Acer has just unveiled a series of new gaming monitors at IFA 2024, with some of them pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in terms of refresh rate. Leading the pack is the Acer Nitro XV240 F6, a 24-inch 1080p monitor that boasts an astonishing 600Hz refresh rate. This is a first for a gaming monitor, and considering its price, it’s a tempting proposition. While the question of whether anyone truly needs such a fast display remains open, the mere possibility of such a smooth gaming experience is enough to pique our interest.
Acer’s new Nitro lineup features three new monitors set to hit shelves in the first quarter of 2025: the Nitro XV240 F6, the Nitro XV270U F5, and the Nitro XV270 F5. All three offer incredibly high refresh rates, earning them the ‘Nitro Ultraspeed’ moniker from Acer, but they each cater to slightly different needs.
The 600Hz Nitro XV240 F6, with its 0.1ms GtG response time, VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification, and 95% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage, is a force to be reckoned with. It’s set to launch at a recommended price of $600, making it more affordable than 540Hz monitors like the Asus ROG Swift Pro. However, there’s a catch: it utilizes a TN panel, which is known for washed-out colors and poor viewing angles. The trade-off here is sacrificing visual fidelity for that blistering refresh rate.
The Nitro XV270 F5 offers a compelling alternative. This 27-inch 1080p display boasts a 520Hz refresh rate and a 0.5ms GtG response time, while employing an IPS panel for better contrast and brighter visuals. It’s also HDR10-certified and priced at $600.
Rounding out the trio is the Nitro XV270U F5, a 27-inch WQHD (2,560 x 1,440) display with an IPS panel and a 500Hz refresh rate. Despite being the slowest of the three, its WQHD resolution and IPS panel place it in a league of its own, but it also comes with a higher price tag of $800.
All three monitors are AMD FreeSync Premium compatible, ensuring smooth gameplay and minimizing screen stuttering and tearing. This is particularly important for fast-paced games like first-person shooters (FPS), where every millisecond matters. While the 600Hz Nitro XV240 F6 is undoubtedly a tempting proposition for hardcore competitive gamers, the two 27-inch models offer a balance between high refresh rates and visual quality, making them suitable for a wider range of gamers.
Beyond these high-refresh rate models, Acer also unveiled new smart monitors with built-in WebOS and a new range of Predator gaming monitors. While these Predator models are no slouches in terms of performance, they don’t quite match the blistering speeds of the Nitro Ultraspeed series. There’s a 27-inch WQHD model with a 360Hz refresh rate and a 27-inch 4K variant that maxes out at 160Hz.
So, is the 600Hz Nitro XV240 F6 worth the price? For most gamers, probably not. However, for competitive gamers who prioritize frame rates above all else, this monitor might be a game-changer. The combination of its high refresh rate and relatively affordable price tag makes it a compelling option for those seeking the ultimate competitive edge.
