Have you been considering upgrading your gaming monitor but have heard some concerning rumors about 240Hz monitors? You're not alone; ever since high refresh rate displays started hitting the consumer market, there seems to be no shortage of myths and misinformation circulating online.

You should have a clearer understanding of what 240Hz monitors for gaming are really like and whether upgrading is right for you. Let's get started debunking some myths!

In this blog post, we'll take a deeper look at nine of the most common myths regarding 240Hz monitors and separate fact from fiction.

Myth #1: You Need a High-End Gaming PC to Take Advantage of 240Hz

Not true! While it's true that you'll need a powerful system, especially a high-end video card, to consistently hit frame rates above 240 fps at max settings in demanding games, a 240 Hz monitor is still a major upgrade even at lower settings or frame rates. Most games will look considerably smoother at 120 fps compared to 60 fps on a 240 Hz monitor. You may not be maxing out the full potential of 240 Hz right away, but it's a worthwhile upgrade even on mid-range systems.

Myth #2: The Difference Between 144 Hz and 240 Hz is Barely Noticeable

This is a common misconception, but the reality is that the jump from 144Hz to 240Hz is quite noticeable, especially for competitive gamers. While the difference may not be as dramatic as 60Hz to 144Hz, moving objects and fast gameplay will appear even smoother. Professional esports players have noted improved tracking and reaction times by upgrading to 240 Hz. Motion clarity is enhanced, giving you a subtle but significant advantage. It's not a necessity, but it's an upgrade worth considering for competitive multiplayer gaming.

Myth #3: 240Hz Monitors Have Worse Image Quality Than Lower Refresh Rates

Not at all. While earlier 240Hz panels did have some image quality tradeoffs compared to 144/165Hz displays, modern 240Hz monitors have closed the gap. Models from Asus, Alienware, and Acer now offer IPS-type panels with 1 ms response times that rival lower refresh displays for color accuracy and viewing angles while delivering the smoothest motion. Advancements in panel technology have made high-refresh and high-quality not mutually exclusive. You no longer have to choose between performance and picture; 240 Hz can deliver both.

Myth #4: You Need a 30 Series Nvidia GPU or an RX 6000 AMD GPU for 240Hz

This is false; many older GPUs are still capable of pushing well over 144 fps in esports titles, even at high settings. A GTX 1070 or RX 580 can hit 200+ fps in CS:GO, Valorant and Overwatch on a 1080p 240Hz display. While a 3070 or 6700 XT will deliver more headroom, you don't need the latest hardware to take advantage of 240Hz for competitive gaming. Monitor technology has progressed faster than required graphics power; older mid-range cards are often all that's needed.

Myth #5: 240Hz Causes More Input Lag and Makes Games Feel Less Responsive

On the contrary, 240Hz monitors have among the lowest input lag of any panel type. At around 1 ms, they are on par or faster than lower refresh IPS/VA alternatives. Competitive gamers report games feeling even snappier and more responsive at 240 Hz versus 144 Hz or lower. Higher refresh eliminates screen tearing and minimizes lag between your inputs and what's rendered, giving you a very direct and lag-free experience.

Myth #6: You Can't Notice the Difference Above 144 Hz Without Special Eyes

While the visual difference becomes more subtle the higher you go in refresh rate, most people with normal vision can perceive improvements all the way up to 240 Hz in controlled testing environments. The motion is glassy smooth. Professional gamers and esports organizations use 240 Hz as the gold standard for a reason: it provides an edge. With regular use, you'll adjust and appreciate the enhanced clarity. It may take some adjustment, but once you experience it, going back to the lower refresh will feel choppy in comparison.

Myth #7: 240 Hz Causes Eye Strain Over Long Periods of Time

There is no evidence that higher refresh rates, like 240 Hz, cause any more eye strain than lower refresh alternatives. If anything, by reducing motion blur and input lag, a 240Hz display could decrease eye fatigue. The main factors that contribute to digital eye strain are blue light exposure after sunset and poor monitor positioning, not refresh rate. As long as you follow basic ergonomic guidelines, a 240Hz monitor should be no more strenuous on your eyes than any other.

Myth #8: You Can't Notice a Difference Above 27 Inches at 240 Hz

This is false. While 27 inches or smaller is ideal to take full advantage of high refresh without needing to move your head or eyes much, larger 240Hz monitors like 32 or 34 inches work great too for those who prefer an immersive experience. The fluidity remains at larger screen sizes. You may not gain as much of a competitive edge for FPS games, but open-world, racing and adventure titles will look absolutely stunning. Sitting slightly further back compensates for the increased panel size.

Myth #9: 240 Hz Is a Gimmick; Your Eyes Can't See Above 60 Hz Anyway

This myth has been debunked many times over. Refreshes above 60 Hz are absolutely perceivable to most people. While the human eye doesn't perceive motion as a series of individual frames, it can detect differences in motion clarity. 60Hz suffers from noticeable frame tearing and stutter that is eliminated at higher refreshes. 240 Hz monitors take motion rendering further than any other panel type, creating an incredibly smooth viewing experience. It's not a gimmick; it's the new gold standard for competitive gaming performance.

Conclusion

As you can see, many of the common myths surrounding 240Hz gaming monitors simply don't hold up to scrutiny. Modern 240Hz panels have caught up in image quality, don't require bleeding-edge hardware, and provide a noticeable advantage in competitive games without increasing input lag or eye strain. For serious esports gamers looking to gain every possible edge, 240 Hz remains the best upgrade path currently available. While it's not strictly necessary, the fluidity is quite impressive.