If you’re a PC gamer, especially plays big titles like Call of Duty, Valorant, or Fortnite, you’ve probably heard about 144Hz or 240Hz computer monitors and might be wondering: Does refresh rate really matter that much in gaming?
Then, let me tell you, YES, it absolutely does.
According to research from NVIDIA and Blur Busters, higher refresh rates reduce motion blur, decrease input lag, and give you a faster visual response.
In fast-paced games, THAT “split-second advantage” can be a big difference between getting a shot and missing out it.
That’s why, in this guide, I’ll walk you through what refresh rate means in gaming monitors, how it impacts your actual gameplay experience, and whether it’s worth investing in a high refresh rate monitor.
Ready to discover some professional information about gaming?
Alright, let’s begin.
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What is the Refresh Rate in a Display Monitor?
Refresh rate of a monitor actually refers to the number of times the display updates the image on the screen every second.
This is measured in Hertz (Hz). For example, a 60Hz monitor refreshes the displayed images 60 times per second, while a 144Hz monitor 144 times per second.
Now think of it like this: Every time your monitor refreshes, it’s showing a new frame. So, a higher refresh rate means more frames per second (FPS) can be displayed, which leads to smoother motion and faster on-screen reactions, which is extra beneficial in gaming.
So, How Does It work?
Your graphics card (GPU) sends those frames to the monitor.
As an output device, your monitor can physically display those frames according to its refresh rate. If your monitor only refreshes at 60Hz, even if your GPU is pumping out 120 FPS, you’ll only see 60 frames, instead of 120.
In modern gaming, especially FPS or racing games, higher refresh rates (120Hz, 144Hz, 240Hz, even 360Hz) are preferred for a more fluid, responsive, and immersive gaming experience.
I remember my first CRT monitor ran at just 2 modes, 50Hz and 60Hz, but today, many monitors, even my Acer Nitro XV272U V3 is a 144Hz monitor, and gives me tear-free gaming experience.
How Refresh Rate Affects Gaming
For a gamer, every frame counts. The refresh rate of your monitor plays a huge role in a smooth gaming experience.
Let’s read about how it directly impacts your gaming:
Smooth Visuals
High refresh rates update your screen more frequently. This results in smoother motion. This phenomenon is noticeable in fast-paced games like Call of Duty, Valorant, or Apex Legends.
When you switch from 60Hz to 144Hz or 240Hz, it feels dramatically more fluid.
Low Input Lag
Higher refresh rate keeps your monitor responding more quickly to the given inputs. That means when you move your mouse or press a key on your keyboard, the reaction appears on screen faster, compared to low refresh rate.
It is a critical edge in competitive gaming. NVIDIA says that lower latency from higher refresh rate GPUs and monitors can shave off milliseconds, but they can create a big difference between winning and losing.
Reduced Motion Blur
As I mentioned at the very first of this article, Blur Busters has shown that higher refresh rates significantly reduce motion blur.
This makes it easier to track moving objects like enemies or fast cars and ultimately improves your aim and overall awareness in the game.
Better Synchronization with GPU Output
High refresh rate monitors better match the high frame rates delivered by your GPUs. That’s why you feel low screen tearing and stutter, especially when combined with tech like G-SYNC or FreeSync.
In short, if you’re serious about gaming, the refresh rate is not just a spec; it’s a performance booster.
Common Gaming Monitor Refresh Rates
| Refresh Rate | Best For | Gaming Experience | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60Hz | Casual gaming, general use | Basic visuals, choppy in fast-paced games | Okay for casual office and gaming use, not ideal for competitive gaming |
| 75Hz | Casual PC gaming, budget builds | Slightly smoother than 60Hz | Minor upgrade; good for older or budget systems |
| 120Hz | Mid-range gaming, next-gen consoles | Noticeable improvement in motion blur | Solid choice for smooth gaming at a decent price |
| 144Hz | Competitive gaming, FPS, racing, esports | Very smooth, low input lag | Most popular choice for serious gamers |
| 165Hz | Enhanced 144Hz experience, premium mid-tier | Slight improvement over 144Hz | Good middle ground between 144Hz and 240Hz |
| 240Hz | Hardcore competitive gamers, esports pros | Ultra-fluid, extremely responsive | Ideal for pros and high-refresh competitive play |
| 360Hz | Elite esports professionals, benchmarking | Maximum fluidity, near-instant reactions | Overkill for most; elite performance for top-tier players |
Refresh Rate vs GPU Performance in Gaming
Refresh rate of your monitor and the frame rate output of your GPU must work together for a smooth gaming experience.
Your GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) generates frames per second (FPS), and your monitor displays them based on its refresh rate (Hz).
If your GPU can produce 240 FPS but your monitor is only 60Hz, due to this bottleneck, you’ll miss out on over two-thirds of those frames that resulting in screen tearing, input lag, etc. And there is no advantage of getting that high end GPU if your monitor sucks.
On the other side, if you have a 240Hz monitor but your GPU can only provide 60 FPS, you won’t experience the benefits of a high refresh rate.
So, always use a monitor and a GPU with the same refresh rates to get the most out of them.
Other Display Technologies
Above, we have seen that the refresh rate is a key factor in gaming performance. But other display technologies also play a big role in your overall experience.
Let’s break them down so you understand what to look for beyond just the Hertz.
| Panel Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| IPS (In-Plane Switching) | Great color accuracy, wide viewing angles | Slightly slower response times (though newer panels are improving) |
| TN (Twisted Nematic) | Fastest response times, affordable pricing | Poor color reproduction and narrow viewing angles |
| VA (Vertical Alignment) | Deep contrast, better than TN for visuals | Moderate response times and can have ghosting in fast games |
Best for Gaming
- FPS/competitive gaming: TN or fast IPS
- Story-rich or immersive games: IPS or VA
| Technology | Developer | Works With | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| G-SYNC | NVIDIA | NVIDIA GPUs | Syncs refresh rate to GPU output, eliminates screen tearing |
| FreeSync | AMD | AMD GPUs (some support NVIDIA) | Similar to G-SYNC, often more budget-friendly |
Other display technologies are Response Time, HDR (High Dynamic Range), and Resolution. Which play important roles in gaming and other professional computer-related work.
Note: Higher resolution demands more GPU power, which can affect FPS and refresh rate performance.
Myths About Refresh Rate
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| “Human eye can’t see beyond 60Hz” | False – Most people can notice smoother motion well beyond 60Hz, especially in fast games. |
| “High refresh rate only matters in FPS games” | Partially true – FPS games benefit most, but all game genres feel smoother at higher refresh rates. |
| “You need 240Hz or higher to be a pro” | Exaggerated – 144Hz is more than enough for most gamers; 240Hz+ offers diminishing returns. |
| “High refresh rate means better graphics” | Wrong – Refresh rate improves motion smoothness, not graphical quality. |
| “Any HDMI cable supports high refresh rate” | Not always – You need HDMI 2.1 or DisplayPort 1.4+ for high refresh rates at high resolutions. |
Do You Need a High Refresh Rate Monitor?
It depends on your gaming style, hardware, and experience.
- If you’re a casual gamer who enjoys story-driven games like The Witcher 3, Red Dead Redemption 2, or Assassin’s Creed, a 60Hz or 75Hz monitor might be enough.
- If you play competitive games like Valorant, CS2, Fortnite, or Call of Duty: Warzone, a high refresh rate monitor (144Hz or more) gives you a serious advantage.
Keep in mind that your GPU always matters. Buying a 240Hz monitor if your graphics card doesn’t have 240 FPS has no point. You have to match your monitor’s refresh rate with your GPU’s output for the best experience.
Conclusion
As I have told you above, refresh rate isn’t just a number, but it’s a factor affecting performance that can shape how your games look, feel, and respond.
However, you need to consider your GPU’s capabilities, your game genre, and your personal priorities to get a monitor aligned with them.
For competitive-style gamers, investing in a 144Hz or higher monitor is a great investment. For casual or budget-conscious players, even a slight upgrade from 60Hz to 75Hz or 120Hz can still make a noticeable difference.
Always remember, pairing a high refresh rate monitor with the right hardware and settings gives you clearer and faster games. So if you’re still gaming on 60Hz, it’s the right time to level up, not just your gear, but your experience with high refresh rate.
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Gautam Roy is the founder of PCBuildHQ.Com and StartHomeStudio.Com. He has over 20 years of experience in web development, creative technology, system architecture, audio recording, music production and video editing.
