Esports players are extremely particular and critical about the monitors they use for gaming. A proper gaming model should have a refresh rate of at least 240 Hz, and even better if it’s 360 Hz. Some manufacturers are even aiming for 750 Hz. The CS.MONEY Blog explores why professionals prefer such fast screens and whether a higher refresh rate truly provides an in-game advantage.

Choosing the right monitor can greatly impact your Counter-Strike experience. The same can be said about skins. Unfortunately, we can’t sell you a monitor, but thousands of different skins at low prices are already waiting for you on our website.

What Are Hertz?

Every second, a monitor displays a certain number of images. The rate at which these images appear—like any frequency—is measured in Hertz (Hz).

Even the cheapest computer monitors today have a refresh rate of 60Hz or higher. However, as mentioned earlier, most professionals use monitors with significantly higher refresh rates.

For comparison, let’s look at 60 Hz vs. 144 Hz monitors. The advantages of 144 Hz over 60 Hz also apply to 240 Hz or 300 Hz screens.

Smoothness… PURE SMOOTHNESS!

Here’s the deal—our eyes are like an “analog” device. We perceive the world as a continuous stream rather than individual images. However, monitors display static images (frames), and our brain stitches them together into a seamless video.

The more frames per second, the smoother the movement appears. Increasing the refresh rate of a monitor visibly improves this smoothness, making animations look more natural.

And smoothness isn’t just about visuals—it provides a competitive advantage. Each additional frame gives you more information about your surroundings, making aiming easier.

This is supported by Nvidia‘s research, which found a direct link between higher FPS and better in-game performance. This is why 144Hz+ monitors are a must-have for competitive FPS games like CS2.

Frames Per Second & Refresh Rate

It’s obvious that 120 Hz, 144 Hz, 240 Hz, and 360 Hz monitors are far superior to 60Hz. But what about hardware? To fully utilize a high refresh rate, your graphics card must output at least the same number of FPS.

For a 144 Hz monitor, your system should ideally be running CS2 at 144 FPS or more. Although CS2 is more demanding than CS:GO, getting a stable 144+ FPS is still possible with mid-range hardware. Additionally, 144 Hz monitors are relatively affordable, with cheaper models costing around $200.

What to Consider When Choosing a Monitor?

It all depends on your goals:

1. Do You Want to Go Pro?

If you’re aiming for an esports career, you should get a ZOWIE BENQ monitor (e.g., XL2546K, 240Hz).

These are industry-standard in professional tournaments, making it easier to adjust settings and adapt to event setups.

2. Do You Play Often? Do You Need a Monitor for More Than Just Gaming?

Depending on your use case, you should consider screen size and panel type:

• For gaming only → 24-inch monitors are the best choice.
• For movies & casual use → A 27-inch screen might be more appealing.

The same applies to panel technology:

• For pure esports (cheapest option) → TN panels are fine.
• For better colors & image quality → Go for IPS or VA panels.

3. Adjustable Stand & Comfort

Since you’ll spend a lot of time in front of your monitor, it’s best to have height & tilt adjustment options.

This will allow you to find the most comfortable setup for long gaming sessions.

Ideally, try to see the monitor in person before buying to check its image quality. Luckily, it is not a big problem with skins. On CS.MONEY website, you can preview the loook of the exact skin before you push the “buy” button.

Conclusion: Does a High Refresh Rate Give You an Advantage?

Yes, it does.

A 144Hz or higher refresh rate acts like a “hardware performance boost” for your gameplay. However, it’s not a magic fix—if your aim is bad or you don’t know utility lineups, no pro gaming monitor will make up for that. However, playing on a higher refresh rate monitor will always feel smoother and more enjoyable!