Table of Contents

Why is 120Hz Not Showing? A Comprehensive Guide

The frustrating situation of a 120Hz display not actually showing 120Hz is more common than you might think. The good news is, there are several common reasons for this issue, and most of them are fixable. The core problem lies in the fact that achieving a 120Hz refresh rate requires a harmonious interplay of several hardware and software components. If even one of these elements is not up to par or is incorrectly configured, you’ll be stuck with a lower refresh rate.

Here’s the bottom line: a 120Hz refresh rate might not be showing due to a combination of reasons: including incorrect display settings, outdated drivers, limitations of the cable, compatibility issues with the ports, restrictions from the operating system, or the capabilities of the display itself. Understanding these potential roadblocks is the first step toward troubleshooting and unlocking the smooth, high-refresh experience you paid for.

Unpacking the Common Culprits

1. Incorrect Display Settings

One of the most frequent causes is that the display settings on your computer, console, or other device are not set to 120Hz. This might seem obvious, but it’s an easy oversight.

Computer: On Windows, you need to navigate to Display Settings > Advanced display settings and manually select the 120Hz refresh rate from the drop-down menu for your specific monitor.
Consoles (PS5, Xbox Series X/S): Both systems have settings to enable 120Hz output. Check your console’s display or video settings.
TV: You may need to dive into picture settings to find the correct HDMI format.

If the 120Hz option isn’t available, that suggests another issue preventing the refresh rate from showing up.

2. Outdated Graphics Card Drivers

Outdated or corrupted graphics card drivers can cause a variety of issues, including restricting the refresh rates that your display can achieve. Ensure that you have the latest drivers installed from the manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel). Consider doing a clean install after downloading the latest drivers to minimize conflicts.

3. Cable Limitations

The HDMI or DisplayPort cable you’re using might be an older standard that doesn’t support 120Hz at your chosen resolution.

HDMI: You need at least HDMI 2.0 for 1080p or 1440p at 120Hz, and HDMI 2.1 for 4K at 120Hz. Check the cable’s specifications or markings. Look for “Ultra High Speed HDMI” for the best assurance of 4K 120Hz.
DisplayPort: For 1440p or 4K 120Hz, make sure the DisplayPort cable is a sufficiently high standard (like DisplayPort 1.4).

Using a subpar cable can severely limit your refresh rate, leading to your display running only at 60Hz.

4. Port Limitations

Even if your cable is adequate, the HDMI or DisplayPort port on your computer, console, or monitor itself may not support 120Hz. Older devices, particularly laptops, might have outdated ports. Check the device’s specifications to confirm if the ports support the higher refresh rate at your desired resolution.

5. Operating System Restrictions

Sometimes the operating system settings can unintentionally limit the refresh rate, even if other components are capable. Always double-check the settings within your OS, ensuring that the 120Hz option is not being actively restricted by power-saving options or other conflicts.

6. Monitor Capabilities

While you might have a 120Hz monitor, it’s critical to verify it truly supports the stated refresh rate at your desired resolution. Sometimes, a monitor might only support 120Hz at a lower resolution, and you may need to lower the resolution from 4K to 1440p to get 120Hz to work.

7. TV Frame Interpolation Misunderstandings

Many older TVs advertised as “120Hz” are not true 120Hz displays. These TVs use frame interpolation, a technology that inserts artificial frames between original frames, creating the illusion of a higher refresh rate. This is not the same as a true 120Hz display capable of showing 120 unique frames per second.

8. Device Limitations

Your laptop or PC’s graphics card might simply not be able to output 120Hz at a certain resolution, even if other components allow it. If you have an integrated graphics card, it may not be able to output higher framerates. This may require a dedicated GPU with a better standard.

9. Other Potential Conflicts

In some rare cases, conflicts with other software or hardware could prevent the display from functioning properly. Try disabling any third-party screen management software or testing the monitor on a different device to rule out specific conflicts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I check my monitor’s refresh rate?

To check your monitor’s current refresh rate on Windows, right-click on your desktop and select “Display settings.” Then, click on “Advanced display settings,” and locate the “Refresh rate” option under the selected monitor.

2. My monitor is advertised as 144Hz but only shows 120Hz. Why?

Several factors might cause this, including the display settings being set to 120Hz, an older cable, port limitations, or the monitor’s inability to render your resolution at that higher framerate. Double-check all these points. Also some laptops cannot output that 144hz, so it may not be the monitor at fault.

3. My TV says it’s 120Hz but only shows 60Hz. What’s wrong?

Older “120Hz” TVs often use frame interpolation and not true 120Hz panels. Make sure your TV supports a true refresh rate and that the input is set to “Enhanced” or “Game” mode.

4. Can a 60Hz monitor display higher than 60fps?

A 60Hz monitor can accept higher framerate, but it will only display 60 frames per second. It may cause screen tearing if the fps from your game is far higher than 60.

5. Why can’t I select 120Hz as an option?

This means there is some limiting factor. Could be the resolution of the display being too high, older cable, older port, monitor not being able to support the refresh rate at the specific resolution.

6. Is there a difference between 120Hz and 60Hz?

Yes. A 120Hz display updates the screen 120 times per second, resulting in smoother motion and less blur compared to a 60Hz display, which updates only 60 times a second. This is noticeable for fast-paced activities like gaming.

7. Is 120Hz good for gaming?

Yes. 120Hz (and 144Hz) is considered very good for gaming, as it significantly reduces motion blur and input lag, providing a more responsive and visually appealing experience.

8. Is 120Hz noticeable from 60Hz?

Absolutely. Many users find the difference between 60Hz and 120Hz to be significant, with smoother motion and less blur being the most apparent benefits.

9. Do I need a special HDMI cable for 120Hz?

Yes. You need at least an HDMI 2.0 cable for 1080p or 1440p at 120Hz, and HDMI 2.1 for 4K at 120Hz. An “Ultra High Speed HDMI” cable is usually recommended.

10. Is 120Hz better than 144Hz?

144Hz is generally considered better than 120Hz, providing a slightly smoother visual experience. However, the difference might not be as significant as moving from 60Hz to either 120Hz or 144Hz.

11. Does 120Hz use more battery on laptops?

Yes, a 120Hz display consumes more battery than a 60Hz display due to the increased refresh rate, as the GPU must work more.

12. Is a 120Hz monitor worth it?

If you prioritize smooth motion, especially for gaming, a 120Hz monitor is worth the investment. However, for basic tasks, a 60Hz monitor might be sufficient.

13. Can my PS5 run 120Hz?

Yes, the PS5 can run 120Hz output at compatible resolutions. You’ll need to enable this in the console’s settings, and it also requires a TV or monitor that supports 120Hz through an HDMI 2.1 port.

14. Can my Xbox Series X/S run 120Hz?

Yes, like the PS5, the Xbox Series X/S can run 120Hz output. Similar steps are required to enable it in the console settings, and it also requires compatible hardware and ports.

15. Why is my 144Hz monitor only showing 100Hz?

This could be caused by any of the same problems as the 120Hz, such as incorrect settings, outdated drivers, cable issues, and port limitations. Double check your monitor’s max refresh rate capabilities at the specified resolution.

By systematically addressing each of these possible issues, you should be able to get your display showing the proper 120Hz refresh rate. Remember, patience and careful troubleshooting are key to resolving these kinds of problems.

Why is 120Hz not showing?