Does Higher FPS on a 60Hz Monitor Improve Gaming Experience?

When it comes to gaming on a 60Hz monitor, the question often arises: does having a higher FPS (frames per second) make a difference? The answer is both yes and no, and the nuances lie in understanding how monitor refresh rates, input lag, and V-Sync settings impact your gaming experience.

Refresh Rate Limitation

First and foremost, it's important to understand that a 60Hz monitor has a maximum refresh rate of 60 frames per second (FPS). This means that even if your GPU outputs 144 FPS or more, the monitor will only be able to display 60 of those frames. This limit can make a significant difference in the game's visuals, but as we will see, the benefits are not always as straightforward as you might think.

Input Lag and Responsiveness

One of the most noticeable benefits of higher FPS is the reduction in input lag. Lower latency helps in making the game feel more responsive, which can be crucial in fast-paced games. Even if your monitor can only display 60 FPS, the lower latency from higher frame rates can enhance your gameplay experience. This is particularly true in games where quick reflexes and timing are crucial, such as first-person shooters or racing games.

Frame Timing and Consistency

A higher FPS can also lead to more consistent frame delivery. This means that the frames are rendered more frequently, leading to a smoother gaming experience. This can greatly reduce stuttering and frame pacing issues, making the game feel more fluid and enjoyable. However, it's important to note that this benefit is somewhat limited by your monitor's refresh rate.

V-Sync and Screen Tearing

V-Sync (Vertical Sync) is a setting in most games that can help sync your game’s FPS with the monitor’s refresh rate. Enabling V-Sync can prevent screen tearing, but it might introduce input lag, which can be detrimental to performance, especially in fast-paced games. On the other hand, if you disable V-Sync, you might encounter screen tearing, where frames are not synchronized with the monitor's refresh rate. Screen tearing can be a significant issue, as it can affect the visuals in every frame, even if it only lasts 1/60th of a second.

Future-Proofing Your Gaming Setup

Another consideration is future-proofing your gaming setup. If you plan to upgrade to a higher refresh rate monitor in the future, having a higher FPS now can help you take advantage of that upgrade. For instance, if you have a 144Hz monitor, being able to run at 120 FPS instead of 60 FPS means you are closer to the maximum potential of your newly upgraded monitor.

Conclusion

While you can benefit from higher FPS on a 60Hz monitor in terms of responsiveness and smoother motion, the monitor's refresh rate ultimately caps the visual output. For the best performance, it's advisable to consider using a monitor that matches or exceeds the FPS your system can achieve.

As a whole experience, it's important to remember that your monitor can only refresh 60 times a second, making screen tearing an issue if your video card tries to output more. Screen tearing can be significant, and it depends on your FPS. Some games may handle tearing better than others, but overall, the experience will be less than ideal at higher FPS if your monitor is limited to 60Hz. Future-proofing your setup can help mitigate these issues and ensure you get the best performance out of your gaming hardware.