60hz or 144hz Monitor?

Ethan Bargain-Hunt on 21/04/2020 - 10:38

So, I'm trying to make the switch from console gaming to pc gaming and am in the process of buying a monitor and setting up the tower.

I'm both into FPS games (mainly cod), but also story driven games (mainly RDR2 and The Witcher).

What would be the best way to go monitor wise to play both, or how can I play both and get the most out of them on one monitor?

I've heard 60hz is good for games like RDR2 for better visuals and 144hz for the likes of cod because of the refresh rate, but again, I'm no expert.

Thanks.

Computing Computer Peripheral LCD Monitor

Comments

  • Therage on 21/04/2020 - 10:42
    +3

    If you are building the PC for gaming and have the $$$ go for the higher refresh rate every time.

    • Ethan Bargain-Hunt on 21/04/2020 - 10:48

      I'm building for both gaming, but also editing through Adobe. I'll keep note of that though so I don't get screwed over at the shop.

  • FireRunner on 21/04/2020 - 10:45
    +2

    Higher refresh rate gives you a bit of an edge in fast paced multiplayer games.
    It also makes story-driven single player games smoother but it's quite taxing on the hardware so some people choose higher graphic settings over higher refresh rate.
    You can just get a 144Hz monitor and when playing more cinematic games, adjust the graphics to play at 60Hz

    • Ethan Bargain-Hunt on 21/04/2020 - 10:51

      So would playing on a 144hz monitor and dropping to 60hz work just as well as working from a 60hz monitor, or would some visual quality be compromised? Because this adjustment of graphics hasn't been specified in some videos I've watched on YouTube.

      I'll keep note of the need for better hardware though

      • FireRunner on 21/04/2020 - 10:54

        I believe you can set the refresh rate of the monitor. You could also game at 72Hz (half of 144Hz) to avoid tearing if you don't have G-Sync/FreeSync

        • Ethan Bargain-Hunt on 21/04/2020 - 11:03

          But if I drop the refresh rate on a 144hz monitor to 60hz, will it perform as good as a 60hz monitor which is made to be played at 60hz?

          I think I'll probably end up getting G-Sync just in case, probably better for that to adapt my gaming so I don't have to think about it!

    • Diji1 on 21/04/2020 - 11:00
      +1

      you a bit of an edge in fast paced multiplayer games

      It gives you a bit of an edge in all/most fast paced games. eg. Nex Machina

  • stratbargain on 21/04/2020 - 10:46
    +1

    A 144hz monitor can run at 60hz as well. So go 144hz.

    Question is what's your budget? And what computer specs are you using?

    • Ethan Bargain-Hunt on 21/04/2020 - 10:52

      I was looking at around $2000 for the tower and anywhere between $500 - $1000 for the monitor, though by the sound of things, I might need to reconsider the budget as it does sound like I'll need better specs.

      • FireRunner on 21/04/2020 - 10:59
        +1

        You should get a high end machine with a $2000 budget provided you spend carefully. Check out TechFast to see if they've got anything

        • Ethan Bargain-Hunt on 21/04/2020 - 11:05

          I'll check techfast out! I was going to go to centrecom or scorptec, but they're still pretty pricey especially seeing as there's some good deals that get posted even here on OzBargain!

          • Danta on 21/04/2020 - 20:50

            @Ethan Bargain-Hunt: Prices are good, as long as your happy to wait approx 4 weeks for your system

          • beeze on 22/04/2020 - 19:49

            @Ethan Bargain-Hunt: @EthanHunt: PC's from chains are way over priced. I bought from Techfast before pricing went crazy. If you don't know someone who can help you, they are a good option (not without some risks, like long shipping times after paying).

            Gsynch or freesynch are important monitor tech to consider.

            2070 super or 5700xt are your ideal GPU's at your budget.

            Consider 21:9 monitors, I wouldn't go back (not kind on your budget).

            As I have just gone down a similar path for the 1st time, happy to fill you in more on recommendations, tech, etc.

  • Tech5 on 21/04/2020 - 11:09

    I don't see any reason to use 60hz over 144hz. It would be like the argument that consoles are great because the old 30fps was great for cinematic experience

  • geech on 21/04/2020 - 11:09

    Highly subjective, but a while ago I had my PC at my friend's house and we were both playing a few (mainly fps) games side by side.

    At the time, I had a slightly lower spec CPU than him, running a 1070ti connected to an 1440p/144hz monitor. He had a 2080ti, connected to a standard business-type monitor running 1080p/60hz.

    We both agreed my setup looked significantly better than his, despite him running everything at "ultra" graphic settings - and me running a mix of medium/high/ultra. For the record, I was also running at a much lower frame rate - but it still looked much better.

    He's since bought a 144hz monitor, and says he felt the improvement was much greater than when he went from a 1080ti to a 2080ti

    • Tech5 on 21/04/2020 - 11:26

      Well, if he went from a 1080ti to a 2080ti, more than likely he was already sitting stable above 60fps. So likely not much help

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 21/04/2020 - 11:27
    +1

    I've heard 60hz is good for games like RDR2 for better visuals and 144hz for the likes of cod because of the refresh rate

    They're not mutually exclusive. You can have both better visuals and 144hz if you choose a decent model.

    • Ethan Bargain-Hunt on 21/04/2020 - 12:00

      Do you have any recommendations between $500 - $1000? Those curved ones by Samsung and Acer (I think) look interesting, but they're like $1500 I believe.

      • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 21/04/2020 - 15:17
        +1

        I'm an Acer fan. Any of their 1440p 144hz in your preferred size will be great.

  • retardedrabit on 21/04/2020 - 11:52
    +1

    Go for a 144Hz screen. The question is what type of panel you should get. If you're going to use it for photo editing you might want to get a flat IPS panel (but these usually have a low response time). Also, go for a 2K or 4K one instead of a 1080p.

  • scrimshaw on 21/04/2020 - 12:29
    +1

    If you can actually afford $2000 for the desktop, don't pair it with a budget LCD display. $500~600 can get you a decent 1440p 144hz in the 32" range (non ultrawide such as LG Ultragear 32GK650F) and around $1k will generally get you a 35" ultrawide such as the X34P.

    • Ethan Bargain-Hunt on 21/04/2020 - 18:40

      Definitely won't pair it with a cheap display! I've been looking at the Samsung C49HG90 or C49J890 and Acer EI491CRP, but they're a tad over budget and I'm trying to figure out whether the bump up is really worth it. The X34P looks nice! One that I'll keep on the list when comparing :)

  • Jimmycfc on 21/04/2020 - 12:59
    +1

    Get 1440p 144hz thats still the sweet spot for gaming, i think we are still around 2-3 years of 4k gaming being the norm.

    • Ethan Bargain-Hunt on 21/04/2020 - 18:41

      That seems to be the general consensus so I think I'll go that route! Can those monitors play 4k though or is 4k at 60fps still a struggle?

      • Jimmycfc on 21/04/2020 - 19:06
        +2

        If its a 1440p monitor it wont be able to go above what its made for (4k).
        You could get a 4k monitor and downgrade it to play 1440p but theres no point, the pixels arent perfect and it might look weird.
        4k at 60fps is a struggle unless you have a 2080Ti which is the most expensive graphics card you can buy (for the average person).
        I would stick with 1440p 144hz for now and then in a few years upgrade graphics cards and monitors (at least thats my plan)

        • Ethan Bargain-Hunt on 21/04/2020 - 19:47

          Good idea man! Yeah that graphics card alone is worth around what I'm hoping to spend for a PC, ridiculous. Thanks for your input :)

          • Whisper Quiet on 22/04/2020 - 07:49

            @Ethan Bargain-Hunt: Yeah to play 4K at 120Hz good luck with CPU and GPU budget! I would still recommend getting a 4K display though. Maybe just don't play on ultra settings or even drop to 1440p but unless you've got a good setup there might be some inconsistency with that resolution, as it doesn't usually format the best on a 4K screen. But there's loads of other resolutions choose from too in the settings.

  • BertieBrown on 21/04/2020 - 17:36
    +1

    Always go for the higher native refresh rate if possible.

  • WT on 22/04/2020 - 08:19

    not an expert but if the panels are the same expect to pay at least twice the price going from 60 to 144hz +. So you cant just compare hz vz hz you need to consider the panel type

    You will need to watch some videos or read some articles as it can get pretty complex

  • Snave on 22/04/2020 - 09:02
    +1

    What graphics card are you planning to buy?, this is the most important part to determine if it can use the monitor to its full specs. No point in buying a 1440p 144hz if it can only push 60hz or just over at that resolution in games where you want the graphics turned up (RDR2 etc). Shooters you can always sacrifice graphics for FPS.

    I have just bought a AOC 24G2 IPS monitor, because it is budget and has good reviews. It is 24 inch 1080p at 144hz. Read review about Grey to Grey time as this what is normally advertised with the 1ms response time and if it will really be noticeable.

    The size you go with your monitor is up to you though I have found anything bigger then 27 inch in a desk feels to big as you do sit closer then a TV. Look how to calculate pixel per inch (PPI), the higher the better, At 1080p a 24 inch (91 PPI) vs a 27 inch (81 PPI), where 1440p on a 27 inch is 108 PPI.

    Most new monitors are either G-sync (NVivdia expensive $$$), freesync (AMD, cheap $) and the there is freesync monitors that are G-Sync compatible ($$). Most monitors that are freesync will work with G-Sync, just read some reviews.

    What G-Sync and Freesync do is match the FPS from the PC to the monitor. So the GPU can only output 85 FPS the monitor will display 85hz.

    Hopefully this helps with your decision.

  • AJW on 22/04/2020 - 13:34

    I have 2 monitors as I use the computer all day for work. One is a 30inch 60hz dell IPS panel that I use mainly for email, and smaller windows for folders / apps / notepad / netflix running some mindless show that doesn't distract me too much etc.

    I use my second monitor as my 'main' monitor, and it is 27" ASUS that is 144hz for photoshop, browsing and then of course GAMING. I had a 60hz for years, but after getting better PC's that could do above 60fps, then I got the better 2nd monitor and wow it makes a big difference..but for GAMING only. Doesn't look much different for browsing, photoshop or ANYTHING except GAMING ..lol

    So you don't need 144hz for work, but you sure do for gaming :)

    And check GSync/Freesync info too, it helps to get the right type, though I have my FreeSync monitor running correctly on a NVidia card as they now support them (found diy info via youtube).

    Any FPS or fast moving games will need above 60HZ, otherwise you wouldn't notice the difference very often :)

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