Unlocking the Full Potential of 120 FPS on a 60Hz Monitor
With the advent of high-refresh-rate gaming, many gamers are wondering if it's possible to take advantage of 120 FPS on a 60Hz monitor. While it may seem counterintuitive, the answer is yes – but there are some caveats to consider.
What is 120 FPS?
Before we dive into the details, let's quickly cover what 120 FPS means. FPS stands for frames per second, which is the number of times your graphics card can render a new frame on the screen. A higher FPS results in a smoother gaming experience, with less stuttering and tearing.
The Limitations of 60Hz Monitors
Most modern monitors, including those used for gaming, have a maximum refresh rate of 60Hz. This means they can display up to 60 frames per second. Anything above that, and the monitor simply can't keep up.
Can You Get 120 FPS on a 60Hz Monitor?
The short answer is yes, but not in the classical sense. While your monitor can't display 120 FPS, your graphics card can still render those frames. Here's what happens:
- GSync and FreeSync: If you have a monitor with GSync (NVIDIA) or FreeSync (AMD) technology, your graphics card can render frames above the monitor's maximum refresh rate. However, the monitor will only display the maximum refresh rate (60Hz, in this case). The excess frames are stored in a buffer, which helps reduce screen tearing and stuttering.
- Frame Rate Capping: Some games and graphics cards allow you to cap the frame rate at a specific value, such as 120 FPS. This means the graphics card will render 120 frames, but the monitor will only display 60 of them.
Benefits of 120 FPS on a 60Hz Monitor
So, why bother rendering 120 FPS on a 60Hz monitor? Here are some benefits:
- Reduced Input Lag: With a higher frame rate, input lag (the time it takes for your actions to be reflected on the screen) is reduced, making for a more responsive gaming experience.
- Improved Graphics Card Performance: Rendering 120 FPS puts less strain on your graphics card than rendering 240 FPS, for example. This can result in better performance, lower temperatures, and reduced power consumption.
- Future-Proofing: If you plan to upgrade to a higher-refresh-rate monitor in the future, having a graphics card capable of rendering 120 FPS will ensure you can take full advantage of it.
Conclusion
While 120 FPS on a 60Hz monitor may not seem like the most ideal setup, it's not entirely pointless. By taking advantage of GSync or FreeSync, frame rate capping, and the benefits mentioned above, you can still enjoy a smoother gaming experience. Just keep in mind that you won't be able to see those extra frames on your monitor – but your graphics card will be working hard to deliver them.
