Are High Refresh Rate Monitors Worth It for Your Needs?

Whether you are a passionate gamer or need an external monitor for your remote work setup, you are probably gathering information about what you need and what you don’t. People cite many monitor features as crucial, while you wonder if that applies to your computing preferences, needs, and long-term value.
One feature that tech-savvy computer owners look for in a computer monitor is the refresh rate, which is especially important for scenarios where there is fast-paced action or the need to move from one screen to the next rapidly.

What Is the Refresh Rate?

The refresh rate is the number of times an image on a computer monitor or television screen updates or “refreshes” every second, notes HelloTech. A higher, faster refresh rate is a key component in handling motion when playing complex video games or watching action movies.
If focusing on refresh rates is new to you, learn how the industry measures it and what those terms and numbers mean.

Refresh Rate Is Measured in Hertz

The refresh rate for computer monitors is measured in Hertz (Hz). You’ve probably seen that abbreviation many times in previous searches for computer desktops and laptops. Still, you might not have thought much of it if your goals were less visually oriented.
For performing data entry and other text-based tasks, you aren’t likely to need high refresh rates. However, if you plan to get into high-action gaming or watch action-adventure movies on your monitor, it’s something to consider.
An example of refresh rate is when a 60Hz computer monitor refreshes the screen 60 times per second. If you choose one with a 120Hz refresh rate, the screen will refresh at a rate of 120 times per second.
It’s important to note that gamers find a distinct difference between some frequencies. For instance, there are three stark differences between a 60Hz refresh rate and one set at 144Hz. A higher refresh rate will result in:
  • Better motion resolution
  • Better responsiveness
  • Reduced ghosting and tearing that cause blurring and distortion

Avoid Confusing the Refresh Rate with the Frame Rate

It’s easy to confuse the refresh and frame rates, but they are different. How to Geek reminds readers that the refresh rate refers to how many frames your screen displays per second, while the frame rate refers to how many frames the video source can access and display per second.
For instance, if you want to reduce motion blur to maintain a steady view of the action in your favorite game or movie, the refresh rate needs to be equal to or greater than the frame rate. If the video has a slow frame rate, you will see individual frames instead of the desired flow of seamless action. The result is choppy or blurry imagery without a reasonable refresh rate.

Three Key Considerations in Getting the Most Out of Refresh Rates

Again, you can buy a monitor featuring high refresh rates, but you need three more things to bring it all together:
  • The right monitor that can refresh quickly
  • A central processing unit (CPU) that is speedy enough to provide necessary game instructions, such as physics, game logic, AI, and rendering data
  • A graphics processing unit (GPU) that is quick enough to execute the instructions quickly and precisely to create the screen graphics as intended

How Does the Refresh Rate Affect Serious Gamers and Gaming?

Whether you are an avid gamer or not, monitors featuring high refresh rates can enhance your experience. Everyone from hobby gamers to Twitch streamers enjoys the action-oriented visuals of today’s top games.
Many gamers might consider investing in a new monitor with the ever-increasing reduced prices. The truth is, you can find an excellent 144HZ monitor for under $400, so it’s probably worth the investment to enhance your gaming enjoyment. The prices vary, so you can do some shopping to find top high-refresh rate monitors from a brand you trust featuring specs and features that matter to you.
Here are a few high refresh rate monitors to consider:

How to Protect Your Monitor

An Upsie extended computer warranty can help you protect your action-friendly monitor. Upsie’s warranties offer comprehensive protection, ensuring your peace of mind. For example, with Upsie, your monitor is protected from:
  • Manufacturing defects
  • Power failure
  • Motherboard or internal computer failure
  • Screen failure
  • And more
In addition, Upsie’s warranties cost up to 70 percent less than warranties offered by competitors. For better protection and a better price, choose Upsie.

Learn More About Computer:

Return to all posts

* This article is over 6 months old and may or may not be updated.