Refresh Rate
Ongoing coverage on Refresh Rate.
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The first 1000 Hz gaming monitor is a tough sell, but I truly felt hard-wired into games
The LG UltraGear 25G590B is the first 1,000 Hz gaming monitor, offering extremely low latency for competitive esports players. However, its modest 1080p resolution and high $999 price point make it a niche product with questionable value for general use, as achieving 1,000 fps in games is difficult and the motion clarity benefits over 500 Hz are marginal.
Gigabyte's affordable tandem OLED barely puts a foot wrong, but Alienware got in there first
Gigabyte's 27-inch GO27Q24A QD-OLED gaming monitor offers vibrant colors, excellent contrast, and a fast 240Hz refresh rate at an affordable price point. While it excels for gaming, its glossy, reflective screen and less sharp text make it less ideal for all-day office work. Despite a lower peak brightness than some premium models, it provides a strong value proposition, though the Alienware AW2726DM uses the same panel and is cheaper.
Samsung just blew me away at Gamescom with its ridiculously-fast 1100Hz OLED monitor
Samsung unveiled its new Odyssey OLED gaming monitors at Gamescom, featuring world-first technologies like an 1100Hz refresh rate on the Odyssey OLED G6 G60H and a 42-inch curved 4K OLED panel on the Odyssey OLED G7. The Odyssey OLED G8 boasts a 32-inch 4K QD-OLED with up to 360Hz, and the Odyssey OLED G9 offers a 49-inch ultrawide panel with up to 360Hz, all supporting advanced features and high refresh rates.
LG just unleashed the "world's first" native 1,000Hz gaming monitor, but I want to see what players can…
LG has released the "world's first" 25-inch UltraGear 25G590B gaming monitor, capable of a native 1,000Hz refresh rate at 1080p for $999.99. While the extreme speed is aimed at professional esports players, LG also offers a 27-inch model with a 720Hz refresh rate at 1080p for $699. The article questions the necessity of such high refresh rates for most players but acknowledges their potential competitive advantage.
Forget dual mode, AOC's latest curved gaming monitor can switch between three resolution and refresh rate combos
AOC has released the GAMING CQ32G4ZA, a 31.5-inch curved gaming monitor featuring three distinct resolution and refresh rate combinations: 1440p at 260Hz, 1080p at 360Hz, and 720p at 500Hz. This monitor is designed to offer competitive players flexibility, allowing them to achieve high frame rates even with lower-end GPUs. Priced at £239, it also includes a 1500R curve, 1ms GtG response time, and VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification.
This reasonably priced 400 Hz monitor is easily my go-to for competitive FPS gaming
The KTC 25M1 is a 24.1-inch, 1080p gaming monitor with a 400 Hz refresh rate and 0.5 ms response time, priced at $350. It excels in competitive FPS titles like Counter-Strike and Valorant due to its motion clarity and speed, making it a strong value proposition for esports enthusiasts. While not ideal for casual gaming or media consumption due to its TN panel and color reproduction, it offers a pleasant experience for its intended audience.
Monitor vs. TV for Console Gaming: The Honest Answer in 2026 | TAG
For most console gamers in 2026, a modern TV with Game Mode enabled is sufficient and often superior to gaming monitors, especially regarding HDR performance and overall value. While gaming monitors offer lower input lag and higher refresh rates, the practical difference is negligible for casual players, with TVs providing a better experience per dollar spent for couch gaming. Monitors are best suited for competitive FPS players, desk-exclusive gamers, or those seeking a secondary display.
Morning Tech Bits
HDMI 2.2 has been updated to double bandwidth to 96Gbps, enabling uncompressed 4K resolution at 240Hz. There is speculation that this technology could be implemented on the Steam Deck, potentially with FSR4 support.
Dual-mode monitors have changed the way I PC game, and grabbing one could save you from thinking about new screens again…
Dual-mode gaming monitors offer a solution for PC gamers who want both high refresh rates and high resolutions without compromise. These displays can switch between different native resolutions and refresh rates, allowing players to prioritize speed for fast-paced games or fidelity for visually demanding titles. Models from LG and Sony are highlighted as examples of this versatile technology.
Viewsonic unveils the world's first 24-inch 4K gaming monitor for super crispy visuals in a smaller form factor
Viewsonic has unveiled the VX24G26J-4K, a 24-inch 4K gaming monitor with a 160 Hz refresh rate and 1 ms response time. This monitor offers a high pixel density of 188 DPI, providing sharper visuals than larger 4K displays. While its gaming benefits are debated, it could appeal to users seeking high-quality font rendering or a potential 1080p alt mode for esports.
After gaming on pro-level panels I can tell you now that 360 Hz is the sweet spot for gaming monitors
Hardware writer Jacob Fox argues that 360 Hz is the sweet spot for gaming monitor refresh rates, especially for competitive FPS titles like Counter-Strike 2. While jumps from 144 Hz to 240 Hz offer a very noticeable improvement, and 240 Hz to 360 Hz provides a significant enough benefit to justify the cost, gains beyond 360 Hz offer diminishing returns. Fox's testing indicates that while higher refresh rates don't necessarily make players perform better, they enhance the overall gameplay experience and responsiveness.
I didn't think jumping from 144 to 320 Hz would make this big of a difference
The Alienware AW2525HM monitor offers a 320 Hz refresh rate and fast response times, making it a compelling option for competitive FPS gamers on a budget. While its 1080p resolution and pixel density are not ideal for casual gaming, its smooth performance, decent HDR, and a price tag of $250 make it a standout choice for its target audience.
Alienware dropped the single most desirable OLED gaming monitor on the planet
Alienware has unveiled the AW3926QW, a 39-inch 5K OLED gaming monitor with a 165Hz refresh rate, capable of reaching 330Hz at a lower resolution. The display features RGB stripe OLED technology for enhanced image quality and includes a KVM switch. Alienware also announced other new monitors, including the AW3426DW and LCD models AW3426DWM and AW3226DWM, all set to launch this summer.
MSI's next-gen monitor can switch between three resolutions and refresh rates
MSI has developed a new gaming monitor capable of switching between three different resolutions and refresh rates. This allows users to seamlessly transition from high-fidelity experiences like Crimson Desert at 4K to competitive titles like Counter-Strike 2 at an ultra-high 680Hz refresh rate.
Samsung ups its 4K QD-OLED gaming monitor ante with impressive new 360 Hz, RGB-stripe, HDR 600 panel
Samsung has announced an upgraded 32-inch 4K QD-OLED gaming monitor panel featuring a 360 Hz refresh rate and a true RGB-stripe subpixel structure. This new panel is also the first consumer OLED monitor to achieve VESA DisplayHDR True Black 600 certification. Mass production is expected to begin in the second half of the year, with monitors likely appearing by the end of 2026.
Rather than stressing about Steam Machine performance, I'd start thinking about your TV's specs
This article argues that instead of focusing on Steam Machine performance, players should prioritize their TV's specifications for an optimal experience. It highlights the importance of modern panel technology like OLED and mini LED, high refresh rates, and features like AMD FreeSync for reducing screen tearing, especially when using PC hardware like the Steam Machine.
The world's first 1000Hz Full HD gaming monitor is finally here
LG has unveiled the LG UltraGear 25G590B, the world's first gaming monitor capable of a 1,000Hz refresh rate at Full HD resolution. This display is designed for competitive esports titles like Counter-Strike 2 and Valorant, offering faster visual confirmation and quicker reaction times. The monitor is expected to launch in select markets in the second half of 2026, with pricing yet to be announced.
LG has finally created a 1,000Hz gaming monitor, but it's a Pandora's Box no one needed to open
LG has announced the world's first 1000Hz gaming monitor, the 24.5-inch UltraGear 25G590B, with a native Full HD resolution. While the monitor is slated for release in the second half of 2026, the article questions the practical need for such a high refresh rate, noting that most gaming PCs cannot currently support it and that it may not significantly benefit even competitive players.
LG's UltraGear is a native 1,000Hz Full HD gaming monitor
LG has announced a new gaming monitor under its UltraGear brand capable of achieving a native 1,000Hz refresh rate at Full HD resolution. This display technology represents a significant advancement in monitor refresh rates for gaming.
BenQ's 27-inch monitor is a solid QD-OLED contender, but I wouldn't spend $100 more for 4K over 500Hz
The BenQ Mobiuz EX271UZ is a solid 27-inch QD-OLED gaming monitor, but its 4K resolution comes at a $100 premium over a 1440p 500Hz version. While the 4K model offers a USB-C hub with 90W Power Delivery and a slightly newer panel, the 1440p 500Hz variant is recommended for its better value and performance for gaming, especially for FPS enthusiasts.
