Gaming demands more from a monitor than everyday computing. Fast refresh rates, low input lag, and smooth motion are essential to keep up with today’s high-performance games. Acer offers a wide selection of displays, including models built specifically to deliver these gaming advantages.
This article explains what actually makes a monitor “good for gaming” and which models are specifically tuned for gaming applications.
What Makes a Monitor Good for GamingA monitor is considered good for gaming when it includes performance-driven features that improve motion clarity, reduce lag, and ensure smooth gameplay. The most important characteristics are:
1. High Refresh Rate (144Hz and beyond)
Gaming monitors refresh the image more often than standard 60–75Hz displays. Higher refresh rates provide smoother motion, lower input latency and faster responsiveness for competitive play.
Common gaming refresh rates:
- 144Hz (Entry-Level)
- 165Hz, 240Hz (Standard Competitive)
- 360Hz, 480Hz+ (Esports/High-End)
2. Fast Response Time (1ms-Class)
Fast pixel transitions reduce ghosting and motion blur so moving objects stay sharp. GtG (Grey-to-Grey) is the industry standard for true response time, while VRB (or MPRT - Motion Picture Response Time) is a strobing backlight tech that simulates fast response.
Typical specifications:
- 1ms GtG
- 0.5–1ms VRB (Visual Response Boost)
3. Adaptive Sync tehchnology (AMD FreeSync, NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible, G-SYNC Native and G-SYNC Ultimate)
Adaptive Sync synchronizes the monitor's refresh rate with the GPU’s frame output, helping eliminate:
- Screen tearing
- Stuttering
- Frame pacing issues
4. Game-Focused Visual Controls
Gaming monitors include specialized settings such as:
- Black Boost / Shadow Boost (improves visibility in dark scenes)
- Overdrive tuning to improve motion clarity
- Preset game modes (FPS, racing, strategy)
- Aim Point On-screen crosshairs
- Sniper Mode
- Timers and refresh rate indicators
These give players a competitive and visual advantage.
5. Panels Optimized for Fast Motion
Different panel types serve different gaming needs:
- IPS – Fast response + excellent colors and wide viewing angles. (Add a note about its prevalence in 1440p and 4K monitors).
- VA – High contrast + immersive visuals. (Best for ultrawide and curved displays due to its deep black levels).
- TN – Ultra-fast response for esports. (Highest refresh rates/lowest input lag, often at 1080p).
What are the best Acer gaming monitors?
Acer gaming displays fall into two main product families: Predator and Acer Nitro
Predator Monitors: Performance without Compromise
Predator is the premium gaming monitor brand, delivering top-tier performance with high refresh rates, wide color gamuts, and advanced technologies across a variety of sizes and feature configurations.
Who Is It For?
Competitive esports professionals, visual purists, and gamers running high-end GPUs (RTX 4070/RX 7800 XT and above) who demand the absolute best in refresh rates, color accuracy, and premium features like Mini-LED backlighting.
Popular Predator Models:
- Predator XB series (XB253Q, XB273U, XB323Q)
- Predator X series (X27, X32, X34, X39 and X45)
- Predator Z series (Z57 mini led)
- Predator CG series (CG48, CG437K)
Visit our Predator monitor website for additional models and more information on Predator gaming displays.
Acer Nitro Monitors: Playing with Perfection
Nitro is the mainstream gaming monitor line, offering fast refresh rates, quick response times, and AMD FreeSync Premium for smooth, tear-free gameplay.
Popular Nitro Models:
- Nitro KG series (KG241Y, KG271 M3, KG271U, KG273)
- Nitro XF series (XF253Q)
- Nitro XV series (XV271U, XV272U, XV275, XV320QU)
- Nitro ED series (ED340CUR, ED320QR)
- Nitro QG series (QG241Y)
- Nitro XR3 series (XR3 34″)
- Nitro XZ series (XZ342CU, XZ320Q, XZ5, XZ2, XZ3)
Visit our Acer Nitro gaming monitor website for additional models and more information on Acer Nitro gaming displays.
Can Other Monitors be Used for Gaming?
Yes — almost any monitor can display a game. However, the gaming experience will vary widely depending on the display’s specifications. Monitors designed for productivity or general home use may not provide the smooth motion, low input lag, or responsiveness needed for modern gaming. If you plan to game regularly, choosing a monitor built specifically for gaming will deliver far better performance.
How Do Non-Gaming Monitors Differ?
Acer also offers professional, productivity, and creator-focused monitors that excel at everyday computing tasks. While great for work, web browsing, and entertainment, these models typically lack performance features that define a true gaming display.
Non-gaming monitors generally include:
- 60–75Hz refresh rates
- Slower response times
- No gaming-specific picture modes or adaptive sync
Visit our Acer monitor website for a complete list of models and more information on professional, productivity and creator display products.