Background information
OLED, 32 inches, 4K, 240 hertz: has Asus just launched the perfect monitor?
by Samuel Buchmann
Monitor with 480 Hertz: Can I recognise the difference?
1.10.2025
More and more gaming monitors are offering refresh rates beyond 200 hertz (Hz). Some of the ultra-fast panels can display up to 500 images per second. Can I recognise the difference with the naked eye?
Refresh rates of up to 500 Hz are currently the top class for gaming monitors. I say I can see the difference. In the video, you can see whether I just have a big face or whether I can actually tell the difference between 240 Hz and 480 Hz.
Why do films run so smoothly?
You've probably noticed that games with 30 frames per second look like they're juddering. The step to 60 frames is therefore as different as night and day. This video shows what I mean.
But if you watch a film, you won't even notice this jerkiness, even though most films are only recorded at 24 frames per second. A game with 24 frames per second, on the other hand, is almost unplayable.
There are two reasons for the stark difference. On the one hand, we have long since become accustomed to the fact that film simply «looks like this». If there were more frames per second, we would be complaining about the «soap opera effect» where films and series look like cheaply produced soap operas on Saturday mornings on RTL.
On the other hand, there is always motion blur in film recordings. If the subject moves in front of the camera, it is blurred during exposure. Your brain reinterprets this blur and the shot appears more fluid than the 24 frames per second actually are. You can also see this in the video above, where the black dot has no motion blur. The animation looks bumpy.
Games sometimes try to imitate this effect. This only works to a limited extent, most of the time everything just looks blurred. Fortunately, at least on the PC, the effect can be deactivated in the options.
Another reason why games look bumpier at low frame rates is that you have control over the movements and therefore notice every delay more clearly. I noticed this most recently with «Ghost of Yotei». If I game in quality mode at 30 FPS, everything looks bumpy. If I run cutscenes, everything looks smooth, although they also run at 30 FPS, but I have no control over the camera.
Who needs more than 120 Hz?
Spoiler: Up to 120 Hz, I was able to see the differences. From 240 Hz I had no chance. Nevertheless, I am convinced that «Counter Strike» pros, for example, will see a difference, as they play the same game for several hours a day and notice every small deviation in the setup immediately.
This makes sense for shooters, because with a frame rate of 480 Hz I can theoretically see the opponent up to 14 milliseconds earlier than at 60 Hz. That's just a tenth of a blink of an eye and completely irrelevant for casuals like you and me. Pros, on the other hand, are likely to notice a difference.
Not me. I'd rather invest my money in a bigger screen, a better resolution or Goat Simulator...
Simon Balissat
Teamleader Editorial
Simon.Balissat@digitecgalaxus.chWhen I flew the family nest over 15 years ago, I suddenly had to cook for myself. But it wasn’t long until this necessity became a virtue. Today, rattling those pots and pans is a fundamental part of my life. I’m a true foodie and devour everything from junk food to star-awarded cuisine. Literally. I eat way too fast.
Background information
Interesting facts about products, behind-the-scenes looks at manufacturers and deep-dives on interesting people.
Show all
