What refresh rate for gaming should you have?

Understanding Refresh Rate for Gaming

What is Refresh Rate?

Refresh Rate is the number of times per second that a display (such as a monitor or television) updates its image. It is measured in Hertz (Hz). For example, a refresh rate of 60Hz means the display refreshes 60 times per second. Most us won't notice too much from the naked eye while watching TV for example but when you are gaming on a monitor, having a higher refresh rate is pretty apparent in faster paced games.

Why the Refresh Rate for Gaming Matters

In gaming, the refresh rate of your monitor can have a significant impact on your overall experience. Here's why it matters:

1. Smoothness: A higher refresh rate means a smoother image. When the refresh rate is higher, the motion on the screen appears more fluid. This is especially important in fast-paced games where quick reactions and smooth visuals are crucial. A game running at 60Hz might look acceptable, but the same game at 120Hz or 144Hz will look noticeably smoother, making it easier to track fast-moving objects and maintain immersion. We've noticed you don't really realize the difference if you are using 60Hz on the daily, but the second you experience the same guy on a higher refresh rate, you won't want to go back.

2. Responsiveness: Higher refresh rates can reduce input lag. Input lag is the delay between when you perform an action (like pressing a button) and when you see the result on the screen. Lower input lag means your actions are reflected more quickly on the screen, giving you a competitive edge in gaming. This can be the difference between winning and losing in high-stakes, fast-paced games where every millisecond counts. Competitive gamers always have the highest refresh rates available for this very reason.

3. Reduced Motion Blur: Higher refresh rates reduce motion blur. Motion blur is the streaking effect you see when objects move quickly across the screen. With a higher refresh rate, the image is updated more frequently, making fast-moving objects appear sharper and clearer. This is particularly beneficial in racing games or first-person shooters, where clear visibility of fast-moving targets is essential.

Common Refresh Rates Explained

60Hz: This is the standard refresh rate for most monitors and televisions. It’s sufficient for many gaming and general use cases, but for competitive or fast-paced gaming, higher refresh rates are preferable. At 60Hz, the image is refreshed 60 times per second, which provides a basic level of smoothness but might show some motion blur and lag in fast-moving scenes. For example, if you still have an old console with Madden on it, you might not necessarily care or notice to upgrade from 60Hz.

120Hz: A significant step up from 60Hz, 120Hz provides much smoother motion and improved responsiveness. Many gamers find this refresh rate to be a good balance between performance and cost. Games appear more fluid, and the reduced input lag enhances the overall gaming experience. This refresh rate is becoming more common in mid-range gaming monitors and TVs. For most gamers that even are a bit more on the casual side but still play pretty regularly, it's common to see at least 120Hz on their battle stations.

144Hz: Very popular among gamers, especially those who play first-person shooters (FPS) or other fast-paced games. The jump from 120Hz to 144Hz may not be as noticeable as from 60Hz to 120Hz, but it still provides a smoother experience. This refresh rate is often considered the sweet spot for serious gamers, offering a perfect balance of performance and affordability. At 144Hz, even the most intense gaming scenes will appear smooth and clear. If possible if you are a FPS game enjoyer and you aren't at 144Hz, definitely look to start investing into this upgrade. You'll notice a difference.

240Hz and Above: These refresh rates are targeted at competitive gamers who need the absolute best performance. The difference between 144Hz and 240Hz is more subtle but can be crucial in competitive gaming environments where every millisecond counts. Monitors with 240Hz refresh rates are designed for professional eSports players and enthusiasts who demand the highest levels of responsiveness and minimal motion blur. These of course are very expensive so it's not usual to see these high of rates unless you are extremely serious or have moolah to spend.

How Refresh Rate Affects Gaming Performance

1. Game Type: The type of game you play will affect how much you benefit from a higher refresh rate. Fast-paced games like FPS, racing, and action games benefit the most from higher refresh rates. The smoothness and responsiveness offered by higher refresh rates can give you an edge in these games. Slower-paced games like turn-based strategy or puzzle games see less of an impact, as these types of games do not rely on quick reflexes and rapid movements.

2. Hardware Requirements: To take full advantage of a high refresh rate, your computer or console must be able to produce enough frames per second (FPS). For example, to benefit from a 144Hz monitor, your system needs to output 144 FPS. If your system can only manage 60 FPS, then a higher refresh rate monitor won’t provide much benefit. This means that your GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) needs to be powerful enough to render games at high frame rates. Upgrading to a higher refresh rate monitor without ensuring your hardware can keep up may not give you the expected performance boost.

3. Graphics Card: The graphics card (GPU) in your system plays a crucial role. A powerful GPU is required to push high frame rates. Make sure your GPU is capable of outputting the necessary FPS to match your monitor’s refresh rate. For example, high-end GPUs like NVIDIA’s RTX series or AMD’s Radeon RX series are designed to handle the demands of high refresh rate gaming. Pairing a high refresh rate monitor with a suitable GPU will ensure you get the best performance and visual experience.

4. Adaptive Sync Technologies: Technologies like NVIDIA G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync help synchronize the refresh rate of your monitor with the frame rate output by your GPU. This helps eliminate screen tearing and stuttering, providing a smoother gaming experience. When choosing a monitor, it’s beneficial to select one that supports these technologies, especially if you have a compatible GPU. These technologies dynamically adjust the monitor’s refresh rate to match the GPU’s frame rate, ensuring a seamless and fluid visual experience even when the frame rate varies.

Conclusion

Refresh rate is a key factor in gaming performance visually. Higher refresh rates provide smoother motion, reduced input lag, and less motion blur, greatly enhancing the gaming experience. Whether you're a casual gamer or a competitive player, understanding how refresh rate impacts your gaming can help you make informed decisions when choosing your next monitor. Even if you may not be an professional E-Sports gamer but have a bit more cash to spend on your set up, increasing the refresh rate of your screen can be an immediate upgrade.

Investing in a monitor with a suitable refresh rate for your gaming style and ensuring your hardware can support it will maximize your gaming performance and enjoyment. Always consider the type of games you play, your hardware capabilities, and the benefits of adaptive sync technologies when selecting a monitor. By doing so, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy the best possible gaming experience, with smooth visuals and responsive gameplay that can make a significant difference in both casual and competitive gaming.