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On paper, there’s plenty of logic to AOC’s proposition with the AG251FZ. Maximising refresh has obvious benefits for gaming and while you could argue the returns diminish as you approach 200Hz and beyond, the headroom it provides will be welcome as gaming technology develops.
Really high refresh rates also somewhat sidestep the frame-syncing conundrum regards GPU vendor lock-in with Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync. If you’re rocking 200-plus fps, things are going to be pretty darn slick, adaptive sync or no.
What’s more, super-high refresh rates are lovely to have for general desktop computing in terms of making everything feel more slick and responsive. Likewise, pairing that 240Hz refresh with the modest 1080p pixel grid gives this panel a decent chance of at least occasionally being driven at 200 frames per second or more. And, of course, as ever faster GPUs are released, more consistent access to the required frame rates will be unlocked, even if that will require additional investment.
Similarly, the claimed super-fast pixel response and low input lag are the real deal. Combined with the high refresh, it makes for a killer gaming combo, that’s for sure.
The downsides, however, are also fairly numerous. 1080p is a pretty low rent resolution for general computing, especially at this price point. You also have to put up with the characteristically narrow viewing angles and merely adequate contrast of the TN panel.
The overall conclusion, therefore, is that this is probably one of those monitors that really benefits from a quick ‘try’ before the ‘buy’. You might find you’re particularly sensitive to the top end of its refresh capabilities. Or you may decide that 120-144Hz is plenty and that you’d rather have more pixels or IPS colour accuracy and viewing angles.
The AOC AG251FZ is available from Overclockers for £479.
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Pros:
- Epic 240Hz refresh
- Native res a good match for the high refresh
- Nice colours for a TN panel
- Super fast response
- Low lag
- Full adjustable stand
- Easy to use OSD
Cons:
- Pricey for a 1080p TN screen
- Poor viewing angles
- Can’t compete with IPS for colours or with VA for contrast
- Even with modern GPUs, hitting 240Hz isn’t easy
KitGuru says: Is the AOC AG251FZ only of niche appeal? Probably. Is it expensive for a 1080p TN monitor? Definitely. But if it does happen to push your particular buttons, you will love it.
