Acer XFA240 144Hz Gaming Monitor Review: A Bargain Speed Machine

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Conclusion

With so many choices available in fast gaming monitors, it’s inevitable that a few will emerge as value leaders. Acer has certainly one-upped the competition with the XFA240. At less than $200, it offers great gaming performance and astonishing color accuracy. While we wish it had higher pixel density, that consideration becomes secondary when playing games that stay pegged at 144 fps. Owners of less-expensive graphics cards can still expect 80-100 fps when running about in their favorite shooter or virtual environment.

Acer XFA240 144Hz Gaming Monitor ( (Image credit: Acer))

The fact that the XFA240 uses a TN panel should not dissuade potential buyers. Given the choice, we’d pick VA for its high contrast, but TN still delivers the lowest input lag, fastest response and the highest frame rates. When the virtual battle hits maximum intensity, instant response to control inputs makes the difference between winning and losing.

There are gaming monitors with better image quality and greater speed, but when the price/performance ratio is calculated, it’s hard to beat the XFA240. It wasn’t long ago that a 144 Hz monitor was the top of the heap for gaming and would set you back $400 or more for a 24-incher. At less than $200, the Acer XFA240 is our new favorite value choice

Image Credits: Acer, Tom's Hardware

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Christian Eberle
Contributing Editor

Christian Eberle is a Contributing Editor for Tom's Hardware US. He's a veteran reviewer of A/V equipment, specializing in monitors. Christian began his obsession with tech when he built his first PC in 1991, a 286 running DOS 3.0 at a blazing 12MHz. In 2006, he undertook training from the Imaging Science Foundation in video calibration and testing and thus started a passion for precise imaging that persists to this day. He is also a professional musician with a degree from the New England Conservatory as a classical bassoonist which he used to good effect as a performer with the West Point Army Band from 1987 to 2013. He enjoys watching movies and listening to high-end audio in his custom-built home theater and can be seen riding trails near his home on a race-ready ICE VTX recumbent trike. Christian enjoys the endless summer in Florida where he lives with his wife and Chihuahua and plays with orchestras around the state.

  • DotNetMaster777
    Acer Low pixel density is quite big disadvantage from my point of view !
    Reply
  • wirewick
    Why do you refer to the pixel density of this screen as if it's unique to Acer? The pixel density of this display is the same as an 1080p 24" monitor and therefor smaller pixels than any other 1080p eSports display >24".
    Reply