Is a 120Hz Monitor worth it with only 1 GPU?

[aajohnny]

Hey,
I've been sitting on the fence debating on whether to get a 120Hz monitor or not but I haven't hopped over yet... I've heard that 120Hz monitors are useless unless you are at 100 fps or more... is that true? wouldn't it still be better regardless compared to a 60Hz monitor? (Which I have)

For example: If I'm getting 80fps instead of 100+fps wouldn't I still see the difference in a 120Hz over my 60Hz? I'm a bit confused as to if I actually NEED 100+fps to see a difference.

One more question: My computer specs are a i7 processor,8gb ram and 2gb gtx 680 (I am using dual monitors as well and both are 60Hz) would a 120Hz monitor hinder performance? is it that costly on my system?

Also if you have any good experiences or have a "pitch" on why a 120Hz is good or bad I'd love to hear it.

Thanks everyone

 

[cookybiscuit]

It's nonsense. 60FPS 120Hz is a thousand miles better than 60FPS 60Hz, theres no tearing, far less input lag and less blur.

 

[aajohnny]

I've noticed a few 144Hz monitors are those just as good?

 

[bystander]

144hz monitors offer all the same features as the 120hz monitors plus an extra refresh mode. 120hz + Lightboost is likely a better mode for you, but 144hz is also available.

 

[aajohnny]

I see, would I see a major difference with a 144 or 120 compared to 60? or is it not worth the $250+ improvement?

 

[bystander]

Will you see a big difference? Some people see it more than others, but almost everyone notices the responsiveness benefit. With Lightboost on, everyone seems to clamor about how good it looks with it's 0 motion blur, so when you turn, everything remains crisp.

For me, 120hz with 80+ FPS removes simulator sickness that I normally get in 1st person games. I used to get nauseated when I gamed in 1st person, now I don't, unless I use 3D Vision (I have to take breaks after 30-60 mins).

3D Vision is also a very nice perk. I personally like it a lot, but it does require it to be setup properly to shine.

 

[aajohnny]

Thanks for the response. I was thinking of either getting:

http://www.amazon.com/BenQ-XL2420TE-Performance-24-Inch-Professional/dp/B00D7IG556/ref=pd_ybh_1

or

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236313

are those worth the price tag for the 60 - 120- 144 difference?

 

[bystander]

That is up to you entirely. I would buy one without hesitation, but then again, I get sick with 60hz screens. That and I have grown to like 3D Vision too much.

 

[aajohnny]

Okay thanks, the thing that gets me is the single GPU. Am I going to have to go Low graphics on every game just to even notice a difference? I heard its performance costly.

 

[tman2damax11]

I would say yes, because Even if your not getting 120fps, maybe 80 or 90, you can still physically see every frame over 60fps when you wouldn't be able to see on 60hz monitor, which won't look as smooth as full 120fps, but still smoother than 60fps.

 

[bystander]

Okay thanks, the thing that gets me is the single GPU. Am I going to have to go Low graphics on every game just to even notice a difference? I heard its performance costly.

You may want to use high settings, rather than very high or ultra, but you usually don't lose much image quality between high and ultra these days. In some games, medium almost looks as good as ultra.

As games get more advanced, the higher image quality stuff is harder to notice.

I personally would rather use lower settings for higher FPS (80+).