Is 85 Frames Per Second Good? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is: yes, 85 frames per second (FPS) is generally considered good, particularly for gaming. It provides a noticeably smoother experience than 60 FPS, and while it’s not the absolute highest frame rate attainable, it strikes a great balance between performance and visual fidelity. However, the “goodness” of 85 FPS can depend on several factors, including your display’s refresh rate, the type of game you’re playing, and your personal preferences. Let’s dive deeper into what makes 85 FPS a solid target and explore some nuances surrounding it.
The Sweet Spot: Why 85 FPS is a Desirable Target
Above the Baseline
Most people agree that 60 FPS is the baseline for smooth gameplay. If you’re consistently getting 85 FPS, you’re already surpassing this, which will translate to a more fluid and responsive gaming experience. You’ll likely notice a reduction in motion blur, and actions will feel more immediate with reduced input lag. This is especially beneficial in fast-paced games where reaction time is crucial.
The Law of Diminishing Returns
While higher frame rates like 120 FPS or 144 FPS offer further improvements in smoothness, the difference between 60 FPS and 85 FPS is generally more noticeable than the difference between 85 FPS and 120 FPS. The further you go beyond 85 FPS, the smaller the perceived improvement becomes. This is known as the law of diminishing returns. Pushing for ultra-high frame rates requires considerably more processing power which may not always translate into a perceptible benefit for all users.
Refresh Rate Considerations
The benefit of 85 FPS is partly dependent on your monitor’s refresh rate. If your monitor is a standard 60Hz display, it can only show 60 frames per second. Therefore, while your game might be rendering 85 frames per second, you’re not seeing all of them. However, there is still some benefit to having a higher frame rate than the refresh rate because it reduces input lag and provides an up to date frame. If you have a monitor with a higher refresh rate (e.g., 120Hz or 144Hz), you’ll experience the full benefit of 85 FPS. In this case, 85 FPS is a great target, providing very smooth gameplay and still having room for headroom, meaning your average FPS should never drop below 60, which is generally perceived to be “smooth”.
Gaming Specifics
The type of game also matters. Competitive multiplayer games, like first-person shooters (FPS) or MOBAs, benefit greatly from higher frame rates due to the improved responsiveness and reduced input lag. For these games, 85 FPS is a good target to aim for, especially compared to someone playing at 60 FPS. Meanwhile, single-player games, while still benefitting from the smoothness, might not be as demanding and may instead benefit more from other settings that enhance graphics fidelity, such as resolution or detail quality. An average of 85 fps is excellent for AAA, FPS or battle royale games.
The “Good Enough” Factor
While some gamers chase ultra-high frame rates, 85 FPS often represents a sweet spot, particularly for gamers who may not have the latest high-end PC hardware. Hitting and maintaining an average of 85 fps means your minimums are likely staying well above 60, which is what everyone’s aim is generally. It’s a frame rate that gives you a significant improvement in smoothness without requiring a massive performance upgrade. It’s a case where the “good enough” is actually quite excellent.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is 85 FPS better than 60 FPS?
Yes, absolutely. 85 FPS offers a noticeably smoother and more responsive gaming experience compared to 60 FPS. You’ll observe less motion blur and a reduction in input lag, making gameplay feel much more fluid.
2. Does 85 FPS make a difference on a 60Hz monitor?
Even if your monitor is a 60Hz display, there is still a benefit to having 85 fps. While you won’t see all 85 frames per second, having your game render more frames than your display can output can reduce input lag and help ensure the most up-to-date frame is being displayed, especially when your frame times vary.
3. What refresh rate monitor is ideal for 85 FPS?
A 120Hz or 144Hz monitor is ideal for fully leveraging the benefits of 85 FPS. These monitors can display all the frames being rendered, resulting in a smoother and more responsive visual experience.
4. Is 85 FPS good for competitive gaming?
Yes, 85 FPS is a solid frame rate for competitive gaming. It provides the necessary smoothness and responsiveness to stay competitive, although some competitive players will push their hardware to get higher FPS than this.
5. How does 85 FPS affect input lag?
A higher frame rate like 85 FPS reduces input lag compared to lower frame rates. This means that your actions in the game are reflected on the screen faster, making your gameplay feel more responsive.
6. Can the human eye perceive the difference between 60 FPS and 85 FPS?
Yes, most people can perceive the difference between 60 FPS and 85 FPS. The increase in smoothness and reduced motion blur is generally noticeable, resulting in a more pleasant gaming experience.
7. Is 85 FPS enough to eliminate motion blur?
While 85 FPS significantly reduces motion blur compared to 60 FPS, it may not completely eliminate it. To minimize blur, the best you can do is to maintain the highest average FPS you can.
8. What is the difference between 85 FPS and 144 FPS?
While 85 FPS is good, 144 FPS is even smoother and more responsive. However, the difference between 85 FPS and 144 FPS is less pronounced than the difference between 60 FPS and 85 FPS. 144fps can reduce motion blur more than 85 fps can.
9. Does 85 FPS look the same on all games?
The perceived smoothness of 85 FPS can vary slightly depending on the game. Some games may be more demanding, and your FPS may fluctuate.
10. What should be done if you can’t maintain 85 FPS?
If you can’t maintain 85 FPS consistently, try adjusting your game settings. Lowering graphics options, or resolution, can help you achieve your target FPS, while maintaining a good visual quality.
11. How do I measure my frame rate?
You can use in-game options, or third-party software like Fraps, MSI Afterburner, or GeForce Experience to monitor your FPS while gaming. This lets you see whether your average FPS is high enough, or if you have any minimum fps issues.
12. Is 85 FPS considered high or low?
85 FPS is generally considered to be high in terms of smooth and enjoyable gameplay. It’s not the highest you can get, but it definitely sits in the higher range of performance.
13. Does a better GPU guarantee higher FPS?
Yes, a better GPU generally provides higher FPS, but other components like your CPU and RAM also play a role. Having powerful components can help ensure you’re hitting the frame rate you’re aiming for, at your target resolution.
14. Is 85 FPS overkill for everyday use?
No, 85 FPS is not overkill for everyday use, especially if you use your computer for both gaming and other tasks, such as video creation, which require high frame rates.
15. Is there such a thing as too many FPS?
Generally speaking, there is no such thing as too many frames, however there is a point where the benefit of additional FPS becomes negligible. A high FPS can still reduce input lag, even if your refresh rate is less than the FPS. If your FPS varies frequently, having a higher average FPS can help with stability and consistency.
Conclusion
85 FPS is a fantastic target to aim for in gaming, offering a smooth, responsive, and enjoyable experience. While pushing for higher frame rates like 120 FPS or 144 FPS can be beneficial, 85 FPS is a solid sweet spot for most gamers, especially considering its noticeable improvement over 60 FPS. Understanding the nuances of how it interacts with your monitor’s refresh rate and your personal preferences is vital in optimizing your gaming experience.