Ways to avoid ghosting have been sought-after ever since competitive gaming became a thing and the monitor industry moved away from CRT monitors in the world of LCD tech. The latter opened more improvements in almost every aspect, but slower pixel response times and lower contrast marred it in the eyes of purists. However, massive leaps have been achieved since that time, and we now have actual blur-free monitors.
Several implementations like overdrive or strobing have been put into place to support modern monitors, but none of them are perfect. Anti-ghosting or blurring has always rested on the panel type manufacturers use and their tuning. But no matter what techy magic they put, the panel used and its characteristics will still be the most crucial aspect.
Choosing Monitors to Avoid Ghosting
As mentioned, the main consideration you have to make to avoid ghosting is the panel type. The best examples now are OLEDs and a few select TN gaming monitors which have lightning-fast pixel response times. There are some Fast IPS models that can match up with TNs, but not one can compare to OLED technology.
The difference in price between the panel types is staggering, but whichever you select will dictate your price bracket. OLED is typically the most expensive, but most of the best monitors to avoid ghosting are also quite pricey. You’d have to consider them as investments because of this, although many of them are worth it.
Consider the refresh rate after you’ve chosen your budget and the panel type that corresponds to it. Get the highest one you can, since extremely high refresh rates tremendously help in speeding up pixel transitions. This is especially true for TN and Fast IPS models, but OLED monitors aren’t bothered with it since they don’t reply on a backlight.
Building a Gaming Setup to Avoid Ghosting
The monitor is arguably the most important aspect of a blur-free build, but you also have to consider the parts that support it. Building a rig made of top-end parts is easy if you have money, but most of us mere mortals have to stick to a budget. This makes it trickier to get the performance fast-paced gaming or E-Sports requires, but it is far from impossible.
The first item on the list, aside from the fast monitor, is, of course, the GPU that produces the frames it needs. Find what has been tested and recommended for your resolution, and try to get a card above that. For example, if something like an RTX 4060 is great for 1080, try a gun for the RTX 4070 to ensure that it can run 1080p as high as it can.
High framerate outputs are also CPU bound nowadays, so getting a flagship chip or something with high clocks is ideal. Support it with fast RAM and a decent board to get a reliable build with consistent performance and some future proofing. Of course, don’t forget to choose a reliable power supply and well-ventilated case to hold everything together safely.
The Best Monitors to Avoid Ghosting
Alienware AW2725DF
The Alienware AW2725DF is a 360Hz 1440p OLED gaming monitor that’s intended for the future generations of E-Sports gamers. Its lightning fast because of the high refresh rate, but its lack of a backlight unit also helps it avoid ghosting. Each pixel self illuminates or dims to create transitions, so it doesn’t have to deal with the delays brought about by a difference light source.
MSI MPG 271QRX
The MSI MPG 271QRX is a cheaper alternative to the one above, but it doesn’t have any tangible consequences. It has the same agile OLED panel that’s blur-free and capable of infinite contrast. It’s also very versatile for the price, so you can get it for editing and hardcore gaming.
Samsung Odyssey OLED G6
The Samsung Odyssey OLED G6 is another fine example of what an E-Sports OLED gaming monitor should be. Its not the brightest in its category, but it still promises deep colors and contrast to go with its near-instantaneous pixel response time. It also looks less like a gaming model, and we know a few guys out there who prefer the minimalist design over the flashy ones.
Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDM
The Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDM only goes up to 240Hz, but it is a 4K variant, so it still has merit in this roundup. You get a larger and sharper screen, and the same instant pixel response time and blur-free performance are still there. The brand’s design makes it one of the true-blue gamer-centric models out there, but it also has some flexibility via its USB-C slot for those who want to use it for work.
MSI MPG 321URX
The MSI MPG 321URX is a more affordable 4K 240Hz OLED option minus the performance penalties. It’s very fast and capable of infinite contrast, but its also bright and very accurate compared to its competitors. Its heavily equipped with connectivity and features despite the lower price, making it an excellent buy for serious enthusiasts.
Alienware AW2524H
The Alienware AW2524H is still one of the fastest gaming monitors available, thanks to its extremely high 540Hz refresh rate. It uses a Fast IPS panel, but it’s actually blur-free, unlike so many of its lower-rated compatriots that use the display tech. It is robust and backed by a solid warranty, so it should be a great investment for years to come.
Asus ROG Swift Pro PG248QP
The Asus ROG Swift Pro PG248QP was made for purists and speed freaks who want a true blur and ghosting-free performance. It goes all the way up to 540Hz, but Asus decided to take it up a notch by using a TN panel instead of fast IPS. Its not the most vibrant, but crisp motion clarity is its priority above anything else.
About the Author: Paolo has been a gaming veteran since the golden days of Doom and Warcraft and has been building gaming systems for family, friends, and colleagues since junior high. High-performance monitors are one of his fixations; he believes that every citizen’s right to enjoy one. He has gone through several pieces of hardware in pursuit of every bit of performance gain, much to the dismay of his wallet. He now works with Monitornerds to scrutinize the latest gear to create reviews that accentuate the seldom explained aspects of a PC monitor.
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