Refresh rate might sound like one of those technical terms that only hardware geeks care about, but if you’re into online gaming, it’s something that can seriously impact how your games look and feel.
Whether you’re diving into fast-paced shooters or just vibing in a fantasy RPG world, understanding refresh rate can make a real difference in your gaming experience.
In this article, we’ll break down what refresh rate actually is, why it matters (especially online), and how to make sure your setup isn’t holding you back. Let’s jump in.
What is Refresh Rate?
Refresh rate refers to how many times your monitor updates the image on your screen every second. It’s measured in hertz (Hz). So, a 60Hz refresh rate means your screen refreshes the image 60 times per second.
It sounds simple, but it’s a key factor in how smooth and responsive your gameplay feels. Think of it as the rhythm of your display: faster rhythms mean smoother motion and less blur.
Here’s a quick way to think about it: higher refresh rates = more updates = smoother motion.
Source: Felixindo
How Does it Affect Gaming?
Now, let’s talk real-world gaming. Why should you care about refresh rate when you’re dodging bullets in Call of Duty, building in Fortnite, or reacting to a flash in Valorant?
A low refresh rate can make games feel sluggish. You might notice:
- Motion blur when things move quickly on screen
- Screen tearing, where parts of different frames show at once
- Input lag, where your actions take longer to register visually
When you’re gaming online, especially in competitive titles, every millisecond matters. A higher refresh rate helps reduce that delay between your input and what you see. It won’t make you better overnight, but it can give you that tiny edge that sometimes makes all the difference.
What’s the Ideal Refresh Rate for Competitive Gaming?
If you’re serious about competitive gaming, like ranked matches in Counter-Strike 2, Apex Legends, or League of Legends, refresh rate becomes a big deal.
Most esports players and pros use monitors with refresh rates of 144Hz or 240Hz, and some are even going for 360Hz now. These higher refresh rates make fast movements smoother and easier to track, especially in twitch-reaction games.
That said, just having a high-refresh monitor isn’t enough. Your GPU (graphics card) and system need to be powerful enough to push out frame rates that match or exceed your monitor’s refresh rate. A 240Hz screen won’t do much if your game is stuck running at 80 FPS.
And for Casual Gaming?
If you’re more of a casual gamer, say you enjoy The Sims, Stardew Valley, or solo campaigns in The Witcher 3, then you don’t need to go all-in on a 240Hz or 360Hz monitor.
A good 60Hz or 75Hz screen is fine for slower-paced games, and even 120Hz offers a nice bump in smoothness without requiring top-tier hardware.
You’ll still see benefits from a higher refresh rate, even in non-competitive titles. Transitions will feel more fluid, camera pans smoother, and even just moving your mouse on screen becomes a noticeably better experience.
What Are the Best Monitors for Gaming Regarding Refresh Rate?
The best monitor for you depends on the type of games you play, your budget, and what your PC can handle. But when it comes to refresh rate, here’s what to keep an eye on:
- 1080p @ 144Hz – A sweet spot for competitive gamers on a budget. Easy on the GPU and very responsive.
- 1440p @ 165Hz – Great for more immersive visuals with still-high refresh rates.
- 4K @ 144Hz – Ideal for stunning visuals and fast gameplay, but demands a high-end GPU.
- 360Hz monitors – Made for pro-level FPS play. Not necessary for most players but impressive tech.
Some popular models (as of 2024) that are well-regarded in the gaming community:
- ASUS ROG Swift PG259QN – 360Hz, made for esports
- Alienware AW2723DF – 1440p, 240Hz with excellent color
- Gigabyte M27Q – Affordable 1440p with 170Hz refresh rate
- LG UltraGear 27GN950-B – 4K with 144Hz, great for high-end visuals
The ASUS ROG Swift PG259QN. Source: PCWorld
Make sure to check for G-Sync or FreeSync support too. These features help reduce screen tearing by syncing your refresh rate with your GPU’s frame output.
What’s the Relationship between Refresh Rate and Frame Rate?
People often mix these two up: refresh rate and frame rate (FPS). They’re closely related, but not the same.
- Refresh rate is how many times your screen updates per second.
- Frame rate (FPS) is how many images your GPU is sending to the screen per second.
To get the smoothest experience, you ideally want both numbers to be high and matched. For example, if you have a 144Hz monitor but your game only runs at 60 FPS, you’re not getting the full benefit of your screen.
On the flip side, if your game runs at 200 FPS but your monitor is 60Hz, your monitor can’t display all those frames, which could lead to screen tearing and wasted performance.
That’s why many players use V-Sync, G-Sync, or FreeSync to help match the refresh rate and frame rate, reducing visual artifacts and stutters.
How to Optimize Your Display Performance?
You don’t always need a new monitor to improve your gaming experience. Here are a few things you can do to make the most of your current setup:
Check and Set Your Monitor’s Refresh Rate
Go into your Windows display settings and make sure your monitor is actually running at its advertised refresh rate. Sometimes it defaults to 60Hz even on 144Hz monitors.
Lower In-Game Settings
If your PC can’t hit high frame rates, tweak your settings—lower resolution, disable heavy effects—to get a more stable experience. Consistency is better than peaks and valleys.
Enable Game Mode or Performance Modes
Many monitors come with a “Game Mode” that optimizes input lag and refresh behavior. Your GPU software (like NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Adrenalin) also lets you fine-tune things.
Keep Drivers Up to Date
Display and GPU drivers often include optimizations for performance. Don’t skip updates: they matter more than you think.
Use DisplayPort or HDMI 2.0/2.1
Older cables can limit your refresh rate. Make sure your cable and port support your desired resolution and refresh rate.
Use NoPing’s Boost FPS Feature
If you’re already using NoPing to reduce latency and stabilize your ping (which is awesome for online games), you should definitely take advantage of the Boost FPS feature.
How it helps:
- Closes unnecessary background services
- Frees up RAM and CPU resources
- Optimizes network routes to reduce data congestion (which indirectly helps FPS in online matches)
How to use the Boost FPS feature:
- Sign-up through the website and download NoPing (you can test it for free).
- When you open the software, click on “Boost FPS” in the left side menu.
- On the next screen, you’ll see a range of options to customize the feature (there are over 50 settings). You can enable or disable everything and choose between Windows default or user settings. You can also filter the options using the bar on the right.
And that’s it! Boost FPS is now activated. Just launch your game and enjoy high FPS!
Refresh Rate FAQ
Q: Can a higher refresh rate make me a better gamer?
Not directly, but it can help you see and react to things faster, especially in high-speed games. Think of it like giving yourself better tools. It still takes skill to win.
Q: Is 144Hz good enough for gaming in 2025?
Absolutely. 144Hz is still a great benchmark and more than enough for most gamers. It’s become quite affordable too.
Q: Do consoles support high refresh rates?
Yes, newer consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X support 120Hz output, but not all games take advantage of it. You’ll also need a compatible TV or monitor.
Q: What’s the difference between response time and refresh rate?
Refresh rate is how often the screen updates. Response time is how quickly a pixel changes color. Both affect how smooth and clear fast motion looks, but they’re different specs.
Q: Should I get a 240Hz monitor for casual play?
Only if your system can push that many frames and you really want that extra smoothness. Otherwise, it’s probably overkill for casual gaming.
In Summary
Refresh rate isn’t just a number on a box: it directly affects how smooth and responsive your games feel, especially when you’re playing online. Whether you’re grinding ranks or just kicking back after work, knowing how refresh rate works can help you get the best out of your setup, and maybe even help you win a few more matches.
Now that you’ve got the basics, take a minute to check your monitor settings. You might already have a high-refresh screen and just need to flip the right switch to unlock smoother gameplay. Happy gaming!
