Can Your PS5 Reach the Holy Grail of 240 FPS? The Ultimate Guide

So, you’re chasing the buttery-smooth visuals of 240 frames per second on your PlayStation 5? Let’s cut right to the chase: officially, the PS5 does not natively support 240 FPS. While the console boasts impressive capabilities, its maximum output is capped at 120 FPS, even with its HDMI 2.1 port.

But don’t despair! While you won’t see a native 240 FPS output, understanding the nuances of refresh rates, frame rates, and monitor technology can still help you optimize your gaming experience. Let’s dive deeper into why and how.

Understanding Refresh Rates and Frame Rates

Before we get too far ahead, let’s clarify the difference between refresh rate (Hz) and frame rate (FPS):

Refresh Rate (Hz): This refers to how many times per second your monitor updates the image on the screen. A 240Hz monitor refreshes 240 times per second.
Frame Rate (FPS): This is how many frames your console or PC renders per second. A game running at 120 FPS generates 120 frames every second.

Ideally, you want your frame rate to match or exceed your refresh rate. If your frame rate is lower than your refresh rate, you might experience screen tearing. If it’s higher, your monitor can only display as many frames as its refresh rate allows.

Why the PS5 Doesn’t Hit 240 FPS

The PS5’s hardware and software are designed to prioritize resolution and graphical fidelity. Pushing for 240 FPS would require significant sacrifices in these areas. Even powerful PCs often struggle to maintain a consistent 240 FPS in visually demanding games. While the PS5 offers 4K resolution and high dynamic range (HDR), pushing for a higher frame rate hasn’t been made a priority in most titles.

Furthermore, the PS5’s HDMI 2.1 port, while capable of handling high bandwidth, is primarily used to deliver 4K resolution at 120Hz. While future updates or game optimizations could potentially unlock higher frame rates in specific scenarios, it’s not a standard feature of the console.

Optimizing Your PS5 Gaming Experience

Even if you can’t reach 240 FPS, here’s how to make the most of your PS5’s capabilities:

Choose the Right Monitor: A monitor with a 120Hz or 144Hz refresh rate is ideal for PS5 gaming. While a 240Hz monitor won’t display 240 FPS from the PS5, it can still provide a smoother experience if you also use it for PC gaming.
Enable 120Hz Mode: Some PS5 games offer a performance mode that targets 120 FPS. Make sure to enable this in the game’s settings. You might have to lower graphics settings in the game for performance.
HDMI 2.1 Cable: Using an HDMI 2.1 cable is crucial for achieving 4K/120Hz. Make sure both your monitor and PS5 are connected with a certified HDMI 2.1 cable.
Adjust PS5 Video Output Settings: In the PS5 settings menu, navigate to Screen and Video > Video Output. Here, you can adjust settings like resolution, refresh rate, and HDR.
Take Advantage of Variable Refresh Rate (VRR): VRR dynamically adjusts the monitor’s refresh rate to match the game’s frame rate, reducing screen tearing and stuttering. Ensure your monitor and PS5 both support VRR and that it’s enabled in settings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the PS5 and frame rates:

1. Can the PS5 output 240Hz?

No. While the PS5 supports HDMI 2.1, which has the bandwidth to handle higher refresh rates, the console’s maximum output is 120Hz.

2. Do I need a 240Hz monitor for PS5?

No, you don’t need a 240Hz monitor for the PS5. A monitor with a 120Hz or 144Hz refresh rate is sufficient to display the console’s maximum frame rate output. However, a 240Hz monitor can be beneficial if you also use it for PC gaming, where you might achieve higher frame rates.

3. What is the maximum FPS a PS5 can run?

The PS5 can run games at up to 120 FPS, depending on the game and its settings.

4. Does PS5 support 144Hz?

Yes, the PS5 supports 144Hz monitors. It will output up to 120 FPS, which a 144Hz monitor can handle without any issues.

5. Do I need 240 FPS for a 240Hz monitor?

Not necessarily. You only need a 240Hz monitor to see 240 frames displayed every second. If your hardware is rendering fewer frames, the monitor will simply display each frame for a longer duration to reach its refresh rate.

6. Is 240Hz smoother than 144Hz?

Yes, 240Hz is generally smoother than 144Hz. The difference may not be as noticeable as the jump from 60Hz to 144Hz, but it can still provide a more responsive and fluid gaming experience, and also have lower input lag.

7. Is 240Hz better than 4K?

It depends on your priorities. 4K resolution provides a sharper and more detailed image. A 240Hz refresh rate offers smoother motion and lower input lag. If you prioritize visual fidelity, 4K is better. If you prioritize responsiveness, 240Hz is better. Some gamers would prefer 1440p 144Hz over 4k 60Hz for competitive games.

8. Can PS5 run 360Hz?

No, the PS5’s maximum output is 120Hz, so you won’t be able to utilize the full potential of a 360Hz monitor.

9. How many Hz does PS5 need?

A 120Hz or 144Hz monitor is ideal for PS5 gaming. These refresh rates can display the console’s maximum frame rate output of 120 FPS without any issues.

10. Does PS5 have FPS boost?

Some PS5 games offer performance modes that target higher frame rates, including 120 FPS. These modes may require sacrificing resolution or graphical settings.

11. How much FPS can the human eye see?

The human eye’s ability to perceive FPS is a complex topic. While some studies suggest a range of 30-60 FPS, others argue that the eye can perceive much higher frame rates, especially with fast-moving objects.

12. Can PS5 handle 4K?

Yes, the PS5 can handle 4K resolution. It supports 4K gaming at up to 120Hz with HDMI 2.1.

13. Is 165Hz too much for PS5?

No, 165Hz is not too much for the PS5. The console will simply output up to 120 FPS, which a 165Hz monitor can handle perfectly well.

14. Is HDMI 2.1 needed for PS5?

Yes, HDMI 2.1 is highly recommended for PS5, especially if you want to play games in 4K at 120Hz. It provides the necessary bandwidth to support these high resolutions and refresh rates.

15. Is PS5 truly 4K?

Yes, the PS5 supports native 4K resolution in many games. However, some games may use dynamic resolution scaling, which adjusts the resolution on the fly to maintain a consistent frame rate. Currently, the PS5 supports 4K, not 8K.

The Future of PS5 Frame Rates

While the PS5 currently doesn’t support 240 FPS, the gaming landscape is constantly evolving. Future software updates or game optimizations could potentially unlock higher frame rates in specific titles. However, for now, focusing on optimizing your setup for 4K/120Hz gaming is the best way to enjoy the PS5’s visual capabilities.

Ultimately, the pursuit of the highest frame rates should be balanced with other factors like resolution, graphical fidelity, and personal preferences. Find the sweet spot that provides the best gaming experience for you. And remember, the joy of gaming lies not just in the numbers, but in the immersive worlds and engaging experiences that consoles like the PS5 can deliver.

Interested in game based learning? Check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.

Can PS5 run 240 fps?