Can I Use a 240Hz Gaming Monitor With the PS5?
As an avid gamer and tech specialist, this is a question I‘ve been asked a lot recently now that the powerful PlayStation 5 console has arrived.
And the short answer is: Yes, you can absolutely use a 240Hz gaming monitor with the PS5! However, you won‘t actually be able to achieve 240 frames per second (fps) gameplay with today‘s PS5 games.
Here‘s a more detailed breakdown of what to consider, what refresh rates and resolutions the PS5 can output, and whether it‘s still worthwhile getting a crazy fast 240Hz display even if you can only reach 120 fps for now.
PS5 Gaming Performance Capabilities
First, let‘s analyze what Sony‘s latest console can actually handle in terms of graphics power and speed…
The PS5 utilizes a custom AMD Zen 2 CPU with 8 cores running at 3.5GHz, along with a specially optimized RDNA 2 GPU that outputs 10.28 teraflops of power. This allows it to deliver up to 120 fps frame rates on titles that have performance modes tuned for it.
However, the PS5 caps graphical output and framerates based on the resolution:
| Resolution | Max Refresh Rate |
|---|---|
| 720p | 120Hz |
| 1080p | 120Hz |
| 1440p | 120Hz |
| 4K | 60Hz |
As you can see, 120Hz refresh is really only possible right now on lower resolutions like 1440p or 1080p. Running games at a crisp 4K resolution will limit you to 60 fps.
And while future PS5 titles may eventually offer higher performance modes beyond 120fps, there are hardware bottlenecks that prevent most games from exceeding that threshold anytime soon.
So if you‘re hoping to experience butter smooth 240Hz gaming specifically on your new PS5, you‘ll be waiting awhile unfortunately!
Why You Should Still Consider a 240Hz Gaming Monitor
But while achieving 240fps isn‘t currently possible on PlayStation 5, there are still some great benefits to having an incredibly fast 240Hz gaming monitor paired with your PS5.
You‘ll still enjoy silky smooth visuals and responsiveness at 60 or 120 fps on a 240Hz display. For competitive multiplayer titles that offer 120fps modes like Call of Duty or Fortnite, you‘ll have an extremely fluid experience with no risk of screen tearing.
And even for cinematic single player PS5 games locked at 4K 60fps, they‘ll look spectacular on a high refresh gaming monitor. Inputs and visuals respond instantly because of the very fast pixel transition times.
Plus, many 240Hz monitors have adjustable refresh rates based on the connected device and content framerate. So the monitor can sync the refresh down to 60Hz or 120Hz dynamically to match the PS5‘s output and eliminate stuttering.
You‘ll also be future-proofed for the inevitable PS5 Pro upgrade that will deliver even higher performance, or a future PS6 console that can better tap into 240Hz monitors.
And investing in a premium, feature-packed 240Hz display means you can also hook up a gaming PC to it and fully utilize all that bandwidth for buttery smooth ultra-high frame rate gaming!
What to Look for in a "PS5 Ready" Gaming Monitor
If you decide to pick up a blazing fast 240Hz monitor to pair with your new PlayStation 5, here are the key specs and features to look out for:
- Refresh Rate: Aim for 240Hz native refresh at minimum, with dynamic sync (see below)
- Resolution: 1440p or 4K are ideal given PS5 capabilities
- Adaptive Sync: AMD FreeSync Premium or Nvidia G-Sync Compatible
- Connectivity: Must have HDMI 2.1 ports to handle 4K 120Hz output
- Size: Between 24" to 32" (pick based on your setup and preference)
- Panel Type: IPS, VA, or OLED panels offer best overall performance
Focus on those monitor specs that align with the PS5‘s capabilities outlined earlier, but also give you room to grow into higher frame rates.
Comparing Gaming Experience on PS5 vs Xbox Series X and PC
To give more context around the 240Hz monitor experience depending on what system you‘re gaming on, here‘s a quick comparison:
| Specs/Performance | PlayStation 5 | Xbox Series X | Gaming PC (Mid-Tier) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Resolution | 4K 60fps | 4K 60fps | 4K beyond 60fps |
| Max Framerate | 120fps @ 1440p/1080p | 120fps @ 1440p | 240+ fps @ 1440p |
| 240Hz Beneficial? | Yes, smoother gameplay up to 120fps | Yes, up to 120fps | Yes, can achieve 240fps gameplay |
Both next-gen consoles deliver very strong performance, but high end gaming PCs still have greater graphical capabilities to properly leverage monitors with refresh rates above 240Hz.
That said, the overall gaming experience on both the PS5 and Xbox Series X see meaningful improvements paired with a premium 240Hz gaming monitor.
Final Verdict: Yes, Get a 240Hz Gaming Monitor for Your PS5!
At the end of the day, I strongly recommend picking up an advanced 240Hz gaming monitor to connect your PlayStation 5 to.
While you won‘t completely max out its capabilities just yet, you‘ll still enjoy smooth high framerate gameplay at up to 120fps in supported titles. And you‘ll have an extremely responsive, future-proof display ready for the inevitable hardware upgrades Sony releases down the road.
Let me know if you have any other questions about getting the most out of your epic PS5 gaming setup! I‘m always happy to help break down the latest console and hardware specifications to make your buying decisions easier.
