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Is PS5 60fps or 120fps? Understanding Frame Rates on Sony’s Console

The PlayStation 5 (PS5) is capable of outputting games at both 60fps and 120fps, and the actual frame rate depends on the specific game and the user’s display setup. It’s not a simple “either/or” answer; the PS5 offers a range of frame rates to cater to different games and player preferences. The PS5 offers variety and caters to what gamers value in their high-action games. While many games target 60fps, some titles are specifically optimized to reach 120fps for a smoother and more responsive gaming experience.

Understanding Frame Rates and Their Importance

Before diving deeper, let’s clarify what frame rates (fps) actually mean. FPS stands for frames per second, and it indicates how many individual images are displayed on your screen every second. A higher frame rate translates to a smoother, more fluid visual experience. This is particularly crucial in gaming, where responsiveness and reduced input lag can significantly impact gameplay, especially in fast-paced, competitive titles.

The Significance of 60fps

For many years, 60fps has been considered the gold standard for console gaming. It provides a noticeable improvement over the previous generation’s typical 30fps, reducing motion blur and making the game feel more responsive. Many PS5 games are designed to run at a stable 60fps at a 4K resolution.

The Rise of 120fps

The PS5, however, takes things a step further by supporting 120fps at up to 4K resolution on compatible displays. This provides an even smoother and more responsive gaming experience, particularly beneficial for competitive gamers. The reduced input lag associated with 120fps can give players a competitive edge in fast-paced titles.

How the PS5 Achieves High Frame Rates

The PS5’s powerful hardware, including its custom AMD Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU, allows it to render games at higher frame rates. However, achieving a stable 120fps often requires compromises in other areas, such as resolution or graphical fidelity. Game developers often offer different graphics modes, allowing players to choose between higher resolution/graphical settings at 60fps or lower resolution/graphical settings at 120fps.

Factors Affecting Frame Rate

Several factors influence the actual frame rate you’ll experience on your PS5:

The game itself: Not all games are optimized for 120fps. Some games are designed to prioritize graphical fidelity over frame rate, while others are specifically built to take advantage of the PS5’s 120fps capabilities.
Your display: To experience 120fps, you need a TV or monitor that supports a 120Hz refresh rate and has an HDMI 2.1 port. Most older displays only support 60Hz.
Game settings: Many games allow you to adjust graphics settings, which can impact frame rate. Lowering the resolution or disabling certain graphical effects can often boost frame rates.
PS5 settings: You need to enable the “Allow 120Hz Output” setting in the PS5’s video settings to take advantage of 120fps on supported displays.

Understanding Resolution Tradeoffs

While the PS5 can achieve 120fps, it’s important to note that this often comes with a tradeoff in resolution. The PS5 can output up to 4k 120hz, but the actual frame rate and resolution will depend on the game and the selected graphics settings. In order to reach the higher frame rates, some games may require dropping the resolution to 1440p or even 1080p. The PS5 does support true 4K at launch, with 120 FPS supported in most titles, mainly competitive shooter. However, the hardware they are using is sometimes not capable of running true 4K 60, they may have to compensate for something like true 4K 30 on titles like Metro Exodus.

4K vs. 1440p vs. 1080p

4K (2160p): Offers the highest resolution and sharpest image quality.
1440p: A good middle ground between resolution and performance, offering a noticeable improvement over 1080p without the performance demands of 4K.
1080p: Still a viable option for achieving higher frame rates, especially on less powerful hardware.

Is 120fps Worth It?

Whether or not 120fps is “worth it” depends on your individual preferences and the types of games you play.

Benefits of 120fps

Smoother gameplay: The most noticeable benefit is the improved smoothness and fluidity of the visuals.
Reduced input lag: Higher frame rates reduce the delay between your actions and what you see on the screen, making the game feel more responsive.
Competitive advantage: In fast-paced, competitive games, the reduced input lag can give you a slight edge over your opponents.
Reduced motion blur: Higher frame rates can reduce motion blur, making the image clearer during fast movements.

Drawbacks of 120fps

Requires compatible display: You need a 120Hz TV or monitor with HDMI 2.1 to take advantage of 120fps.
Potential resolution tradeoffs: Achieving 120fps may require lowering the resolution or graphical settings.
Not all games support it: Not all PS5 games are optimized for 120fps.

Choosing the Right Settings

Ultimately, the best settings for your PS5 will depend on your individual preferences and the specific game you’re playing. Experiment with different graphics modes and frame rate settings to find what works best for you.

Tips for Optimizing Performance

Check your display settings: Make sure your TV or monitor is set to its native refresh rate and that HDMI 2.1 is enabled (if applicable).
Enable “Allow 120Hz Output” on PS5: Go to Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output > Allow 120Hz Output and select “Automatic”.
Adjust game settings: Experiment with different graphics settings to find a balance between visual quality and performance.
Keep your PS5 cool: Overheating can impact performance, so make sure your PS5 has adequate ventilation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about frame rates on the PS5:

1. Does the PS5 always run at 60fps or 120fps?

No. The PS5 supports a range of frame rates, including 30fps, 60fps, and 120fps. The actual frame rate depends on the game, your display, and the selected graphics settings.

2. Do I need a special TV to get 120fps on PS5?

Yes, you need a TV or monitor that supports a 120Hz refresh rate and has an HDMI 2.1 port to experience 120fps.

3. How do I enable 120fps on my PS5?

Go to Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output > Allow 120Hz Output and select “Automatic”.

4. What is HDMI 2.1, and why is it important for 120fps gaming?

HDMI 2.1 is the latest version of the HDMI standard and provides the necessary bandwidth to support 4K resolution at 120Hz.

5. Can I play all PS5 games at 120fps?

No, not all PS5 games are optimized for 120fps. Check the game’s specifications to see if it supports 120fps.

6. Will PS4 games run better on PS5?

Yes, generally PS4 games will run better on PS5. While some PS4 games may have an upgrade patch, allowing for improved visuals and gameplay on the PS5, most PS4 games will look the same whether you play them on the PS4 or PS5.

7. Does 120fps make a big difference in gaming?

Yes, many gamers find that 120fps provides a noticeably smoother and more responsive gaming experience. However, the difference may be less noticeable to some than others.

8. Is 1440p better than 4K?

4k monitors are the king for image sharpness compared to 1080p and 1440p, which is the main advantage of those resolutions. 4k monitors can still be versatile if you need something for gaming and office work, but they cost more than 1440p monitors, so only go for these over 1440p displays if your budget allows for it.

9. Does PS5 do 1440p?

To enable 1440p support on the PS5, simply navigate to the settings menu and under ‘Screen and Video’ select 1440p under the ‘Resolution’ menu.

10. Does a higher frame rate improve my gaming skills?

While a higher frame rate won’t magically make you a better gamer, it can provide a competitive edge by reducing input lag and improving responsiveness.

11. What is the max FPS on PS5?

One of the many exciting new features of the PS5 is the ability to play games at 120 FPS (frames-per-second).

12. Why are PS5 games not 4K 60fps?

Because ps5 can barely handle 4k60fps.

13. Is PS5 60 FPS vs 120 FPS a better experience?

Yes, for gamers and content creators who want smoother and more responsive gameplay and visuals, the difference between 60 FPS and 120 FPS is worth it.

14. Is 120 fps overkill?

It depends on what games your planning on playing. If you play games like League of Legends or Minecraft, like games which are strategy or casual, you don’t need more than 60 FPS. However, if you play competitive games where you play to get high ranks such as CS:GO or Valorant then you really need more than 60 FPS.

15. What graphics card is PS5 equivalent?

The PS5 is equivalent to an RTX 2070.

Conclusion

The PS5 offers a flexible gaming experience, capable of outputting games at both 60fps and 120fps. Understanding the factors that influence frame rates and the tradeoffs involved will help you optimize your gaming experience and get the most out of your PS5.

The world of gaming is constantly evolving, and organizations like the Games Learning Society are dedicated to exploring the educational and social impact of video games. To learn more about the fascinating research and initiatives in this field, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.