Refresh Rate
Ongoing coverage on Refresh Rate.
Latest coverage
Mitos vs Fakta: Benarkah Refresh Rate Tinggi Bikin Jago Main Game?
This analysis debunks the myth that high refresh rates alone make gamers better, explaining the difference between refresh rate (Hz) and frame rate (FPS). While high refresh rates reduce system latency and motion blur, they do not replace essential skills like game sense, aiming, and muscle memory. The article concludes that high refresh rate monitors are a worthwhile investment for competitive players with capable hardware, but they are not a shortcut to professional skill.
AOC jumps on the 1,000 Hz IPS gaming monitor bandwagon but this time with 0.1 ms pixel response
AOC has announced the AGON PRO AGP257FT, a 25-inch 1080p IPS gaming monitor featuring a 1,000 Hz refresh rate and a claimed 0.1 ms pixel response time. This new monitor, developed in collaboration with BOE, aims to compete with LG's offering and potentially improve motion clarity over other high-refresh-rate IPS panels. It is expected to launch in Q1 2027 with pricing yet to be determined.
Vindicated: after speaking to some pro Counter-Strike players I'm sure I was right when I said 360 Hz is the sweet…
A writer for PC Gamer discusses the optimal refresh rate for competitive first-person shooter games, particularly Counter-Strike 2. After speaking with professional players Oscar Bell and Simon Boije, the author concludes that 360 Hz remains the sweet spot for monitor refresh rates, offering a noticeable improvement over 240 Hz without the diminishing returns of higher rates.
LG Display launches OLED panel with lofty 720Hz refresh rate
LG Display has begun mass production of a 24.5-inch, 720Hz OLED panel specifically for esports applications, boasting a 0.02ms response time. ASUS is already integrating this panel into its new high refresh rate monitors, with other brands expected to follow. While the technology offers a significant leap for competitive gaming, its benefits may be less noticeable for casual players, and achieving 720fps requires less demanding titles.
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.
