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Can a 144Hz Monitor Run 120 FPS on Xbox?

Yes, absolutely. A 144Hz monitor can display a 120 FPS signal from an Xbox Series X or S console, and in many cases, it’s the ideal setup. While it’s true that a 144Hz monitor is capable of refreshing the screen 144 times per second, and therefore ideally suited to displaying 144 frames per second (FPS) from a PC, it’s perfectly compatible with the 120 FPS output of current-generation Xbox consoles. The monitor doesn’t need to refresh at a rate identical to the frame rate output. Instead, it will still display the frames provided by the Xbox up to its maximum refresh rate. This means you will be getting the benefit of a smoother, more responsive gaming experience compared to a 60Hz display. Let’s dive deeper into why this works and what you need to know.

Understanding Refresh Rates and Frame Rates

Before we go any further, let’s clarify what refresh rate and frame rate actually mean.

Refresh Rate

The refresh rate, measured in Hertz (Hz), refers to how many times per second a monitor redraws the image on its screen. A 144Hz monitor, for instance, refreshes the image 144 times each second. A higher refresh rate generally means a smoother and more responsive visual experience, particularly in fast-paced games.

Frame Rate

The frame rate, measured in frames per second (FPS), indicates how many unique images a graphics processing unit (GPU) generates each second. A game running at 120 FPS means that the GPU is generating 120 distinct frames every second.

The Relationship

When the frame rate and refresh rate are perfectly aligned, it results in a smooth and fluid visual output without tearing or stuttering. However, they don’t need to be a 1:1 match. A monitor can display a lower frame rate than its refresh rate, just as it can display less than its max refresh rate. When your Xbox runs at 120 FPS, a 144Hz monitor will display each of those 120 frames, taking advantage of the higher refresh capability for reduced latency and more fluid motion.

Why a 144Hz Monitor is Good for Xbox

Here are some reasons why a 144Hz monitor is beneficial for Xbox users, even if not running at its maximum refresh rate:

Future-Proofing: While many Xbox games currently target 60 FPS, an increasing number support 120 FPS, and there’s every reason to believe that this number will grow. Having a 144Hz monitor means you’re equipped to take advantage of these enhanced frame rates when available.
Reduced Input Lag: Higher refresh rate monitors often have lower input lag, which is the delay between your actions on the controller and those actions appearing on the screen. This difference can be extremely beneficial in competitive multiplayer games.
Smoother Visuals: Although the game is running at 120 FPS, the higher refresh rate of 144Hz allows for a clearer picture, reduced blur, and an improved overall experience, even if not technically displaying 144 FPS.
Compatibility: A 144Hz monitor supports lower refresh rates, too. This means that it can display games at 60 FPS or 120 FPS seamlessly without issues or requiring settings changes.
PC Gaming Potential: If you also plan on using the monitor for PC gaming, a 144Hz refresh rate is the ideal starting point and you’ll be able to truly utilise the monitor’s full potential when running your PC games.

How to Ensure 120 FPS on Xbox

To get 120 FPS gaming on your Xbox and see it on your 144Hz monitor, keep the following in mind:

Xbox Series X|S Compatibility: The Xbox One consoles do not support 120 Hz. Only the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S can output 120 FPS.
Game Support: Not all games support 120 FPS. Make sure the game you’re playing has a 120 FPS mode.
HDMI 2.1 Cable: To display 4K resolution at 120 FPS, you will require an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable that supports the HDMI 2.1 standard.
Monitor Support: While most 144Hz monitors will support 120 Hz, some, particularly 1440p monitors, may have issues displaying 120Hz via HDMI. Always check that your monitor specifically supports 1440p @ 120Hz or 1080p @120Hz for your resolution.
Xbox Settings: Go to your Xbox Settings > General > TV & Display Options. Under Refresh rate, make sure 120 Hz is selected. If this option is greyed out, ensure you are using the correct HDMI cable and that your monitor is connected properly.
Game Settings: Some games may require you to enable the 120 FPS mode in their own settings menu.

4K and 120 FPS

Keep in mind that achieving 4K resolution at 120 FPS requires not only a capable monitor, HDMI 2.1 cable and a game that supports it, but also requires you to use an Xbox Series X. The Xbox Series S can run games at 120 FPS at a lower resolution, but not always at 4K.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding this topic:

1. Can a 144Hz monitor display 240 FPS?

Yes, a 144Hz monitor can receive and display a 240 FPS signal from a PC, but it will still only refresh its image 144 times per second. The additional frames will not be visible on the monitor, but they may still have a positive impact on input latency and overall smoothness. The monitor is just not able to show the additional frames beyond its maximum refresh rate, so they will effectively be wasted.

2. What refresh rate do I need for 120 FPS?

To effectively display 120 FPS, your monitor should have a refresh rate of at least 120Hz. A 144Hz monitor is suitable, as is a 165Hz or higher monitor.

3. Do I need HDMI 2.1 for 120 FPS on Xbox?

You only need HDMI 2.1 to run 4K at 120FPS from the Xbox Series X. For 120 FPS at lower resolutions such as 1080p or 1440p, a regular HDMI 2.0 cable may suffice, but an HDMI 2.1 cable is still recommended to get the best results and to be future-proofed.

4. Why am I not getting 120 FPS on my Xbox?

Common reasons include: incorrect HDMI cable, the game not supporting 120 FPS, incorrect Xbox settings, or your TV/monitor not supporting 120Hz. Check all these elements. Also ensure your Xbox has its latest system updates.

5. Will 120 FPS look bad on a 60Hz monitor?

It won’t look “bad,” but you won’t experience the full benefits of 120 FPS on a 60Hz monitor. While the game will be running at 120 frames per second, the monitor will only display 60 of those frames.

6. Is 120Hz enough for console gaming?

For current-gen consoles, 120Hz is more than enough, as most games that support higher framerates tend to run at 120 FPS rather than higher.

7. Does the Xbox One X support 120Hz?

No, the Xbox One X and other previous generation Xbox consoles do not support 120Hz. Only Xbox Series X and Series S do.

8. Can I use a 240Hz monitor with my Xbox?

Yes, you can, and it will still work as expected. The Xbox will output its max supported frame rate up to the capability of the monitor, so your 120 FPS games will still be displayed. However, the additional higher refresh rate is wasted with the Xbox Series X/S, unlike with a PC gaming setup.

9. Why is 120 FPS called “slow motion”?

120 FPS is often used in the context of capturing video, not gaming. When a 120 FPS video is played back at the normal 60 FPS, it will appear to be in slow motion as the frames are played back half as fast as they were recorded. This does not have any relevance to gaming at 120 FPS.

10. What resolution is recommended for 120 FPS gaming?

If the highest frame rate is your goal, then a 1080p monitor at 120Hz or 1440p at 120Hz is ideal, especially if you are running an Xbox Series S console. An Xbox Series X, on the other hand, is powerful enough to run 4K at 120 FPS for some titles.

11. Will a 144Hz monitor work with a regular HDMI cable?

Yes, a 144Hz monitor will work with a regular HDMI cable, but a HDMI 2.0 or HDMI 2.1 cable is recommended to run higher refresh rates, especially at resolutions of 1440p or 4K. Standard HDMI cables may restrict you to lower refresh rates.

12. How do I enable FPS Boost on Xbox?

FPS boost is enabled by default for games that support it. However, you can check it by navigating to My games & apps > Select the Game > Manage game & add-ons > Compatibility options, where you can enable FPS boost if it has been disabled.

13. Do all 144Hz monitors support 120 Hz via HDMI?

While most 144Hz monitors support 120Hz via HDMI, it’s always a good idea to check the specifications on the manufacturer’s website.

14. Is a 240Hz monitor worth it for console gaming?

If the console is your only use for the monitor, a 240Hz monitor may not be worth the additional cost for most players. It is highly unlikely you’ll ever be using the extra refresh rate that it offers, as console games are only limited to a maximum of 120 FPS. However, if you’re also into PC gaming, a 240Hz monitor might be worth it.

15. Is 144Hz a major upgrade from 60Hz?

Yes, moving from 60Hz to 144Hz is a significant upgrade. It offers a substantial improvement in the smoothness of motion and greatly reduces motion blur, which can be beneficial in fast-paced games. Even running at 120 FPS on a 144Hz monitor provides tangible improvements over a 60Hz setup.

Can a 144Hz monitor run 120 fps Xbox?