Refresh rates have turned into a common point of contention among gamers ever since GPUs have started to really flex their muscles, from many arguing that anything beyond 60 Hz doesn’t matter (spoiler alert: it does!) to others trying to excel their frame rates beyond the point where it matters.
In this article, we’re going to go over what exactly a screen’s refresh rate is, how much it matters, and what refresh rate you should opt for if you are in the market for a new monitor.
What Is Refresh Rate?
Refresh rate refers to the number of times your screen is able to display a frame in a second. Video, in its entirety, consists of moving frames. The more frames that are shown in a second, the smoother the appearance of video.However, to produce the illusion of motion, even 24 frames per second is considered adequate, which is the frame rate most movies have. However, for applications that require more precise movements, such as games, a greater frame rate leads to a smoother experience.
Your overall experience, however, is dependent on two factors when it comes to game smoothness, they are:
- Refresh Rate: Your monitor’s refresh rate dictates the number of frames that can be shown on the screen in a second.
- FPS: Frames per second is the number of frames your computer produces in a second. The higher the number, the more frames are at any given instance of time.
So, for someone purchasing a new rig, buying a monitor that can utilize the frames produced by your GPU makes sense. However, if your GPU can pump out 300 FPS in CS:GO, it doesn’t really mean that you should opt for a monitor that’s 300 Hz.
Frame Time and Monitors
Frame Time correlates to the amount of time a single frame is shown on screen. As you increase a monitor’s frame rate, the overall frame time decreases. However, there’s a point of diminishing returns where the differences get even harder to identify.
Take a look at this table down below:
| Refresh Rate (Hz) | Frame Time (ms) | Difference in Frame Time (ms) Compared to Previous Refresh Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 60 | 16.67 | – |
| 120 | 8.33 | 8.34 |
| 144 | 6.94 | 1.39 |
| 240 | 4.17 | 2.77 |
| 360 | 2.78 | 1.39 |
| 500 | 2.00 | 0.78 |
For example, the difference in frame time between 240 Hz and 360 Hz is 1.39 ms, which is smaller than the 8.34 ms difference when moving from 60 Hz to 120 Hz.
The difference in frame time becomes even smaller when moving from 360 Hz to 500 Hz, at just 0.78 ms. As a result, the benefits of higher refresh rates become increasingly marginal, and for most users, it may not be worth the additional cost. And, as many gamers attest, you probably won’t even notice the difference between 240 Hz and 360 Hz.
What Refresh Rate Monitor Should I Buy?
When purchasing a gaming monitor, refresh rate should play an important role in your decision-making process. But, as we’ve shown above, there comes a point where it simply stops mattering as much.
Since there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, here’s a quick usage guide you can take advantage of to see what refresh monitor you should pick up:
| Use Case | Recommended Refresh Rate |
|---|---|
| Movies, Excel, Word, Casual Surfing | 60 Hz |
| Storytelling Based Games / Casual Multiplayer | 120 Hz – 144 Hz |
| Professional eSports Titles / Competitive Play | 240 Hz |
You’ve probably noticed that we haven’t recommended 360 Hz and 500 Hz to anyone just yet. This is because most players tend to use 240 Hz, and they seem to be quite happy with their decisions.
For the ones that tend to go for higher, the price difference for the bleeding edge in refresh rate tech is a premium too high for most to pay compared to the actual performance difference. Therefore, for all intents and purposes, opt for a 240 Hz monitor for competitive play instead.
Does Increasing Resolution Reduce FPS?
Yes, increasing resolution does reduce FPS. This is because your GPU needs to render and process more pixels, thanks to the higher resolution leading to an overall reduction in frame rate. So, there exists a very real trade-off between resolution and frame rates.
Generally, if you opt for a monitor higher than 165 Hz, we recommend going for 1080p / 1440p monitors. Even beefier GPUs tend to struggle with producing so many frames for AAA games at that frame rate.
However, if you are at a lower frame rate, a GPU will easily be able to weave through eSports titles like Fortnite, CS:GO and COD, even at higher resolutions. Therefore, a better resolution makes sense over there.
Monitor Size and Resolution
Your monitor size also plays an important role in refresh rate and resolution. The larger your monitor, the greater its resolution should be. At the 28 inch+ mark, 1080p no longer cuts it, as you’ll see visible blurring, especially when you are at normal viewing length from your monitor.
But, as we mentioned above, increasing your resolution will decrease the number of frames your GPU will produce. So, ultimately, you’ll have to consider the games you play and your GPU’x capability before you settle on a monitor size.
We recommend opting for a 24-28 inch monitor. You’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of 1080p high refresh gaming if you wish and can also opt for higher fidelity at 1440p if that’s more your thing with cinematic titles as well.
The Future of High Refresh Rate Monitors
Alienware recently unveiled a 500 Hz monitor. And, we’re only expecting to see the technology transcend beyond our expectations in the coming years. Regardless, while the refresh rate of screens might be increasing, the relative improvement you’ll feel due to screen size will only diminish.
Therefore, if you are planning to purchase a 144-240 Hz monitor, go for it! The prices of monitors at those Hz values have already gone down a fair bit and they’ll be able to retain their value and performance for at least 5-6 years before you even consider upgrading again.
The Verdict: Does Refresh Rate Matter?
Yes, the refresh rate of your monitor does matter. But, it stops mattering beyond a certain point. As the relative difference between frame time drops to 1-3 ms, it is hard for the human eye to narrow down the smoothness. So, yes, contrary to popular opinion, we can see beyond 60 FPS!
Monitor Refresh Rate FAQs
Is 60Hz or 144Hz better for gaming?
A 144Hz monitor is generally better for gaming than a 60Hz monitor, as it offers smoother gameplay and reduced motion blur due to its higher refresh rate. This advantage is especially noticeable in fast-paced games and can also provide a competitive edge in multiplayer games.
Is 240Hz better than 144Hz?
Yes, a 240Hz monitor is technically better than a 144Hz monitor in terms of refresh rate, leading to even smoother gameplay and reduced motion blur. However, the difference between 240Hz and 144Hz may not be as noticeable as the difference between 60Hz and 144Hz, and the benefits may not be as significant for most gamers.
Is 144Hz a good refresh rate for gaming?
Yes, 144Hz is a good refresh rate for gaming. It provides smoother gameplay and reduced motion blur compared to 60Hz monitors, which can enhance the gaming experience and provide a competitive edge in fast-paced games.
Is 120Hz refresh rate good for gaming?
Yes, a 120Hz refresh rate is good for gaming, offering improved smoothness and reduced motion blur compared to 60Hz monitors. While not as high as 144Hz or 240Hz, a 120Hz refresh rate can still provide a significant improvement over 60Hz displays.
Does 60Hz vs 120Hz really matter?
The difference between 60Hz and 120Hz does matter for gaming, as a higher refresh rate (120Hz) can provide smoother gameplay and reduced motion blur. This improvement is particularly noticeable in fast-paced games and can lead to a better gaming experience overall.
Should I get 120Hz or 240Hz for gaming?
The choice between 120Hz and 240Hz for gaming depends on your personal preferences, budget, and the games you play. While a 240Hz monitor offers the highest refresh rate and smoothest gameplay, the difference between 120Hz and 240Hz may not be as noticeable for most gamers. Consider factors such as your gaming hardware, the types of games you play, and your budget when making a decision.
