Level Up Your Game: How to Change the Refresh Rate on Your Monitor

Is your monitor refresh rate holding you back? Ever feel like your game could be smoother, your actions aren’t registering as quickly, or the image gets blurry during intense moments? The issue might be tied to your display’s refresh rate and frames per second. This article is your guide to understanding refresh rates, why they matter, and how to change yours for a better gaming experience. Read on NextLevelHardware to know more about monitor refresh rate! 

Refresh Rate 101

What exactly is a monitor frame rate?

Imagine your monitor is a flipbook. Each page is a still image, and when you flip through them quickly, it creates the illusion of motion. Your display’s refresh

rate is the number of times per second a display updates the image it shows, measured in Hertz (Hz). For example, a 60Hz refresh

rate means the monitor updates the image 60 times per second.

Higher refresh rates, like 120Hz or 144Hz, support smoother and more responsive motion, especially useful for fast-paced activities like gaming or high-performance tasks. The refresh rate of your monitor directly affects how smooth the motion looks, with higher rates reducing eye strain and resulting in a more fluid viewing experience.

Why should gamers care about frames per second?

In the fast-paced world of gaming, the refresh rate of a monitor plays a significant role. A higher refresh rate—such as 144Hz or even 240Hz—means more frequent updates to the image, resulting in smoother and more responsive motion. This helps reduce input lag, which is the delay between when you perform an action (like pressing a button) and when it appears on the screen.

For competitive gaming, a higher refresh rate can make all the difference, allowing you to react faster and with more precision. It also reduces motion blur, providing clearer visuals for fast-moving objects, which is crucial in action-packed games where split-second decisions can mean the difference between winning or losing.

Refresh rate vs. frame rate: What’s the difference?

Refresh rate and frame rate are often confused but are distinct concepts. The refresh rate on your monitor refers to how many times per second the display updates the image, while the frame rate (measured in FPS) is how many frames per second your computer’s CPU and GPU generate.

Ideally, the frame rate should match or exceed your panel’s refresh rate to avoid screen tearing, a visual artifact where parts of two frames are shown together. For example, a 120fps output on a 120Hz monitor results in a smoother motion, reducing input delay and motion blur, while adjusting the display settings can further optimize performance for different types of content, from quick-action games to regular activities.

Finding Your Perfect Refresh Rate

What refresh rates are out there?

Monitors typically offer refresh rates of 60Hz, 75Hz, 120Hz, 144Hz, 240Hz, and even 360Hz. The standard refresh rate on your monitor for everyday use is 60Hz, which updates the image 60 times per second. However, gaming monitors often support higher refresh rates, like 144Hz or more, which can make the experience smoother and more responsive. These monitors may also feature faster response times, reducing input delay and motion blur during rapid-action games.

Is a higher rate always the best choice?

While a higher refresh rate on a monitor generally results in smoother motion and reduced eye strain, it might not always be necessary depending on your usage. For tasks like browsing the web or working on documents, the standard refresh rate of 60Hz is typically sufficient. However, if you engage in fast-paced activities like gaming, higher refresh rates, such as 120Hz or 144Hz, can make a significant difference by reducing input delay and providing a more immersive experience.

What’s the sweet spot for gaming?

If you’re a gamer, particularly one who enjoys rapid-action games, a panel’s refresh

rate of at least 120Hz is highly recommended. It provides smoother and more responsive visuals compared to the standard 60Hz. For competitive gaming, where every millisecond matters, monitors with 144Hz or 240Hz offer an even smoother and faster experience. In some cases, depending on your monitor or laptop, you may want to adjust the display settings to match or exceed your frame rate, ensuring a seamless gaming experience without image tearing.

How to Change the Refresh Rate of Your Monitor

How do I actually change my refresh rate?

To adjust the refresh rate on your monitor, you typically need to access your computer’s display settings. The process varies depending on your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux) and your graphics card. In most cases, you’ll navigate to your display settings, where you’ll find the option to change the refresh rate. Depending on your display’s refresh rate and your system’s capabilities, you can select your preferred rate—whether it’s 60Hz, 120Hz, or even a 144Hz monitor for smoother and more responsive performance.

Why can’t I choose a higher refresh rate?

If you’re unable to select a higher refresh rate, there could be a few reasons:

• Monitor limitations: Your display’s refresh rate may be limited. Check your monitor’s specifications to see the maximum refresh rate it supports.
• Cable limitations: Older cables like VGA may not support higher refresh rates. To support higher refresh rates like 144Hz or 240Hz, ensure you’re using appropriate cables such as DisplayPort or HDMI.
• Graphics card limitations: Your CPU and GPU might not be capable of supporting higher refresh rates at your chosen resolution. For example, to support higher frame rates and refresh rates at 4K, you might need to upgrade your graphics card.

Picking the Perfect Gaming Monitor

What else matters besides refresh rate?

Refresh rate is important, but it’s not the only thing to consider when choosing a monitor. Other key factors include:

• Resolution: Higher resolutions like 1440p or 4K provide sharper images but require more powerful hardware, including a graphics card that can push enough frames to match the higher refresh rate. The higher the refresh rate, the more demanding it is on your system to keep the frame rate to match the refresh rate.
• Panel type: Different panels (IPS, TN, VA) offer varying strengths in color accuracy, viewing angles, and response time. IPS panels, for instance, are known for better color reproduction, while TN panels are faster but often lack color accuracy.
• Response time: Lower response times reduce motion blur and ghosting, making fast-moving objects look clearer. A lower response time also helps when your monitor is set to higher refresh rates.
• Adaptive sync: Technologies like NVIDIA G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync synchronize your panel’s refresh rate with your GPU’s output to eliminate image tearing and stuttering, leading to a smoother overall experience, especially with higher FPS (frames per second).

What are the perks of a high refresh rate monitor?

Here’s why you might want a high refresh rate monitor:

• Silky-smooth motion: The higher the refresh rate, the smoother the motion in games and videos, with fluid transitions that almost feel lifelike.
• No more blur: A higher refresh rate is a measure of how many times per second the display updates the image. This reduces motion blur, allowing fast-moving objects to stay sharp and clear.
• Lightning-fast response: A higher refresh rate can also reduce input delay, resulting in a more responsive experience, especially in quick-action games. The combination of reduced input lag and smoother motion improves overall performance.
• Reduced screen tearing: Screen tearing occurs when the frame rate doesn’t match or exceed the refresh rate, resulting in visual distortions. Higher refresh rates, combined with adaptive sync technologies, help eliminate image tearing.
• Easier on the eyes: Many users find that higher refresh rates, especially those higher than the standard 60Hz, reduce eye strain during extended use.
• Are there any downsides to a high refresh rate monitor? While the advantages are many, there are a few things to keep in mind:
• Higher price tag: Monitors with high refresh rates are generally more expensive than standard 60Hz models.
• Need for powerful hardware: Pushing higher refresh rates means you’ll need a graphics card capable of supporting the frame rate necessary to utilize those extra cycles per second effectively.
• Limited benefits for everyday tasks: For activities like web browsing or document editing, the advantages of high refresh rates are less noticeable.

Wrapping It Up

Upgrading to a high refresh rate monitor can elevate your gaming experience. Understanding how higher FPS, refresh rate, and response time work together will help you pick the right monitor. Adjusting the settings to match your system’s performance and choosing a monitor that supports higher frame rates will provide a smoother, faster visual experience. Don’t forget to consider other key features like resolution, panel type, and adaptive sync technology for the best setup.

Key takeaways:

• Refresh rate refers to how often your monitor updates the image per second, measured in Hz.
• Higher refresh rates lead to smoother motion, reduced blur, and faster response times.
• For gaming, aim for a refresh rate of at least 120Hz or higher, like 144Hz or 240Hz, for the best results.
• Your graphics card and the types of games you play are important factors in choosing the right refresh rate.
• Balance refresh rate with other factors like resolution, panel type, and response time for optimal display quality.

FAQs

1. Should I get a 60Hz or 120Hz monitor?

The choice depends on your usage. A 60Hz monitor is adequate for everyday tasks and casual gaming. However, if you play fast-paced games or want smoother motion graphics, a 120Hz or higher monitor is recommended for better performance. With higher performance, measured in frames per second, a 120Hz or higher monitor minimizes image tearing and provides a better gaming experience.2. What is a good refresh rate for gaming?

For casual gamers, a refresh rate of 60Hz is generally sufficient. However, serious gamers often prefer monitors with refresh rates of 120Hz or 144Hz for enhanced responsiveness and smoother gameplay. For competitive gaming, monitors with refresh rates of 240Hz or higher may be beneficial. Different refresh rates affect how responsive your gaming experience will be, and higher refresh rates lead to even higher performance in fast-paced games.3. Is a higher refresh rate better for eye comfort?

Yes, higher refresh rates can reduce eye strain by providing smoother motion and less flicker. Monitors with refresh rates of at least 120Hz are preferable for users who spend long hours in front of the screen. Higher refresh rates affect the comfort of your viewing experience, making them a great option for extended use.4. How do I change my display’s refresh rate?

To change your monitor’s refresh rate in Windows:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to System > Display.
3. Scroll down and click on Advanced display settings.
4. Select your display and choose the desired refresh rate from the dropdown menu under Refresh Rate.
5. Click Apply to save changes.

5. Can my graphics card affect my panel’s refresh rate?

Yes, your graphics card must support the desired refresh rate of your monitor. If your graphics card cannot output frames at the required rate, you may not experience the full benefits of a high-refresh-rate display. Image tearing may occur if the refresh rate and frame rate are not synchronized.6. What is Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)?

Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) is a technology that synchronizes the panel’s refresh rate with the frame rate output by the graphics card, reducing tearing and stuttering during gameplay for a smoother experience. This is particularly beneficial in fast-paced games where different refresh rates and frame rates may vary, ensuring the refresh rate affects your gameplay positively.

Conclusion

Upgrading your display’s refresh rate can significantly enhance your gaming performance by providing smoother visuals, measuring how many frames are displayed per second, and reducing blurriness during action-packed scenes. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can easily change your panel’s refresh rate and level up your gaming experience today. For further reading, see our related post on Best 1080p 144hz Monitors in 2024.