PC gaming technology is always evolving, and one of the latest things to hit the market are dual mode gaming monitors. These monitors are designed to give you the best of both worlds: stunning, high-resolution visuals for immersive gaming experiences and lightning-fast refresh rates for competitive play.
Whether you're a casual gamer who loves the cinematic feel of 4K graphics or a competitive player who needs every frame to count, a dual mode monitor can adapt to your gaming. In this article, we'll dive into what these monitors are, how they work, why you might want one, and what hardware you need to make the most of them. So, let's get started!
What is a dual mode gaming monitor?
Imagine a gaming monitor that can can help you get the best out of every game. That's exactly what a dual mode gaming monitor does. It lets you switch between two distinct display modes:
High Resolution Mode: This mode prioritises stunning visuals, offering resolutions like 4K at 240Hz. 240Hz monitors are perfect for cinematic, immersive games where every detail matters.
High Refresh Rate Mode: This mode focuses on responsiveness, providing high refresh rates like 1080p at 480Hz. It's ideal for fast-paced, competitive games where quick reactions can make all the difference.
Think of it as a performance toggle. You can choose whether you want stunning visuals or esports-level responsiveness, depending on the game you're playing.
How do dual mode monitors work?
Dual mode monitors use two EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) tables to communicate each mode's capabilities to your PC or console. This allows the monitor to seamlessly switch between the two modes, usually via an OSD (on-screen display) or a dedicated button.
One of the coolest features of these monitors is Variable Overdrive, which keeps motion sharp and smooth, no matter which mode you're in. Some monitors even offer a Frame Rate Boost feature, which can double the refresh rate by halving the resolution. This is particularly useful for fast-paced games like first-person shooters.
For example, if you're playing Fortnite, you might switch from a 4K 240Hz mode to a 1080p 480Hz mode to prioritise refresh rates over high resolution. On the other hand, for a visually rich game like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, you can switch back to the 4K 240Hz mode to enjoy every detail.
Why would gamers want one?
Versatility: You can adapt your monitor based on the game you're playing, ensuring you always have the best possible experience.
Optimised performance: Whether you need more detailed visuals or more responsive gameplay, you can switch to the mode that best suits your game. This means you're always getting the most out of your setup.
Competitive advantage: Switching to a lower resolution with a higher refresh rate can offer better motion clarity, which can significantly improve your reaction time in competitive games.
Best of both worlds: With a dual mode monitor, you get the best of both worlds—cinematic graphics and eSports-level responsiveness—all in one screen. No need to choose between a high-resolution monitor and a high-refresh-rate monitor. A dual mode monitor gives you both.
Product spotlight: ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDP Gaming Monitor
If you're looking for a gaming monitor that can handle both visually stunning and ultra-responsive gameplay, the ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDP is a top contender. This 32-inch (31.5 inch viewable) WOLED panel is designed with dual mode gaming in mind, offering two distinct display settings:
4K 240Hz: For immersive, high-resolution gaming where every detail counts.
FHD 480Hz: For fast-paced, competitive play where responsiveness is crucial.
Key features
Blazing Fast Response Time: With a 0.03 ms (GTG) response time, you'll experience ultra-smooth motion and minimal lag, making it perfect for fast-paced games.
G-SYNC® Compatibility: Ensure seamless, tear-free gameplay with G-SYNC® compatibility, which synchronises your monitor's refresh rate with your GPU.
ROG-Exclusive OLED Anti-Flicker Technology: This technology helps reduce flicker during refresh-rate fluctuations, for more comfortable, stable viewing.
DisplayWidget Center: Easily access OLED Care functions and adjust monitor settings using a mouse with the intuitive DisplayWidget Center.
Extensive Connectivity Options: The monitor comes with DisplayPort™ 1.4 (DSC), HDMI® 2.1, and USB-C® with 90 W Power Delivery, so you get to connect to a wide range of devices.
We're excited to announce that more dual mode monitors will be coming soon to Currys. Stay tuned for updates and new models in the coming weeks.
Check your hardware can handle a dual mode monitor
Dual mode monitors like the ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDP push the limits of what displays can do, but to unlock modes like 4K 160Hz or 1080p 320Hz, your PC needs to be ready. Here are some recommendations to ensure your hardware can keep up:
GPUs:
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070
AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX
AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT
CPUs:
Intel Core i9-13900K
AMD Ryzen 9 7950X
RAM:
- At least 16GB RAM—ideally DDR5 for the best performance
Older or entry-level GPUs can bottleneck performance, even with a powerful monitor. It's crucial to ensure that your CPU and RAM can support your GPU without any issues. A well-balanced system is key to getting the most out of your dual mode monitor. Here are some gaming PC upgrade tips for 2025.
Stay tuned for more dual mode monitors coming soon to Currys!
What’s next?
For more on gaming monitors, find out how to choose a monitor for gaming or check out our PC gaming buying guide.
