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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchYes— a genuine 4ms GtG response time is generally good for gaming. It is comfortably suitable for 60Hz through 165Hz play and usually works well for single-player games, consoles, racing, strategy, RPGs, and mainstream competitive titles. At 240Hz and above, however, the number on the box is not enough: you need independent measurements of pixel transitions, overshoot, and input lag.
Also check whether the specification says GtG or MPRT. Those are different measurements, so “4ms GtG” cannot be ranked directly against “1ms MPRT.”
What does a 4ms response time mean?
Response time is the approximate time a pixel takes to change from one color to another. Most monitor specifications use gray-to-gray (GtG) testing. Faster transitions generally reduce visible smearing behind moving objects. A slow transition can produce ordinary ghosting; excessive overdrive can create bright or dark inverse trails instead. See RTINGS’ response-time and motion-blur explanation.
A manufacturer’s 4ms figure may describe one favorable transition, a best-case result, a particular overdrive mode, or a proprietary test method. It may not represent the average or slowest transition. Treat it as a specification to verify, not a guarantee that every scene will be blur-free.
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- QHD Resolution (2560 x 1440) has 1.7 times the pixel density of Full HD for incredibly detailed pinsharp images
- HDR10 provides brighter highlights and nuanced shadow for added depth - making every scene feel more vivid and realistic
- The 180Hz refresh rate minimizes lag for gameplay with ultra-smooth action. Plus, the 1ms response time helps capture your moves in real-time, allowing you to react fast for gaming precision
- AMD FreeSync reduces choppiness, screen lag and image tearing, ensuring that your fast-paced, complex in-game action is stable with minimal stutter
- Ergonomic stand allows for tilt, pivot and height adjustments to maximize gaming comfort
Is 4ms good at different refresh rates?
Each refresh rate gives pixels a different frame interval. The figures below are timing references, not response-time guarantees. RTINGS’ input-lag methodology explains the relationship between refresh timing and display latency at its input-lag test page.
| Refresh rate | Time between frames | How to interpret a 4ms rating |
|---|---|---|
| 60Hz | 16.67ms | Comfortably within the frame interval; the pixel rating is unlikely to be the limiting factor. |
| 120Hz | 8.33ms | Plenty of timing margin for a well-tuned display. |
| 144Hz | 6.94ms | 4ms is below the theoretical frame interval, but transitions can vary by color. |
| 165Hz | Approximately 6.06ms | Usually suitable when independent tests show consistent transitions. |
| 240Hz | 4.17ms | Nearly the entire frame window; measured consistency and overshoot matter greatly. |
| 360Hz | Approximately 2.78ms | A nominal 4ms transition can extend into the next frame, reducing full-refresh-rate clarity. |
| 540Hz | Approximately 1.85ms | 4ms is longer than the frame interval, so the printed figure is a weak indicator of compliance. |
At 60Hz, a 4ms transition is comfortably fast in relation to the refresh interval. At 120Hz, 144Hz, and 165Hz, a properly tuned panel can also perform very well. At 240Hz, 4ms can still be enjoyable, but some transitions may trail when the next frame arrives. Above 240Hz, seek testing at the monitor’s maximum refresh rate rather than relying on the headline number. Refresh-rate compliance testing is especially relevant.
Even perfect pixel transitions would not remove all motion blur. Sample-and-hold displays can create persistence blur as your eyes track a moving image; refresh rate and, where available, backlight strobing also affect clarity. See RTINGS’ refresh-rate discussion and Blur Busters’ GtG/MPRT FAQ.
Response time is not input lag
Response time describes pixel appearance. Input lag is the delay before the monitor begins displaying a received signal. System latency also includes your mouse or controller, game processing, rendering queue, graphics card, connection, display processing, and pixel response.
Rank #2
- 120HZ REFRESH RATE FOR SMOOTH GAMING - Experience ultra-smooth visuals with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring fluid motion and reduced motion blur during fast-paced action.
- 4MS GTG RESPONSE TIME - Enjoy quick and responsive gameplay with a 4ms gray-to-gray response time, minimizing ghosting and blurring for a crisp and clear image.
- VIBRANT FULL HD 1080P IPS DISPLAY - Immerse yourself in stunning Full HD 1080p resolution with an IPS panel, providing vivid colors, sharp details, and wide viewing angles for an enhanced visual experience.
- ADAPTIVE SYNC - Matches the refresh rate of the monitor to the frame rate of the GPU, eliminating screen tearing and stuttering for a smooth and seamless gaming experience.
- SLEEK AND STYLISH DESIGN - The 24-inch Pixio PX246 Wave combines performance and aesthetics with a slim profile and modern design, making it the perfect addition to any gaming setup or workspace.
A monitor can advertise 1ms or 4ms pixels yet have poor input lag if its processing pipeline is slow. Conversely, a display with a somewhat higher measured transition can feel responsive when its input lag is low and motion handling is clean. Check both metrics; RTINGS’ gaming-monitor guide explains the broader selection factors.
4ms GtG versus 1ms MPRT
GtG measures a pixel’s color transition. MPRT describes perceived moving-image persistence and is commonly associated with a blur-reduction or backlight-strobing mode. A monitor labeled “4ms GtG / 1ms MPRT” does not have 1ms GtG pixels, and the two numbers should not be compared as if they used the same test.
MPRT modes can make motion appear sharper, but they may reduce brightness, introduce flicker, disable VRR, or work only within a narrow refresh-rate and frame-rate range. The exact behavior varies by model. See Blur Busters’ motion-blur-reduction FAQ and MSI’s explanation of GtG and MPRT.
Is 4ms good for competitive gaming?
Casual and mainstream competitive play
Yes. For most players, a tested 4ms display with low input lag is entirely adequate. Aim for the refresh rate your system can actually sustain, and choose clean overdrive rather than the most aggressive mode.
Rank #3
- 120HZ REFRESH RATE FOR SMOOTH GAMING - Experience ultra-smooth visuals with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring fluid motion and reduced motion blur during fast-paced action.
- 4MS GTG RESPONSE TIME - Enjoy quick and responsive gameplay with a 4ms gray-to-gray response time, minimizing ghosting and blurring for a crisp and clear image.
- VIBRANT FULL HD 1080P IPS DISPLAY - Immerse yourself in stunning Full HD 1080p resolution with an IPS panel, providing vivid colors, sharp details, and wide viewing angles for an enhanced visual experience.
- ADAPTIVE SYNC - Matches the refresh rate of the monitor to the frame rate of the GPU, eliminating screen tearing and stuttering for a smooth and seamless gaming experience.
- SLEEK AND STYLISH DESIGN - The 24-inch Pixio PX246 Wave combines performance and aesthetics with a slim profile and modern design, making it the perfect addition to any gaming setup or workspace.
144Hz and 165Hz esports
Usually. The 4ms figure is below the frame interval at both refresh rates, but check average and slowest transitions. A display marketed as 4ms can still show dark smearing or overshoot.
240Hz competitive FPS
Possibly. A true, consistently measured 4ms result is close to the 4.17ms frame interval. Players seeking the clearest motion should prioritize measured transition consistency, low overshoot, and input lag over a printed 1ms claim.
360Hz and higher
Not ideal by specification alone. At these refresh rates, a nominal 4ms transition can outlast the frame interval. It is not unusable, but high-level competitive buyers should choose a monitor with independent testing at its maximum refresh rate.
How to determine whether a particular 4ms monitor is good
- Identify the metric: confirm whether the claim is GtG, MPRT, or another method.
- Find an independent review of the exact model: do not substitute a result from a similar-looking monitor.
- Read the response-time chart: check average and slowest transitions, not only the headline score.
- Check overdrive behavior: look for the recommended mode and evidence of overshoot or inverse ghosting.
- Check input lag: look for measurements at the intended resolution and maximum refresh rate, plus 60Hz or 120Hz results if you will use a console.
- Verify VRR behavior: confirm the FreeSync or G-SYNC Compatible range and whether performance changes across that range.
- Confirm connection limits: ensure your GPU, console, cable, resolution, color mode, and chosen input can actually deliver the advertised refresh rate.
- Compare the rest of the monitor: consider contrast, HDR, brightness, resolution, ergonomics, warranty, and price.
RTINGS notes that its current motion testing includes VRR and available overdrive settings, while input-lag testing covers different refresh-rate conditions. Its test-bench changes mean older and newer results are not always directly comparable; methodology details are published at How We Test.
Rank #4
- 120HZ REFRESH RATE FOR SMOOTH GAMING - Experience ultra-smooth visuals with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring fluid motion and reduced motion blur during fast-paced action.
- 4MS GTG RESPONSE TIME - Enjoy quick and responsive gameplay with a 4ms gray-to-gray response time, minimizing ghosting and blurring for a crisp and clear image.
- VIBRANT FULL HD 1080P IPS DISPLAY - Immerse yourself in stunning Full HD 1080p resolution with an IPS panel, providing vivid colors, sharp details, and wide viewing angles for an enhanced visual experience.
- ADAPTIVE SYNC - Matches the refresh rate of the monitor to the frame rate of the GPU, eliminating screen tearing and stuttering for a smooth and seamless gaming experience.
- SLEEK AND STYLISH DESIGN - The 24-inch Pixio PX246 Wave combines performance and aesthetics with a slim profile and modern design, making it the perfect addition to any gaming setup or workspace.
Common problems with “4ms” monitors
Best-case specification
Selected transitions may reach 4ms while other color changes take considerably longer. This is why averages, slowest transitions, and motion photographs are more useful than a single box number.
Dark smearing
Some VA implementations have particularly slow dark-level transitions. The panel category is a clue, not a verdict: implementation, firmware, refresh rate, and overdrive tuning determine the result.
Inverse ghosting
Strong overdrive can reduce ordinary trailing but add bright halos or dark overshoot. “Extreme” is not automatically the best setting; use the mode that gives the cleanest moving image.
Incorrect operating mode
A monitor may reach its advertised result only in a specific overdrive, refresh-rate, or MPRT mode. A blur-reduction mode can also flicker, reduce brightness, or conflict with VRR.
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Wrong refresh-rate setting
After installation, set Windows or the console to the intended refresh rate, enable the monitor’s recommended low-latency mode, and turn on compatible VRR. Test at the frame rates you actually play, not only at the panel’s maximum.
Does panel type change the answer?
Panel type affects the likely trade-offs, but it cannot replace model-specific testing.
- OLED: generally offers extremely fast transitions and excellent contrast, but costs more and may require consideration of brightness, text rendering, and static-content or burn-in concerns.
- Fast IPS: can deliver strong motion performance with broad viewing angles and no OLED burn-in concern, although contrast is usually lower than VA or OLED.
- VA: often provides excellent contrast, while some models show slower dark transitions.
- TN: remains common in very fast competitive displays but can sacrifice image quality and viewing angles.
Actual implementation, overdrive, VRR behavior, firmware, and refresh rate matter more than the panel label alone.
When should you pay for a faster monitor?
Look beyond a nominal 4ms rating when you play competitive FPS games at 240Hz or higher, when reviews report dark smearing or overshoot, or when the manufacturer supplies only a best-case figure. A well-tested fast IPS or OLED can justify a premium for motion clarity and, in OLED’s case, contrast. It is poor value to buy a 480Hz-plus or premium OLED display solely for its printed millisecond number if your GPU cannot drive the refresh rate, your console is limited to 120Hz, or your games are mostly slower paced. For most buyers, a well-reviewed 144Hz–180Hz monitor with low input lag and clean overdrive is the more balanced choice.
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- Set the operating system or console to the monitor’s target refresh rate.
- Enable the recommended gaming or low-latency mode.
- Enable FreeSync, G-SYNC Compatible, or another supported VRR mode.
- Compare normal, medium, and stronger overdrive settings with moving test patterns and real games.
- Use normal or medium overdrive if the strongest mode creates bright trails or inverse ghosting.
- If you enable MPRT or blur reduction, check flicker, brightness, VRR compatibility, and the required frame-rate range.
Menu names differ by manufacturer and model, so use the exact manual rather than assuming every monitor has the same settings path.
Final verdict by player type
| Player or use | Verdict on 4ms | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Single-player, RPG, strategy, or simulation | Good | Prioritize image quality, contrast, HDR, resolution, and refresh rate. |
| Console at 60–120Hz | Good | Check input lag, HDMI capabilities, VRR support, and console refresh compatibility. |
| 144Hz or 165Hz gaming | Usually good | Confirm consistent transitions and a usable overdrive mode. |
| 240Hz competitive FPS | Can be good | Use independent motion and input-lag measurements at 240Hz. |
| 360Hz-plus esports | Not a strong specification by itself | Choose measured full-refresh-rate compliance and low overshoot. |
The practical rule is simple: do not reject a monitor because it says 4ms. Confirm that the claim is GtG, inspect independent response-time and input-lag results, and judge the monitor at the refresh rate you will actually use. Those facts matter more than whether the box says 1ms or 4ms.
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