Computer tech is constantly changing. GPUs are getting faster and can put out gorgeous graphics at larger resolutions than ever before. While some might be worried about their Frame per second (FPS) that is letting them down when it comes to fragging. The real cause could be your monitor refresh rate. Your monitor’s refresh rate goes hand in hand with frames per second. Not only gives you a competitive edge when gaming but also increases the sharpness of moving images.
Monitors are always going to get better and better. Having a high refresh rate monitor might seem to be better. Logically the higher the number the better the monitor will be for gaming. But having a high refresh rate monitor running on a GPU only capable of putting out 24 frames per second won’t solve your fragging issues. As I previously mention Frames per second go hand in hand with the refresh rate of your monitor. Not only are you going to be trying to find a monitor with a decent refresh rate but you will also have to find a monitor that will suit your current system.
So let’s break it down a little on choosing not only the right refresh rate but the correct monitor for your current setup.
What is Hertz
A monitor refresh rate is measured in hertz. Which is the number of times the image refreshes on screen. The refresh rate of your monitor is an important factor in determining how smooth and fluid the images on it will be. For example, a 60Hz monitor refreshes its display once every second whereas 120 Hz provides updates at twice the frequency with increased clarity thanks to lower response times which make them ideal for competitive gaming. A few extra Hz can really help out when playing games.
Just to be clear hertz doesn’t improve the quality of the image. It improves the fluidity of the motion and perceived blur. a 60-hertz monitor will display 65 different images per second while a 144 Hz monitor will display 144 Hz per second.
Determine your system capabilities
If you are thinking of upgrading your monitor to a 144 Hz or Higher you will need to figure out if your system is capable of even doing so. There is no point in upgrading to a 144 Hz monitor if you are only getting a 60 FPS average in the main titles that you are playing.
What you are aiming for when is to have the same average of frames that your monitor is capable of producing. If you are running a 144 Hz Monitor your frames will need to be at an average of 144 FPS. To figure out how many frames you are using you can download a simple program such as FRAPS. or you can run a GPU benchmark to get a general idea. The best bet is to use fraps or someone other software to figure out the average frame for the games that you actually play. Remember you want to be getting a consistent 144, 165, or 240 FPS depending on what type of monitor you want to upgrade to.
240 to 360 HZ monitors
Most gaming monitors will start to cap out around this range. If you are able to achieve a steady 240 FPS in games. then a monitor of this caliber will be well suited for you. But is not the best option for everyone since of the high refresh frames rate required to be able to take full advantage of this monitor. Not only is the added cost to having a powerful rig there is the added cost of the monitors in this range. But if you are able to afford a 240 to 360 monitor and have a powerful enough computer to back it then this will be the best option.
Studies have shown the the human upper limit for hertz perception lies are 250 Hz. This can vary from person to person. So going any higher than that might not add a noticable improvment if you eyes wont be able to notice the change.
165 Hz Monitors
This range of monitors acts as a middle ground from the higher 240 Hz to the lower 144 Hz. As this is a slight step up the added 21 Hz won’t be noticeable to the human eye from a 144 Hz monitor. But if you are stepping up from a 60 Hz. Then the increase is going to be noticeable. Also having the Hz in the 165 should be more attainable for your rig compared to 240. So you should be able to get the most out of this monitor.
144 Hz Monitors
144 Hz has quickly become the gold standard for competitive play. There is a noticeable jump from running a typical 60hz monitor in the quality of the moving images. 144 Hz offers you a competitive advantage even though this is only a few milliseconds difference. Between 60 Hz and 144 Hz. Those few milliseconds might be the difference you need to get a competitive edge over someone running a 60 Hz monitor.
144 Hz monitor offers you better pricing compared to 240 Hz when it comes to the price of the monitor. As well as giving a reasonable amount of FPS that you need to obtain in order to get the most out of the monitor.
60 Hz Monitors
60 Hz is where typical monitors tend to run. So none gaming-grade monitors will normally be around here. I remember playing back in the day and not wanting to upgrade my monitor from a CRT as these monitors had a refresh rate of 75 Hz at maximum resolution. At the time monitors didn’t have an increase in hertz for gaming like they do today. There was no 144 or 240 to choose from. So only way to gain a slight competitive edge was to have older technology such as a CRT monitor. Luckily those days are gone and we have more to choose from.
Conclusion
Choosing the right monitor for your setup really depends on your budget and setup. If your rig barely gets 100 FPS on the titles that you play. There is no point in upgrading to a 144 Hz monitor as you won’t be able to utilize the monitor to the full extent. Having a rig that is capable and you are competitive in FPS will give you a few MS over your competition and increase the fluidity of the frames across your screen. If you are just using your computer for work duties then upgrading to a 144 Hz monitor won’t be for you.