What is a good monitor response time for gaming? Choosing the right gaming monitor can feel overwhelming, with a dizzying array of specs and jargon. One of the most crucial yet often misunderstood specifications is response time. This comprehensive guide will demystify gaming monitor response time, empowering you to make informed decisions for an optimal gaming experience.

What is Response Time in Gaming Monitors?

Before you learn what a good response time for a gaming monitor is, it's a good idea to understand the definition of a gaming monitor's response time. Response time measures how quickly a pixel on your monitor changes color. It's typically expressed in milliseconds (ms), representing the time it takes a pixel to transition from one shade of gray to another (Gray-to-Gray or GTG). A lower response time means faster transitions, leading to crisper visuals, reduced motion blur, and less ghosting. While GTG is a common metric, Moving Picture Response Time (MPRT) also plays a role, indicating how long a pixel's light remains on the screen. Lower MPRT values contribute to sharper motion.

Think of response time as the speed at which your monitor's pixels react to changing images. A fast response time is like a super-fast reflex — it minimizes blur and ghosting, keeping your vision sharp in intense gaming moments. A slow response time, conversely, is like a sluggish reflex—fast-moving objects appear blurry or have trails. For most casual gamers, a response time of 5-10ms is generally acceptable. However, competitive gamers prioritize speeds under 5ms – and the fastest available is ideal for the best competitive advantage.

What's the Difference between Response Time and Refresh Rate ?

Response time and refresh rate are distinct yet interconnected aspects of monitor performance. Refresh rate, measured in Hertz (Hz), indicates how many times per second the monitor displays a new image. A higher refresh rate (e.g. 144Hz, 240Hz) leads to smoother gameplay. Response time, on the other hand, focuses on the speed of individual pixel transitions within each frame. A high refresh rate with a slow response time can still result in motion blur. Conversely, a fast response time can't fully compensate for a low refresh rate. Ideally, you want a fast response time and a high refresh rate for the best gaming experience.

Impact of Panel Type on Gaming Monitor Response Time

The ideal response time varies depending on the panel type:

• TN (Twisted Nematic): These panels boast the fastest response times, averaging 1ms or even less. This makes them ideal for competitive gaming where lightning-fast reactions are paramount. However, they often sacrifice color accuracy and viewing angles. The ASUS TUF Gaming VG258QM, for example, with its 24.5-inch, 1080p, 240Hz display and price of $399, exemplifies a strong TN option.

• IPS (In-Plane Switching): IPS panels offer superior color accuracy and viewing angles compared to TN. However, their response times are typically slower, averaging around 4ms, though newer high-performance models are achieving 1ms. They are an excellent choice for both casual and competitive gaming where color fidelity matters. Models like the ASUS VG279QM ($499) showcase the benefits of IPS with a 27-inch, 1080p display and a remarkable 280Hz refresh rate. At the higher end, the LG 27GP950B ($799) offers 4K, 144Hz, and HDR support with Nano IPS technology.

• VA (Vertical Alignment): VA panels strike a balance between response time, color accuracy, and contrast ratio. They generally offer better contrast than IPS but slower response times, ranging from 4ms to 8ms, depending on the model and overdrive settings. The Samsung Odyssey G7 LC32G75T ($699) is a prime example, offering a 32-inch, 240Hz display with HDR600 and improved overdrive for smoother performance, despite being a VA panel.

Image Credit: BenQ website

Impact of Response Time on 144Hz and Higher Refresh Rate Displays

At higher refresh rates like 144Hz, the impact of response time is less critical than at lower refresh rates. While pixels can change color every frame at 144Hz, in reality, most pixels maintain similar colors across multiple frames. High-contrast color changes near object edges are where pixel response time's effects become most noticeable. A 10ms response time will create more blur than a 7ms response time at 144Hz, but the difference isn’t as dramatic as the difference between 100Hz and 144Hz refresh rates. The difference between 4ms and 1ms is also noticeable, even at high refresh rates—a 1ms response time will significantly reduce motion blur compared to 4ms, although there will still never be a sudden transition faster than the frame time itself. Real-world tests consistently show that VA monitors with longer response times exhibit greater blur than those with shorter response times under comparable conditions.

How to Choose the Right Monitor?

In 2024, several factors influence gaming monitor selection beyond response time alone:

• Budget: Determine your budget to narrow down suitable options. Budget builds might prioritize 1080p resolution, while higher-end systems can consider 1440p or 4K resolutions.

• Refresh Rate: At least 120Hz is recommended for a smooth gaming experience. 1080p builds benefit from 120-165Hz, while 1440p/4K builds benefit from 165Hz or higher.

• Adaptive Sync: Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync synchronize the monitor's refresh rate with your graphics card, eliminating screen tearing. FreeSync is often more budget-friendly and functions well with Nvidia cards.

• Panel Type: Choose a panel type that aligns with your needs: IPS for color accuracy, TN for speed, VA for a balance of both. OLED displays offer the best color reproduction and response times but come with a higher price tag and the risk of burn-in. The Asus ROG Swift PG27AQDP ($999) exemplifies a high-end OLED option with a 2560 x 1440 resolution and a remarkable 480Hz refresh rate.

• Resolution: Consider 1080p (24-27 inches), 1440p (27 inches or higher), or 4K (27 inches and above) based on your hardware and budget. 8K is emerging but native game support is still limited.

• Aspect Ratio: Stick with 16:9 for most games; ultrawide or multi-monitor setups enhance immersion but might hinder competitive gaming.

• Curvature: Flat monitors generally offer better gaming specs, while curved monitors provide an immersive experience and potentially reduce eye strain.

  

How to Measure Monitor Response Time?

Measuring response time accurately requires specialized tools. The UFO Test, developed by Blur Busters, is a popular and reliable method. It involves running motion tests to assess ghosting, frame skipping, and overall motion clarity. The test relies on observing moving UFO-like objects under varying settings to determine how well the monitor handles fast-paced visuals. By adjusting settings like response time overdrive and running tests at the monitor's native resolution and max refresh rate (ensuring good cable quality – DisplayPort is generally preferable for high refresh rate setups), you can get a clearer picture of your monitor's actual response time. Remember to calibrate the display and minimize ambient light for accurate results. If you encounter motion clarity issues, ensure your graphics drivers are up-to-date; adjusting monitor overdrive settings can often improve sharpness. Frame skipping can be addressed by lowering in-game graphics settings or fine-tuning variable refresh rate technology where applicable.

Blur Busters also offer certifications (“Blur Busters Verified” and “Blur Busters Approved”) to indicate monitors that have passed rigorous tests targeting motion blur reduction. Monitors like ViewSonic GAMING XG272 (2K OLED with NVIDIA G SYNC compatibility and AMD FreeSync premium for tear-free gaming) and ViewSonic GAMING XG2431 (Fast IPS and Full HD for super-fast response times) are examples.

Hot Question: Does Adjusting Monitor Response Time Have Any Disadvantages?

While lower response times are generally desirable, adjusting the settings to the "Fastest" mode can introduce several downsides:

• Reduced Lifespan: Pushing the monitor to its limits can generate more heat, potentially shortening its lifespan.

• Performance Trade-offs: "Fastest" settings may compromise color accuracy and brightness, resulting in a less visually appealing experience.

• Ghosting: Over-aggressive overdrive can worsen ghosting, creating artifacts that hinder gameplay, particularly in fast-paced titles.

• Increased Input Lag: Ironically, overly aggressive attempts to minimize motion blur through extremely low response time settings can increase input lag.

• Manufacturing Variability: Response times vary between monitors, even within the same model; what works perfectly on one monitor may cause issues on another.

  

Technological Advances for High Response Time

Response time is inextricably linked to display technologies. While the pursuit of faster response times is ongoing, some technologies inherently lend themselves better to speed than others. TN panels, for example, due to their construction, have always been quickest. Modern IPS improvements are rapidly encroaching on these speeds, often achieving 1ms response times in high-end gaming monitors, thereby minimizing the response-time tradeoff with better image quality. VA panels, while generally offering stunning contrast ratios, frequently lag behind in response time (although their performance is steadily improving as well). OLED, however, has already broken through as a leading contender for both fast response times and superior color accuracy. The near-instantaneous response of OLED combined with its perfect blacks and infinite contrast ratio makes it an exceptionally compelling choice for high-end gaming, especially in darkroom environments. The LG C4 OLED (42-inch, 4K, 144Hz), successor to the LG C2, and its competitor, the ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG42UQ, highlight the state-of-the-art capabilities of OLED for gamers. Yet, even OLED isn't the end of the story; microLED and quantum dot technologies hold promise for even better color representation, higher brightness, and potentially faster response times in the future.

Conclusion

Choosing a gaming monitor necessitates a careful evaluation of response time alongside refresh rate, panel type, and other crucial features. While speed is important for competitive gaming, the best choice depends on your gaming style, your budget, and your priorities. By understanding the nuances of response time, you can select a monitor that enhances your gaming experience, minimizing visual artifacts and maximizing your reactivity in-game. The evolution of monitor technology is rapid, with new advancements in screen technologies always emerging on the horizon, so staying current and informed is crucial for any serious gamer looking to invest in the highest quality technology available.

FAQs of Monitor Response Time

What's the difference between a 1ms and a 4ms response time monitor at 144Hz?

While both offer smooth gameplay at high refresh rates, a 1ms monitor significantly reduces motion blur and ghosting during fast-paced events. The difference might be subtle in slower-paced games, but in competitive titles like FPS games, that 3ms difference translates to far clearer visuals and more precise tracking. This advantage is especially worthwhile when tracking fast opponents. At 144Hz, even though many pixels don't change color every frame, the consistent speed of a 1ms panel still ensures sharper visuals across the board.

Can I improve my monitor's response time by adjusting settings?

Yes, many monitors offer overdrive settings which attempt to speed up pixel transitions. However, setting overdrive too aggressively can lead to ghosting or other artifacts. The optimal overdrive setting depends on individual monitors and requires careful testing to balance motion clarity and image quality. It is also important to understand that these settings cannot change the fundamental response time limitations of the panel technology itself.

Is a high response time always bad?

Not necessarily. For casual gamers or those who prioritize color accuracy over ultimate speed, a slightly higher response time may be perfectly acceptable. For example, many high-quality IPS monitors have response times in the 4-5ms range, and this may be perfectly adequate for single-player games or multimedia viewing. The context of use matters just as much as the pure numerical benchmark of the response time.