How Many Hertz (Hz) is Good for Gaming? [Guide 2024]

The world of gaming has evolved significantly over the years, with advancements in technology continually pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. When it comes to gaming displays, one crucial aspect that gamers often debate is the refresh rate, measured in Hertz (Hz). In this article, we’ll explore the latest information on how many Hertz is good for gaming and help you find the perfect refresh rate for your gaming setup.

How Many Hertz is Good for Gaming? (Understanding Refresh Rate)

Before we delve into the ideal refresh rate for gaming, let’s clarify what refresh rate actually means. The refresh rate, measured in Hertz (Hz), indicates how many times per second a monitor can refresh the image displayed on the screen. In essence, it determines how many frames per second (FPS) your display can potentially show. The common refresh rates are:

1. 60Hz: The Standard

A 60Hz refresh rate is the most common standard for monitors, and it’s perfectly adequate for casual gaming and general computer use. Most console games are optimized for 60 FPS, so if you primarily play console titles, a 60Hz monitor will suffice.

2. 120Hz to 240Hz: Competitive Gaming

For more serious gamers who play fast-paced and competitive titles like first-person shooters or esports games, a monitor with a refresh rate of 120Hz to 240Hz is highly recommended. These monitors can display up to 120 to 240 FPS, providing smoother and more responsive gameplay.

3. 360Hz and Beyond: Cutting-Edge Performance

The latest advancements in gaming monitor technology have brought about displays with refresh rates of 360Hz or even higher. These are typically reserved for professional esports players who demand the utmost precision and responsiveness in their gaming experience. However, for the average gamer, the difference between 240Hz and 360Hz may not be as noticeable.

Variable refresh rate (VRR) technology:

VRR exemplified by NVIDIA’s G-SYNC, AMD’s FreeSync, and the HDMI 2.1 VRR standard, was conceived to eradicate screen tearing. Screen tearing manifests when the GPU fails to render a frame within the required frame time, resulting in the transmission of a half-frame. This occurrence causes a portion of the previous frame to linger on the screen, leading to an unsightly visual disruption.

LVRR mitigates this issue by instructing the monitor to wait and, if necessary, duplicate frames. Consequently, half frames are never dispatched, and screen tearing becomes a thing of the past. Fortunately, the incorporation of variable refresh rate technology is now prevalent across the majority of monitors, irrespective of whether they support high refresh rates or not.

VRR operates seamlessly alongside target refresh rates, such as 120Hz or 240Hz, by dynamically adjusting the refresh rate as needed. It is essential to ensure that the VRR technology on your monitor aligns with your graphics card’s capabilities to ensure a seamless and satisfying gaming experience.

Finding the Right Balance:

While higher refresh rates can offer a smoother gaming experience, they may not be necessary for everyone. Several factors should be considered when determining the ideal refresh rate for your gaming setup:

1. GPU Capability: Your graphics processing unit (GPU) should be capable of generating the frame rates required for your monitor’s refresh rate. There’s no point in having a 240Hz monitor if your GPU can only output 60 FPS.

2. Game Genre: The type of games you play matters. Fast-paced competitive games benefit more from higher refresh rates, while slower-paced games may not require such high performance.

3. Budget: High-refresh-rate monitors tend to be more expensive. Consider your budget when choosing a monitor and prioritize other essential features like resolution and panel technology.

4. Panel Type: The type of panel your monitor uses (e.g., TN, IPS, or OLED) can affect color accuracy and viewing angles. Make sure the panel technology aligns with your gaming and general use preferences.

Conclusion

In the world of gaming, the ideal refresh rate largely depends on your gaming preferences, GPU capability, and budget. For most gamers, a 120Hz to 240Hz monitor strikes a good balance between performance and cost. However, if you’re a professional esports player or demand the absolute best in gaming performance, monitors with refresh rates of 360Hz (For example, the Acer Predator X25 bmiiprzx 24.5″ FHD (1920 x 1080) Dual Drive IPS Gaming Monitor) or higher may be worth considering.

Ultimately, the best refresh rate for gaming is a matter of personal preference, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. It’s essential to find the right balance that suits your gaming style and budget, ensuring an enjoyable and immersive gaming experience.

Sajid Ali

CEO, Lead Writer

Sajid Ali is a tech enthusiast and gamer who loves to write reviews about gaming hardware. He has a passion for staying up-to-date with the latest technological advancements and loves sharing his knowledge with others. Sajid studied Intermediate Computer Science at Degree College and went on to earn his Bachelor's in Computer Science from GSC. In his free time, you can find him testing out new hardware and software, or playing the latest video games. Sajid's in-depth understanding of computers and his love for gaming make him the perfect author to turn to for all things tech and gaming.