Causes
- Response time / overdrive set to Off or to an extreme level — the S2721DGF has an OSD response-time setting (Normal / Fast / Super Fast). Leaving it on Off or Normal leaves trailing smearing on fast-moving content, while Super Fast overshoots the pixel transitions so fast edges leave a bright ghost (inverse ghosting). The balanced setting that most owners run and most reviews recommend is the Fast level.
- Refresh rate running below 165Hz — the S2721DGF's 165Hz, 1ms GTG IPS panel looks noticeably blurrier and more smeary if Windows or the GPU is actually running at 60Hz or another fallback rate. Motion clarity only reaches its advertised level at the native 165Hz with the correct overdrive enabled.
- Adaptive-Sync (VRR) interfering with overdrive — when FreeSync or G-Sync Compatible is active, variable frame rates change how aggressively the panel can overdrive. Some owners notice slightly more smearing during mid-range VRR operation, and switching back to a fixed refresh or adjusting overdrive can improve the perceived clarity.
- GPU frame pacing / low in-game frame rate — if the game cannot actually maintain a high frame rate, the apparent motion blur is dominated by low frame pacing on the GPU side rather than the panel. This is especially true at 1440p where the S2721DGF demands more of the GPU. Reducing in-game settings for a higher, steadier FPS cleans up the image.
- Wrong cable or port limiting bandwidth — a DisplayPort 1.2 / HDMI 1.4 cable or a low-bandwidth port caps the refresh and loses the native response-time benefit, making motion look worse than the panel is capable of.
How to Fix
- Enable and tune the Response Time (overdrive) in the OSD — press the joystick/menu button, open the Gaming or Display menu, locate Response Time, and select Fast (the recommended balanced level on this model). Cycle through Off → Normal → Fast → Super Fast while a fast-scrolling or high-motion scene is on screen and pick the setting with the least smearing without visible white overshoot ghosting.
- Confirm the display is at its native 165Hz — in Windows open Settings → System → Display → Advanced display and verify the S2721DGF is set to 2560x1440 @ 165Hz. If it is sitting at 60Hz, motion will look blurry regardless of the overdrive setting. Raise it back to 165Hz (a good DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.0 cable is required to sustain that mode).
- Test overdrive level against VRR — with Adaptive-Sync enabled, try each Response Time level while in-game, and compare with Adaptive-Sync turned off. If ghosting is worse in one mode, adjust the overdrive level in that mode (some users run Fast with Adaptive-Sync on, or adjust when VRR is off) to find the cleanest combination.
- Raise and steady the in-game frame rate — if you are gaming at 1440p, lower graphics settings (shadow quality, anti-aliasing, volumetric effects) or enable a frame cap near the refresh so the GPU delivers a steady high FPS. Steadier, higher frames dramatically reduce the perceived ghosting on a 165Hz panel. If the GPU cannot sustain ~100+ fps in a title, consider running the game at a lower resolution.
- Use a quality cable/port and update the GPU driver — connect with a certified DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.0 cable into the GPU (not the motherboard) and ensure the monitor is running 165Hz over it. Update the GPU driver to the latest stable release, since a dated driver can force a fallback refresh or poor timing that worsens motion blur.