With the constant upgrades and improvements in computer hardware, game graphics have become increasingly detailed. However, no matter how rich the details are, a good gaming experience cannot be achieved if the game’s frame rate doesn’t meet a certain threshold.
The Relationship Between Game Frames Per Second (FPS) and Screen Refresh Rate
Game FPS refers to the number of image frames rendered by the game engine within one second. Achieving higher FPS often requires more powerful graphics cards and processors. If your hardware cannot support higher frame rates, you may have to compromise on other aspects of the game settings, such as graphics quality and resolution.
Screen refresh rate, on the other hand, represents the number of times the display screen refreshes per second and is dependent on the performance and refresh rate of the display device. To achieve the best gaming experience, game FPS should ideally match the monitor’s refresh rate to ensure smooth gameplay without tearing effects.
For example: If you have a 144Hz monitor, it means the screen can refresh images 144 times per second. However, the FPS of a game can exceed this number; for instance, in high-performance computers playing games like Dota 2, the FPS can be higher than the monitor’s refresh rate.
Therefore, game FPS is not limited by the monitor’s refresh rate. If your game’s FPS is higher than 144, you will see more frames, but the monitor will refresh the screen at 144Hz. This can lead to issues such as tearing effects because different frames are rendered at different times, while the monitor refreshes at its own rate. However, some players prefer to unlock FPS for lower input lag and smoother motion, depending on personal preferences and hardware capabilities.
How to Check Screen Refresh Rate
Before and after purchasing display devices, players can visit testufo to test whether the screen’s refresh rate meets their actual needs.
The website provides various testing tools, and the two most important tests for gamers are:
Real-time Screen Refresh Rate Performance:
This test can be seen on the website’s homepage, and after a brief wait, the test completes and displays the “READY” message, indicating the screen’s refresh rate (currently, mobile refresh rate testing is not supported). If the value is lower or inconsistent with the refresh rate you expected when purchasing the device, you can adjust screen settings to maximize the frame rate.
Game FPS Comparison:
Different individuals perceive game FPS differently. If you want to intuitively experience the effects of different game frame rates, you can use this test. Try adjusting various parameters to get the most realistic experience. If you have a 240Hz monitor, see if you can really discern the difference between 120fps and 90fps.
In Conclusion
Game FPS and screen refresh rate are two critical aspects of the gaming experience, but they are not the only factors at play. Players need to consider their hardware performance, the type of games they play, and personal preferences to find the best balance. When in doubt about whether you truly need a high refresh rate screen, it’s recommended to visit a physical store and use this website to test it out.