A monitor’s refresh rate, measured in hertz (Hz), tells you how many times per second the screen redraws the image. A 60 Hz panel updates 60 times each second, while a 144 Hz display refreshes 144 times, delivering smoother motion and less perceived blur.
Why does refresh rate matter?
- Smooth gameplay - Faster refresh rates keep fast‑moving games looking fluid.
- Reduced eye strain - Less flicker means a more comfortable viewing experience.
- Better responsiveness - Higher rates lower input lag, giving you a quicker reaction window.
Quick ways to check your monitor’s refresh rate
Windows 10/11 – Settings
- Right‑click the desktop and pick Display settings.
- Scroll down and click Advanced display settings.
- Under Refresh rate (Hz) you’ll see the current value.
Tip: If you have multiple monitors, select the one you want to inspect from the “Select a display” dropdown first.
Windows - Graphics Control Panel
- NVIDIA: Right‑click the desktop → NVIDIA Control Panel → Change resolution → look for Refresh rate.
- AMD: Right‑click → AMD Radeon Settings → Display → Refresh Rate.
- Intel: Right‑click → Graphics Properties → Display → Refresh Rate.
macOS
- Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS).
- Go to Displays → click Advanced (or hold Option and click Scaled).
- Choose the desired refresh rate from the Refresh Rate dropdown.
Using the monitor’s built‑in OSD (On‑Screen Display)
Most modern panels let you view the current rate directly:
- Press the Menu button on the monitor.
- Navigate to a section usually labelled Info, Status, or Settings.
- The refresh rate is displayed alongside resolution and input source.
If you can’t find it, consult the user manual - the OSD layout varies by brand.
Common refresh‑rate tiers
| Tier | Typical Use‑Case | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 60 Hz | General productivity, video playback | Most office monitors, budget TVs |
| 75 Hz | Light gaming, smoother scrolling | Mid‑range 1080p panels |
| 120 Hz / 144 Hz | Competitive gaming, high‑action titles | Gaming‑focused IPS/TN panels |
| 165 Hz – 240 Hz | eSports, ultra‑smooth motion | Premium esports monitors |
| 300 Hz+ | Niche competitive setups (e.g., CS:GO) | Specialized esports rigs |
Things to watch out for
- Cable limits - HDMI 1.4 tops out at 120 Hz at 1080p, while HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.2+ support 144 Hz and higher.
- GPU capability - Your graphics card must be able to output the chosen refresh rate at the selected resolution.
- Windows “Default” mode - If you see “60 Hz (Default)”, you may need to manually select a higher rate in the settings panel.
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