Clarity | Moderate | Very high |
| Input Lag | Average | Very low |
| Smoothness | Okay | Excellent |
| Gaming Experience | Good | Extremely smooth |
As you can see, a 144Hz refresh rate provides significant advantages across the board in terms of motion clarity, input lag, and overall smoothness and responsiveness while gaming.
Is 144Hz worth it for casual gaming?
For casual, single-player gamers, 60Hz is often still adequate. However, 144Hz can provide a nice boost in smoothness and enjoyment of gameplay. The larger question is what types of games you play and whether you’re willing to invest in a GPU that can output 100+ fps.
Here are some points to consider as a casual gamer:
- First-person shooters – Even casually, you’ll notice and benefit from 144Hz here
- Slower-paced games – You won’t see as much benefit in turn-based RPGs or strategy games
- Graphics intensive games – Getting 144 fps on max settings in AAA games will require an expensive GPU
- Monitor budget – 144Hz monitors still demand $100+ price premium over 60Hz
- Monitor lifespan – A 144Hz monitor can carry you through multiple GPU upgrades
If you mainly play slower paced games casually, then 60Hz is probably sufficient. But 144Hz does provide a nice experience boost across all game types if you have the budget for it, and gives you room to grow for more intensive competitive FPS gaming later if desired.
What is the best 144Hz monitor for gaming?
If you’ve decided to upgrade to a 144Hz gaming monitor, there are a few key factors to look for:
- Panel type – Go for TN panels for the fastest response times at affordable prices, or IPS for better colors and viewing angles at a premium.
- Resolution – 1080p for max frame rates on midrange GPUs, or 1440p for increased clarity.
- Adaptive sync – G-Sync for Nvidia GPUs or FreeSync for AMD.
- Refresh rate – 144Hz or above; higher is better.
- Response time – 1ms is ideal, but 4-5ms is still good.
- Size – 24″ to 27″ are popular sizes; bigger if sitting further away.
- Brands – Trusted brands include ASUS, Acer, BenQ, LG, ViewSonic, AOC among others.
Some of the most popular and highly rated options include:
- ASUS VG248QE – An excellent 24″ 1080p TN monitor with ultra-fast 144Hz refresh rate and response time.
- ViewSonic XG2402 – Solid 24″ 1080p TN monitor with 144Hz, FreeSync, and 1ms response time at a great price.
- Acer Predator XB271HU – Higher-end 27″ 1440p IPS monitor with 165Hz refresh rate and G-Sync.
- LG 27GL850 – Popular 1440p 144Hz IPS monitor with vibrant colors and thin bezels.
Do your research and look for the right balance of features, performance, and price for your needs. Read reviews from trusted sources as well.
Conclusion
While a 60Hz monitor is still completely adequate for casual gaming, there’s no denying that a 144Hz monitor can provide a much smoother and more responsive gaming experience. For competitive esports gaming, it’s almost universally considered a must-have upgrade.
If you mainly play fast-paced FPS, racing, fighting, MOBA or RTS games, you’ll definitely notice and benefit from upgrading to 144Hz. To power your 144Hz monitor properly, be prepared to also invest in a higher-end graphics card capable of 100+ fps. G-Sync or FreeSync support is also recommended for the best experience.
Casual gamers playing slower paced or cinematic games will see less dramatic improvements. However, a 144Hz monitor can enhance any game and provide headroom to max out settings as you upgrade your GPU. Overall, while not completely necessary, a 144Hz monitor delivers a excellent high frame rate experience for both hardcore competitive and casual gaming.