60 FPS vs 240 FPS: skipping the 144 Hz middle ground on a budget

How they differ

The jump from 60 Hz to 144 Hz is the most perceptually dramatic single step on the refresh-rate curve, because the human eye benefits most from each doubling (60 to 120 is one doubling, 120 to 240 is another). Going from 60 to 240 skips one doubling but doubles the perceptual gain. The tradeoff is GPU cost: 240 FPS in modern games is 4x the throughput of 60 FPS at the same settings. Most players need an RTX 4070 Ti / RX 7900 XT-class GPU to sustain 240 FPS in demanding titles at 1440p, and a 1080p 240 Hz monitor with esports-grade TN response time (1 ms GTG) to actually render the frames without smearing. A 60 Hz owner considering this jump is really asking whether their GPU is fast enough for the upgrade at all - if it isn't, 144 Hz is the safer middle ground.

Verdict

Skip 144 Hz and go straight to 240 Hz only if your GPU can sustain roughly 240 FPS in the games you actually play, AND a 240 Hz monitor in your target resolution and panel type is within budget. Otherwise 144 Hz is the better path - you'll see most of the perceptual leap from 60 Hz for less money, and you'll avoid spending on a panel your GPU can't feed.