Gaming on a Budget: Is 60Hz Enough or Should You Invest in 120Hz?

Gaming on a Budget: Is 60Hz Enough or Should You Invest in 120Hz?

Are you a gaming enthusiast who is on a tight budget and wondering whether investing in a 120Hz monitor is worth it? If so, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll explore whether 60Hz is enough for gaming or if you should consider going for a 120Hz monitor. But first, let’s start by understanding what Hz (Hertz) means.

What is Hz?

Hz, or Hertz, is the measure of a display’s refresh rate, which is the number of times the screen refreshes per second. A higher refresh rate means smoother visuals and less motion blur.

Introduction to 60Hz

For years, 60Hz has been the standard refresh rate for most monitors, and it has served gamers well. A 60Hz monitor refreshes the screen 60 times per second, which means it can display up to 60 frames per second (fps). While a 60Hz monitor delivers adequate performance, it may not be enough for demanding games that require high-end hardware to run smoothly.

Introduction to 120Hz

A 120Hz monitor refreshes the screen 120 times per second, which translates to smoother gameplay and less visual distortion. When it comes to gaming, a 120Hz monitor is a significant upgrade over 60Hz monitors as it can display more frames in the same time frame. For instance, if your GPU can produce 120 fps, a 120Hz monitor will display all those frames, which means you’ll experience smoother gaming.

Refresh Rate Vs Latency

While Hz is an essential factor to consider when choosing a gaming monitor, it’s not the only one. Latency also plays a significant role in gaming, and it refers to the delay between your actions and the corresponding response on the screen. A monitor with high latency can negatively impact your gaming experience and may even cause motion sickness.

For competitive gaming where every millisecond matters, gamers should consider monitors with a low latency of less than 5ms. However, keep in mind that a low latency monitor may be more expensive than a 60Hz one.

Which Is Better for Gaming?

While a 120Hz monitor is a better option for gaming, it’s not always necessary. If you’re on a tight budget, a 60Hz monitor will serve you just fine, especially if you’re playing casual games that don’t require high-end hardware.

However, if you play competitive games or games that require high-end hardware to run smoothly, you should consider investing in a 120Hz monitor. A 120Hz monitor will ensure you experience smoother gameplay and less visual distortion, and it will give you an edge over the competition.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while a 60Hz monitor offers adequate performance for gaming, a 120Hz monitor is a significant upgrade that’s worth considering. With its ability to display more frames per second, a 120Hz monitor offers smoother gameplay and less visual distortion. However, a 120Hz monitor may not be necessary if you’re on a tight budget or playing casual games that don’t require high-end hardware. Ultimately, it boils down to your budget and gaming needs.