The Impact of Refresh Rates: 60Hz vs. 144Hz Gaming Monitors
Refresh rates are a common point of discussion regarding how they help improve gaming, even more so because of the GPUs that are now more powerful and high performing. For some, 60Hz is a good place to start and stick with, and exceedingly above can be overkill. But to others, choosing frame rates beyond 60 Hz is paramount, especially for the most modern gaming titles.
But what is the refresh rate, and how does it improve gaming performance? And what pc gaming monitor should you choose (144Hz or 60Hz)? Let’s find answers for all of them here.
What is the Refresh Rate?
The refresh rate suggests the number of times your screen refreshes in a second. We all know videos are made of moving frames. When it comes to gaming, the more frames displayed in a second, the smoother the gaming visual will be. In real-life scenarios, even the 24 frames per second can create an illusion of motion, and it’s the frame rate most movies are designed on. But, for applications that require precise movements, such as games, high frame rate results in a smooth gaming experience.
But refresh rate isn’t the only factor that renders smooth visuals. FPS (frames per second) is responsible too. FPS indicates the number of frames your 60Hz or 144Hz gaming monitor produces in one second. The higher the FPS, the more frames will be.
How are 60Hz and 144Hz Gaming Monitors Different?
The noticeable difference between 60Hz and 144Hz Gaming Monitors is the number of times their monitor screen refreshes. A 144Hz gaming monitor refreshes the screen 144 times per second (displays 144 frames in one second). On the other hand, a 60Hz monitor refreshes it 60 times per second (displays 60 frames in one second).
The performance parameters of 60Hz and 144Hz gaming monitors:
In-game Lag:
There is no second thought that a gaming monitor with a refresh rate of 60Hz has more input lag and general lag than a display with a refresh rate of 144Hz. The difference is big enough and easily noticeable to most gamers. Though a 60Hz display is still a good choice for some gamers as a lag doesn’t make gaming that bad. However, when it comes to competitive games, where every second counts, a 144Hz gaming monitor is something you should consider.
Ghosting:
It is when an object or figure on the screen has dual images, which can confuse gamers playing competitive games. Ghosting arises as a consequence of input lag. So 144Hz displays should have little or no ghosting during gameplay. The same thing cannot be said for 60Hz refresh rates, as you may perceive ghosting in graphical artifacts. Did you know CPU speed, GPU performance, and resolution can also result in ghosting? You have to be considerate in these aspects.
Price:
60Hz refresh rate monitors are quite affordable, especially compared to 144Hz displays. The price difference is not just an impact of refresh rate but also because of high-end features in 144 Hz gaming monitors, including fast response times, lower input lag, integrated modern graphics cards, and more.
Read Also: How Are Artificial Intelligence And Gaming PCs Changing The Face Of Gaming
60Hz vs. 144Hz for Gaming: Side-by-Side Comparison
Here’s a tabular comparison between 60Hz and 144Hz gaming monitors based on their performance
| Parameter | 60Hz Gaming Monitor | 144 Hz Gaming Monitor |
| Refresh Rate | 60 frames per second | 144 frames per second |
| Visual Appearance | Relatively less smooth visual appearance | Smooth visual appearance |
| Motion Blur | Can cause motion blur | Reduced motion blur |
| Responsiveness | Less responsive | Highly Responsive |
| Game Support | Not ideal for fast-paced games. Suitable for casual gaming | Suitable for Both casual and fast-paced gaming |
| Visual Clarity | Visuals may appear slightly chopped | Better visual clarity |
| GPU Requirement | Demands less GPU resources | Demands high GPU resources |
| Gaming Experience | Moderate Immersion | Better Immersion |
Which Refresh Rate Monitor Should You Get?
When planning a gaming monitor, the refresh rate should matter to you the most. A 144Hz monitor is generally considered better for gaming than a 60Hz monitor. It offers smoother gameplay and reduced motion blur owing to its higher refresh rate. However, this advantage is noticeable in fast-paced games, helping players get a competitive edge in multiplayer games.
But there are many cases where the refresh rate stops mattering as much. And in such conditions, there is no one-size-fits-all answer regarding refresh rate. Here’s a quick usage guide to ease your process of picking the right refresh rate monitor.
| Usage | Recommended Refresh Rate |
| Casual gaming, movies, excel, simple web surfing | 60Hz |
| Storytelling-based games, multiplayer games | 144 Hz |
Wrapping Up:
When selecting a gaming monitor, consider the refresh rate with a careful watch on the gaming hardware and budget. Furthermore, consider the games you play and the work you plan to do on your gaming monitor. Doing so will help you make the right choice.
