If your GPU is capable of rendering 240 FPS in games, you might wonder: What Hz monitor do I need for 240 FPS?
Understanding refresh rate (Hz) and how it interacts with FPS is critical for competitive gaming, esports, or maximizing responsiveness. Choosing the wrong monitor can waste your GPU potential or leave you visually limited, even if your system produces 240 FPS.
In this guide, we’ll explain exactly which monitor refresh rate you need for 240 FPS, why refresh rate matters, how to avoid visual bottlenecks, and how to optimize your gaming experience.
What Hz Monitor Do I Need for 240 FPS?
To fully display 240 FPS, you need a 240Hz monitor or higher.
- FPS > Hz = frames rendered but not displayed
- FPS ≤ Hz = all frames displayed smoothly
The monitor’s refresh rate (Hz) determines how many times the screen can update per second.
- A 144Hz monitor can only display 144 frames per second, even if your GPU produces 240 FPS.
- A 240Hz monitor can display all 240 frames, giving you the full visual benefit.
So, for gaming at 240 FPS, a 240Hz monitor is required to see each frame rendered by your GPU.
Why Monitor Hz Matters for High FPS Gaming
1. Smooth Motion and Reduced Blur
Higher refresh rates reduce motion blur, especially in fast-paced games such as CS2, Valorant, Apex Legends, or racing titles.
2. Improved Responsiveness
240Hz monitors display frames every 4.17 milliseconds, compared to 6.94 ms for 144Hz monitors. Lower frame interval means faster reactions.
3. Reduced Screen Tearing
High refresh rates paired with G-Sync or FreeSync minimize tearing and provide smoother visuals, even at very high FPS.
4. Fully Utilize Your GPU
If your GPU renders 240 FPS but your monitor only supports 144Hz, you’re underutilizing your hardware. Upgrading to a 240Hz monitor unlocks full performance.
For more details on monitor limitations and potential bottlenecks, see Can a Monitor Bottleneck a PC?.
What Happens If Your FPS Exceeds Your Monitor’s Hz?
Even if you produce 240 FPS on a 144Hz monitor:
- Only 144 frames are displayed
- Extra frames are discarded
- Input latency is slightly reduced, but visual benefit is capped
- Screen tearing may occur if V-Sync or adaptive sync is off
Best Practices:
- Use G-Sync or FreeSync to sync FPS and refresh rate
- Optionally, cap FPS to slightly above your monitor’s Hz (e.g., 147 FPS for 144Hz) to reduce over-rendering
This ensures smoother frame delivery and reduces GPU workload.
Do You Need 240Hz for All Games?
Not necessarily. The value of 240Hz depends on the type of game and your performance goals.
Ideal for 240Hz:
- Competitive shooters (CS2, Valorant, Apex Legends)
- Fast-paced esports titles
- Games where minimal input lag is critical
Less Critical for 240Hz:
- Single-player RPGs
- Strategy or simulation games
- Titles where cinematic quality matters more than raw FPS
For casual or AAA gaming, a 144Hz monitor may still provide excellent performance and visual smoothness.
How to Optimize Your System for 240 FPS Gaming
To achieve consistent 240 FPS, your GPU, CPU, and memory must be capable of handling high frame rates.
1. Use a High-End GPU
Cards like the RTX 4070, 4080, 4090, or RX 7900 XT/XTX are ideal for maintaining 240 FPS at 1080p.
2. Ensure CPU Balance
A weak CPU can bottleneck FPS. Use a tool like How Do I Know If I’m Bottlenecking My GPU? to check CPU-GPU pairing.
3. Optimize Game Settings
Lower CPU-heavy settings such as shadows, draw distance, or particle effects to maintain consistent FPS.
4. Enable High Refresh Rate in Windows
- Go to: Settings → Display → Advanced Display → Select 240Hz
- Some monitors require enabling via the OSD or driver software
5. Use Adaptive Sync
Enable G-Sync (NVIDIA) or FreeSync (AMD) to prevent tearing and stuttering at high FPS.
144Hz vs 240Hz: Do You Really Need 240Hz?
144Hz Monitor
- Can display up to 144 FPS
- GPU can render 240+ FPS, but extra frames are discarded
- Good for most gamers, casual and AAA titles
240Hz Monitor
- Displays all 240 FPS
- Lower input lag and motion blur
- Ideal for competitive esports or fast-paced shooters
Ultimately, the choice depends on your gaming priorities and the GPU’s capabilities.
FAQ: People Also Ask
What Hz monitor do I need for 240 FPS?
You need a 240Hz monitor to display all 240 FPS produced by your GPU.
Can I use 144Hz for 240 FPS?
Yes, but your monitor will only show 144 FPS. The extra frames help reduce input lag but are not visible.
Does 240Hz make a difference over 144Hz?
Yes. 240Hz provides smoother motion, lower input lag, and better responsiveness in competitive games.
Do I need G-Sync or FreeSync for 240Hz?
While not mandatory, adaptive sync prevents tearing and provides smoother performance at high FPS.
Will my GPU be wasted on 240Hz?
No. A GPU capable of 240 FPS is fully utilized with a 240Hz monitor. On lower Hz monitors, some GPU potential is unused.
Conclusion
To fully experience 240 FPS, you need a 240Hz monitor or higher. While a 144Hz monitor can display high FPS, it cannot show more than 144 frames, limiting the visual advantage of high-end GPUs.
High refresh rate monitors are particularly valuable for competitive gaming, reducing input lag, improving responsiveness, and fully utilizing your hardware.
To ensure your system can sustain 240 FPS, check for CPU or GPU bottlenecks using the Bottleneck Calculator and optimize your settings for consistent performance.