From 120Hz to 480Hz, the tech world has evolved brilliantly vis-a-vis refresh rates. Premium gaming laptops boast high refresh rates — a crucial decision factor for devoted gamers and creative professionals like illustrators and video editors.
Let us discuss what the term implies and how salient it can be to upgrade your computer, phone, or television based on increasing refresh rates. Is it a metric that matters mainly to gamers and A/V connoisseurs, or is the ambit wider?
The refresh rate, measured in Hertz (Hz), refers to the frequency at which your display updates the image in one second. A screen with a 240Hz refresh rate will draw a new image 240 times in a second — a significant upgrade over a 60Hz computer.
Is a High Refresh Rate Adequate?
This metric works in tandem with the CPU and the GPU, i.e., the central and graphics processing units. So, your CPU and GPU must provide more frames per second to make the most of a higher refresh rate.
For this to happen, the CPU must deliver instructions to the GPU rapidly, and the latter must execute them at matching speeds. These instructions will include game-related logic, artificial intelligence, etc.
Let us take an example. If your display has a 144Hz refresh rate, an Intel Core i5 processor and an NVIDIA RTX graphics card from Series 30 should be adequate. You will also need at least 8GB of RAM and storage of around 1TB.
However, if you get a 360Hz display, we recommend investing in an Intel Core i9 processor and an RTX 40 Series graphics card, preferably with 32GB of RAM. Keeping your hardware powerful enough is imperative to utilize a high-refresh-rate monitor.
Many displays with higher refresh rates support USB-C connections, limiting the need for cables and potential problems warranting IT support in workspaces.
A Swifter Response Time is Mandatory
The response time, measured in milliseconds (ms), indicates the time a pixel needs to change color. It must work hand in hand with the refresh rate, as your display cannot refresh fast if the color shifts are slow. Most premium screens offer response times between 1 and 3ms.
Which Refresh Rate will work the best for you?
Not everyone will benefit from the 500Hz Dell Alienware display. We don’t advise splurging on the highest-end monitor simply because it is available and you have the budget.
The correct refresh rate will depend on your usage needs and system configuration. For example, if you play older games, you may have an optimum experience with a 144Hz screen. Hollywood films have long used a 24 FPS standard, making them perfectly watchable on a 60Hz display. But newer AAA titles and esports with more transitions and special effects can experience an uptick from a 240Hz monitor.
We suggest using a tool, like FRAPS or FPS Monitor, to find your current FPS and arrive at the average rate for your usage. Some games like Apex Legends have in-game settings to let you check the FPS and other stats.
What is Adaptive Sync? How can it Improve Gameplay?
Nowadays, many displays offer adaptive sync technology with high refresh rates to produce a smoother visual experience.
It ensures synchronization between the screen and the processor, letting the refresh rate of the display change with the frame rates generated by the GPU.
So, if your GPU produces 40 frames in a second, the display will not forcibly refresh 60 times.
It reduces vexing problems like screen tearing and stuttering. NVIDIA, AMD, and VESA offer solutions like G-SYNC, FreeSync, and VESA Adaptive-Sync to resolve these issues. These technologies are similar and frequently cross-compatible.
Vertical Sync (VSync) is a similar, albeit older, feature that some games let you enable during play. It matches the frame rate to the screen’s refresh rate. However, it also limits performance.
Beyond Refresh Rate: Other Ways to Maximize Gaming Performance
You can enjoy elevated gaming sessions even if you don’t have the budget for a system upgrade. Sometimes, playing at a lower screen resolution can maximize the refresh rate.
You can also lower the graphics settings to make the title less resource-intensive for the CPU and the GPU. Many pro gamers experiment with various resolutions and game settings to find the best combination.
Beyond the refresh rate, manufacturers are working on technologies like HDR (High dynamic range) and Quantum Dot enhancement film for more clarity, color accuracy, and detail.
Curved monitors are getting popular, with Samsung spearheading their development. These screens minimize eye strain by keeping both edges at the same eye distance as the middle.
Undeniably, the refresh rate is a critical metric to maximize multimedia experiences.
You may consider upgrading to a 360Hz display if you expect to play more demanding games in the future, potentially testing on titles like Doom Eternal and Valiant.
Future readiness is more important than ever in today’s changing landscape, and being better equipped is never a bad idea.