The pursuit of ultra-smooth gaming has driven enthusiasts to seek out high-refresh-rate monitors, with 240Hz displays standing out as a pinnacle for competitive and immersive experiences.
For 240Hz at 1080p, GPUs like the NVIDIA RTX 4070 Ti, RTX 4080, RTX 4090, or AMD RX 7900 XT/XTX paired with a strong CPU (e.g., Ryzen 5800X3D) deliver smooth performance.
In this article, we’ll explore the GPUs capable of delivering this performance, the factors influencing their effectiveness, and how to optimize your system for 240Hz gaming.
Understanding 240Hz and Its Demands
Before diving into specific GPUs, it’s crucial to understand what 240Hz entails. A 240Hz monitor refreshes its display 240 times per second, meaning the GPU must output at least 240 FPS to fully utilize the monitor’s capabilities. Falling below this threshold results in wasted potential, as the monitor can’t display frames it doesn’t receive. This requirement places significant demands on the GPU, influenced by factors such as resolution, game complexity, and graphical settings.
Most 240Hz monitors are designed for 1080p (Full HD) resolution, as higher resolutions like 1440p or 4K exponentially increase the computational load, making 240 FPS harder to achieve. Competitive gamers often prioritize frame rate over resolution, opting for 1080p to ensure smoothness in fast-paced titles like Counter-Strike 2, Valorant, or Fortnite. However, the GPU isn’t the sole determinant—your CPU, RAM, and overall system balance play critical roles too.
Key Factors in Choosing a GPU for 240Hz
When selecting a GPU for 240Hz, several factors come into play:
- Raw Performance: The GPU must have sufficient processing power, measured in teraflops, CUDA cores (for NVIDIA), or stream processors (for AMD), to handle high frame rates.
- Resolution: At 1080p, mid-to-high-end GPUs can hit 240 FPS in many games, while 1440p or 4K requires top-tier models.
- Game Optimization: Esports titles are lightweight and easier to run at 240 FPS, whereas AAA games with ray tracing or ultra settings demand more power.
- VRAM: Video RAM affects texture loading and performance at higher settings. For 1080p, 6-8GB is often sufficient, but 1440p or beyond benefits from 12GB+.
- Cooling and Overclocking: Sustained high performance requires efficient cooling, and overclocking can squeeze extra FPS from a GPU.
- Connectivity: Modern 240Hz monitors use DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.1, so the GPU must support these standards to output the full refresh rate.
With these in mind, let’s explore the GPUs that can reliably deliver 240Hz performance.
Top GPUs for 240Hz Gaming in 2025
As of March 12, 2025, GPU technology has evolved significantly, with NVIDIA and AMD leading the charge. Below are some of the best options for 240Hz gaming, categorized by performance tier and resolution.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090
- Specs: 16,384 CUDA cores, 24GB GDDR6X VRAM, 2.52GHz boost clock
- Performance: The RTX 4090 is NVIDIA’s flagship from the Ada Lovelace architecture, capable of pushing 240 FPS at 1080p and 1440p in nearly all games, even with high settings. For esports titles, it exceeds 240 FPS effortlessly, and with DLSS 3 (Deep Learning Super Sampling), it can upscale lower resolutions to maintain frame rates in demanding AAA games.
- Best For: Gamers who want future-proofing and the ability to run 240Hz at 1440p or experiment with 4K in lighter titles.
- Caveats: Overkill for 1080p in many cases, and its high cost (around $1,600+) may not justify the investment unless you’re targeting higher resolutions or ultra settings.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080
- Specs: 9,728 CUDA cores, 16GB GDDR6X VRAM, 2.51GHz boost clock
- Performance: A step below the 4090, the RTX 4080 still delivers exceptional 240Hz performance at 1080p and can manage 1440p in most titles with optimized settings. DLSS 3 enhances its capability, making it a top choice for competitive gamers who also enjoy AAA experiences.
- Best For: High-end 1080p 240Hz gaming with headroom for 1440p.
- Caveats: Priced around $1,200, it’s expensive but more affordable than the 4090.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Ti
- Specs: 7,680 CUDA cores, 12GB GDDR6X VRAM, 2.61GHz boost clock
- Performance: The 4070 Ti strikes a balance between cost and power, hitting 240 FPS at 1080p in esports games and many AAA titles with medium settings. It’s less consistent at 1440p but still viable with tweaks.
- Best For: Budget-conscious enthusiasts targeting 1080p 240Hz.
- Caveats: May require settings adjustments in graphically intensive games.
AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX
- Specs: 6,144 stream processors, 24GB GDDR6 VRAM, 2.5GHz boost clock
- Performance: AMD’s RDNA 3 flagship rivals the RTX 4080, excelling at 1080p and 1440p 240Hz gaming. Features like FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution) help maintain high frame rates in demanding scenarios.
- Best For: AMD fans or those seeking high VRAM for future-proofing.
- Caveats: Slightly less efficient than NVIDIA counterparts in ray tracing-heavy games.
AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT
- Specs: 3,840 stream processors, 16GB GDDR6 VRAM, 2.43GHz boost clock
- Performance: A mid-range powerhouse, the 7800 XT delivers 240 FPS at 1080p in esports titles and lighter AAA games. It’s a cost-effective option for 240Hz gaming without breaking the bank.
- Best For: Mid-tier 1080p 240Hz setups.
- Caveats: Struggles at 1440p with maxed-out settings.
Older Options: RTX 3090 and RX 6900 XT
- RTX 3090: With 10,496 CUDA cores and 24GB GDDR6X, this last-gen titan still crushes 1080p 240Hz and handles 1440p well in many cases.
- RX 6900 XT: Boasting 5,120 stream processors and 16GB GDDR6, it’s another viable option for 1080p 240Hz.
- Best For: Second-hand buyers seeking high performance at a lower cost.
Optimizing Your System for 240Hz
A GPU alone doesn’t guarantee 240Hz—your entire system must be up to the task. Here’s how to optimize:
Pair with a Strong CPU
The CPU calculates game logic and sends frames to the GPU. A bottlenecked CPU (e.g., an older quad-core) can cap your FPS below 240, even with a top-tier GPU. Modern CPUs like the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D or Intel Core i7-13700K are ideal, offering high core counts and clock speeds for 240Hz gaming.
Adjust Game Settings
For 240 FPS, lower settings like shadows, textures, and anti-aliasing. Esports players often use “low” presets to prioritize frame rate over visuals. In AAA games, technologies like DLSS or FSR can boost FPS without sacrificing too much quality.
Use the Right Cables
Ensure your GPU and monitor are connected via DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.1, as older standards (e.g., HDMI 1.4) can’t handle 240Hz at 1080p. High-quality, certified cables prevent signal issues.
Monitor Compatibility
Your monitor must support 240Hz natively and pair with adaptive sync (G-Sync or FreeSync) to reduce tearing if FPS dips below 240.
Cooling and Power
High frame rates push GPUs to their limits, generating heat. Ensure proper case airflow and a PSU (e.g., 750W+) that meets your GPU’s requirements.
Real-World Performance Examples
To illustrate, here’s how some GPUs perform in popular games at 1080p:
- Counter-Strike 2: RTX 4070 Ti averages 300+ FPS, RTX 4090 exceeds 500 FPS.
- Fortnite: RTX 4080 hits 240 FPS with competitive settings, RX 7800 XT manages 200-240 FPS.
- Cyberpunk 2077: RTX 4090 reaches 240 FPS with DLSS 3 on Performance mode; lesser GPUs struggle without upscaling.
At 1440p, the RTX 4090 and RX 7900 XTX maintain 240 FPS in lighter titles, but AAA games often require compromises.
Is 240Hz Worth It?
The jump from 60Hz or 144Hz to 240Hz offers diminishing returns for casual gamers but is transformative for competitive play. The difference is most noticeable in fast-paced scenarios, reducing motion blur and improving reaction times. However, it demands a premium investment in hardware and optimization.
Budget Considerations
- High-End ($800+): RTX 4090, RTX 4080, RX 7900 XTX
- Mid-Range ($400-$700): RTX 4070 Ti, RX 7800 XT
- Entry-Level ($200-$400): Older cards like RTX 3060 or RX 6700 XT (esports only)
For budget gamers, older GPUs or mid-range options suffice for 1080p 240Hz in less demanding games.
Future-Proofing for 240Hz and Beyond
As games grow more complex, future-proofing matters. GPUs with high VRAM (16GB+) and upscaling tech (DLSS, FSR) will stay relevant longer. NVIDIA’s Reflex and AMD’s Anti-Lag also reduce latency, enhancing the 240Hz experience.
Conclusion
So, what GPU can run 240Hz? For 1080p, options range from the RTX 4070 Ti and RX 7800 XT to the RTX 4090 and RX 7900 XTX, depending on your budget and goals. At 1440p, only the highest-end cards like the RTX 4090 consistently deliver. Success hinges on pairing your GPU with a robust CPU, optimizing settings, and ensuring system compatibility. Whether you’re a pro gamer chasing every advantage or an enthusiast craving smoothness, the right GPU can unlock the full potential of 240Hz gaming in 2025 and beyond.
