What is a good refresh rate for gaming?

Answered by Robert Flynn

When it comes to gaming, a high refresh rate is crucial for a smooth and immersive experience. The refresh rate refers to the number of times a monitor refreshes the displayed image per second, measured in Hertz (Hz). The higher the refresh rate, the more frames per second (FPS) you can see, resulting in smoother motion and reduced motion blur.

For novice gamers or non-gamers, a 60Hz monitor or even a 75Hz monitor can suffice. These lower refresh rates can still provide a decent gaming experience without breaking the bank. However, if you’re someone who spends a significant amount of time gaming or you’re more experienced in the gaming world, opting for a higher refresh rate monitor is highly recommended.

A 144Hz gaming monitor has become the go-to choice for many experienced gamers, and for good reason. The jump from 60Hz to 144Hz is noticeable and can greatly enhance your gaming experience. The increased refresh rate allows for smoother and more fluid gameplay, especially in fast-paced and competitive games where split-second reactions are crucial.

Personally, as a gamer myself, I made the switch from a 60Hz monitor to a 144Hz one a few years ago, and the difference was remarkable. Games felt more responsive, and the increased smoothness made it easier to track fast-moving objects and enemies. Whether it was playing first-person shooters, racing games, or even exploring open-world adventures, the higher refresh rate made everything feel more immersive and engaging.

It’s worth noting that to fully take advantage of a high refresh rate monitor, your computer’s hardware needs to be capable of consistently delivering high FPS. If you’re unable to achieve a steady FPS close to or above the monitor’s refresh rate, you may not fully benefit from the higher refresh rate. However, even if you can’t consistently reach the maximum refresh rate, having a higher refresh rate monitor can still provide some benefits, such as reduced motion blur compared to a lower refresh rate display.

In recent years, we’ve also seen the emergence of even higher refresh rate monitors, such as 240Hz or even 360Hz. These monitors cater to professional gamers or those who want the absolute best in terms of responsiveness and competitive advantage. However, it’s worth mentioning that the difference between 144Hz and these higher refresh rates becomes less noticeable to the average gamer, and the price tag associated with these monitors can be significantly higher.

To summarize, a good refresh rate for gaming depends on your gaming experience and budget. Novice gamers or non-gamers can opt for a 60Hz or 75Hz monitor, while experienced gamers will benefit from a 144Hz monitor. Ultimately, the higher the refresh rate, the smoother and more immersive your gaming experience can be, but it’s important to ensure your hardware can support the higher FPS necessary to fully utilize the monitor’s capabilities.