Is 75 Hz Good for Gaming?
When it comes to gaming monitors, there are several factors to consider before making a purchase. One crucial aspect that has gained significant attention in recent years is refresh rate. Among various refresh rates available, 75 Hz has become a popular choice for gamers, but is it indeed suitable for this demanding activity?
In this article, we’ll delve into the details and discuss whether 75 Hz is good for gaming.
Direct Answer
Yes, 75 Hz is good for gaming. Here’s why:
Overview of 75 Hz
- 75 Hz is a refresh rate at which a monitor can display 72 unique frames per second (fps) , which means that 72 distinct images will be refreshed on the screen every second.
- For competitive gamers, fast responsiveness, low input lag, and smooth visuals are critical for an immersive experience.
- The primary benefit of a 75 Hz refresh rate is faster scrolling and fewer cases of screen tearing when gaming at high frame rates.
Types of Monitor Refresh Rates
Before discussing 75 Hz, let’s cover other important refresh rates:
- 24/30/48/50/60 Hz: Standard for older monitors and non-gaming computers, these refresh rates are insufficient for serious gaming.
- 120 Hz (144 Hz and 240 Hz): Suitable for professional-grade gaming, these refresh rates ensure extreme smoothness, low lag, and faster response times.
Key Performance Difference between 75 Hz and Lower Refresh Rates
| Refresh Rate | Frames Per Second |
|---|---|
| 30/60 Hz | up to 30 fps |
| 75 Hz | up to 72 fps |
| 120 Hz (144/240 Hz) | up to 144 fps (240 fps for 240 Hz monitors) |
For casual gamers or non- competitive enthusiasts, 30 Hz and 60 Hz might suffice, considering the limitations of most games in recent times. However, for professional players seeking every advantage, a higher refresh rate such as 120 Hz or higher can make a significant difference in frames rendered per second and play experience.
Impact of Higher Refresh Rates on Gaming
Some crucial aspects of gaming where a higher refresh rate has an evident impact:
- Reaction time and accuracy: Faster reaction times due to lower latency.
- Visual smoothness and flow: Fewer jaggies and screen tearing, contributing to softer visuals and improved motion clarity.
- Fps limiting: Higher frame caps, allowing for evenly rendering of frames without a visible impact on game performance.
- G-Sync (for NVIDIA) and FreeSync (for AMD): Reducing input lag and tearing with compatible adapters.
Limitations and Restrictions
Keep in mind:
- 75 Hz refresh rate limits are fixed. Most modern games and modern devices are designed with 1080p/60 fps resolutions in mind, but they’re not optimized for higher frame rates above 60 fps. Not all games run above 144 fps and would utilize 75 Hz capabilities, but many popular games, even at lower graphics settings, can exceed50 fps.
- Refresh rates are hardware-bound, linked to the monitor and/or GPU capabilities.
Monitors with 75 Hz vs Other Refresh Rates
The popularity of monitors with 75 Hz and below has decreased since higher refresh rates became more affordable and readily available:
Some popular monitors with 75 Hz (or lower)
| Monitors | Resolution | Refresh Rate | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asus VN278Q-P | FHD (1080p) | 75 Hz | Low Input Lag, G-Sync | Under $200 |
| BenQ 24GL232 | FullHD (1080p) | 75 Hz | 1ms response, sRGB 100% coverage | Under $150 |
On the other hand, modern high refresh rate monitors like 144 Hz, 165 Hz, or even 240 Hz are now readily available and, in many cases, provide additional benefits for competitive gaming. Monitor features like G-Sync (NVIDIA) and FreeSync (AMD) enhance visuals even further.
Conclusion
75 Hz is a suitable refresh rate for gaming, as it delivers faster frame rates and smooth motion, making it ideal for players without high-end systems, considering average frame rates and average visual effects. However, for more resource-intense games, and with graphics settings on ultra or super ultra, 144 Hz, 165 Hz, or higher refresh rates may be a better fit to take full advantage of performance limitations.
For an optimized experience and competitive edge, I encourage you to explore high-end, high-refresh monitors from both NVIDIA (144Hz and higher) and AMD (240Hz and higher).
While it’s not the pinnacle, 75 Hz remains a reasonable tradeoff between cost, speed, and features, well-suited for everyday, low-to-mid tier games, and those looking to take steps towards competitive gaming on a budget-friendly setup.