Which monitor you need for CS2: refresh rate, panel and size
How to choose a monitor for CS2: 144, 240 or 360 Hz, panel type, response time, screen size and how to set it up.
Refresh rate directly affects how smoothly you see enemies move. For CS2 it is one of the most noticeable upgrades.
📌 Refresh rate (Hz)
60 Hz — the minimum, movement looks choppy.
144 Hz — a huge difference compared to 60 Hz. A good baseline.
240 Hz — the standard for competitive play.
360 Hz and above — for players who consistently hold very high FPS.
Important: your in-game FPS should be at least your refresh rate, or you will not see the difference.
🖥️ Panel type
TN — fast and cheap, but worse colors and viewing angles.
IPS — good colors and fast response in gaming models.
OLED — very fast response and deep blacks, but more expensive.
📏 Size
Most pros use 24–25 inches: you see the whole screen without moving your head.
🔧 Setup after buying
In Windows Settings → Display → Advanced display, choose the highest refresh rate.
In CS2, select the same rate in Settings → Video.
Use a DisplayPort cable or a suitable HDMI cable — some cables do not support high refresh rates.
⚠️ Common mistake
You bought 144 Hz but play at 60 Hz because you forgot to change the rate in Windows. Check this first.