What Response Time is Good for a Gaming Monitor?

Last Updated on August 16, 2023 by Humera hallari

Gaming enthusiasts are always looking for a setup that is going to enhance their gaming experience. Getting straight to the “Response Time”, what exactly does the term “response time” mean and how does it affect your gaming performance as well as your buying decision?

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What is The Meaning of Response Time in a Gaming Monitor?

Response Time, in the context of a gaming monitor, refers to the time it takes for a pixel on the monitor to change from one color to another and then back again. It is typically measured in milliseconds (ms) and is an important specification for gamers, especially in fast-paced games where quick and smooth transitions between images are crucial.

A lower response time is generally desirable for gaming monitors because it means that the pixels can change colors more quickly, reducing the occurrence of motion blur and ghosting. Motion blur happens when fast-moving objects on the screen appear blurry or smeared, while ghosting occurs when an afterimage of a previous frame is visible as a faint trail following a moving object.


What Response Time is Actually Good For Gaming?

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There are multiple various of gamers out there, offlines gamers and online gamers. Every game has different types of categories like Action, Adventure, Mission, First-Person-Shooter (FPS), Puzzle, Open World, and others, some games need good fps some need a better refresh rate and some need a fast response rate.

FPS Online Games are the most popular games all over the world, every FPS game needs a better response rate & refresh rate because even a single miner lag will cause you on a losing side.

So, here is some detail about why response rate is important:

1ms Response Time:

The 1ms response rate is commonly found in TN monitors, which is ideal for competitive gamers who enjoy fast-paced games, such as first-person shooters (FPS) or racing games. These monitors offer the fastest pixel response, which minimizes motion blur and ghosting, for a highly responsive gaming experience.

Response Time From 2ms to 5ms:

Monitors with 2ms to 5ms response times are commonly found in IPS and VA monitors. While they may have a slightly slower pixel response than TN panels, they generally offer better color reproduction and wider viewing angles. Response times from 2 milliseconds to 5 milliseconds are still good enough for gaming, and many gamers find the trade-off in image quality worth it for enhanced visuals.

Response time greater than 5ms:

Monitors with response times greater than 5 milliseconds may not be well-suited for fast-paced gaming, especially in competitive situations where split-second response is critical. However, they can still provide a good gaming experience for casual gamers or those who value image quality more than the fastest response times.

It’s important to note that the human eye may not notice a significant difference in response times below 5 milliseconds. Manufacturers may also use a variety of methods to measure response times, resulting in altered advertised values. Therefore, it is important to read user reviews and comments to get a more accurate understanding of the monitor’s actual performance. Ultimately, the best response time for you depends on your gaming preferences and your sensitivity to motion blur and ghosting. If possible, try to see the screen live or read detailed reviews to gauge the actual performance of the monitor before making a purchase. Also, consider other important factors such as refresh rate, input lag, resolution, and adaptive sync technology to ensure an excellent overall gaming experience. 


There are more factors too, that play a vital role in the performance of a gaming monitor:

  • Refresh Rate
  • Input Lag

What is the Refresh Rate?

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For gaming monitors, refresh rate refers to the number of times the monitor can refresh the image displayed on the screen per second. It is measured in Hertz (Hz). A higher refresh rate means that the display can update images more often, resulting in smoother motion while gaming.

Standard monitors typically have a 60Hz refresh rate, which means they can refresh the image 60 times per second. However, gaming monitors often come with higher refresh rates, such as 120Hz, 144Hz, 240Hz, or even higher. The higher the refresh rate, the more responsive the display, and fast-paced games can greatly benefit from this increased flexibility.

A higher refresh rate can reduce motion blur and ghosting, making fast-moving game objects appear clearer and more distinct. It can also give a competitive edge in fast-paced competitive games where quick reactions are crucial.

However, to take full advantage of the high refresh rate, your gaming system must be able to produce a frame rate that matches or exceeds the refresh rate of your monitor. For example, to benefit from a 144Hz display, your computer must continuously output at least 144 frames per second (fps) in the games you play.

Keep in mind that the difference between 60Hz and higher refresh rates becomes more noticeable in fast-paced action games or first-person shooters. For casual gamers or those who play slower games, a higher refresh rate may not be necessary. 

The best frame rate for competitive gamers depends on many factors, including the type of game you play, the capabilities of your hardware, and your personal preferences. In general, the higher the refresh rate, the better as it provides smoother motion and reduced input lag. However, there are a few popular refresh rate options that competitive gamers often consider:

144Hz:

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The 144Hz refresh rate is a popular choice among competitive gamers. It offers a significant improvement over the standard 60Hz display and provides a smoother gaming experience, especially in fast-paced games like first-person shooters and racing games. Many professional gamers use 144Hz monitors for competitive gaming.

240Hz:

For highly competitive gamers who prioritize the smoothest experience and have powerful hardware capable of consistently hitting high frame rates, a 240Hz monitor might be worth considering. The 240Hz refresh rate can even provide greater smoothness and responsiveness, especially in fast-paced and sensational games. However, achieving extremely high frame rates can be difficult, so having a powerful gaming device is crucial to get the most out of a 240Hz display.

360Hz:

Some gaming monitors now have an even higher refresh rate of 360Hz. These monitors are relatively new and are aimed at elite professional e-sports players looking for every possible advantage in competitive gaming. While the difference between 240Hz and 360Hz may be less noticeable to the casual player, the improved motion clarity can be useful in highly competitive gaming situations, extremely competitive.

Ultimately, the best refresh rate for competitive gaming is the one you’re most comfortable with and that suits your playing style. Pair your chosen monitor with a powerful gaming system that can consistently deliver high frame rates in the games you play. If possible, try out different refresh rates in person to see which refresh rate feels most responsive and comfortable for you before making a decision. 


What is Input Lag?

In-display input lag refers to the delay between when a signal is sent from a source device (such as a computer, game console, or media player) and when it is displayed. on the control screen. This is an important factor, especially in applications that need real-time responsiveness, such as gaming or video editing.

Input lag is usually measured in milliseconds (ms) and is an important consideration for gamers, as even small lags can affect their performance and overall gaming experience. The lower the input lag, the faster the monitor can show changes and the more responsive it is to user input.

For gamers and other users who are sensitive to input lag, choosing a monitor with low input lag and fast response times is essential. When looking for gaming monitors, you’ll often find models advertised as “low input lag” or “gaming-specific” with features intended to reduce input lag for a smooth gaming experience. than. 


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