Will PS5 Run at 240Hz? Understanding Refresh Rates and the PlayStation 5

The short answer is: no, the PlayStation 5 (PS5) cannot natively output a 240Hz refresh rate. While the PS5 boasts impressive capabilities, especially when paired with a high-end display, it’s crucial to understand its limitations regarding refresh rates. The console is designed to primarily target 60Hz and 120Hz refresh rates, depending on the game and resolution. This doesn’t mean you can’t use a 240Hz monitor with your PS5—you absolutely can—but the console will not push out a 240Hz signal. Instead, the display will simply operate at its maximum refresh rate, displaying the output signal of the PS5 at the supported rate for the game being played.

The PS5 and Refresh Rates: A Deeper Dive

The confusion around the PS5’s refresh rate capabilities often stems from the presence of HDMI 2.1 ports on the console. HDMI 2.1 has the bandwidth to support higher refresh rates, including 240Hz. However, the PS5 itself doesn’t output these extreme refresh rates. It is designed to operate at the following:

• 60Hz: The standard for most console gaming, including many PS5 titles.
• 120Hz: Achievable in some PS5 games, primarily at lower resolutions or with specific performance mode settings. This is where the HDMI 2.1 bandwidth is fully utilized for consoles.

You can certainly hook your PS5 up to a 240Hz monitor, and this does offer future proofing if you plan on using the monitor for PC gaming. The monitor will operate at its full 240Hz capabilities for PC, while it will downscale when the console is connected. Many also enjoy using a 240Hz monitor due to the reduced input latency even if their game is running at 120hz or less. However, it’s important to emphasize again that the console itself will not output a 240Hz signal, meaning you won’t see any difference between using a 144Hz monitor and a 240Hz monitor, assuming all other specs of the monitors are the same, apart from the refresh rate.

Why Not 240Hz?

The reason why PS5 isn’t designed to run at 240Hz is primarily due to the following:

• Hardware Limitations: The PS5’s hardware is optimized for its current performance targets. Pushing for a 240Hz output would necessitate significantly more processing power and potentially higher hardware costs.
• Game Development: Most PS5 games are designed around 60Hz or 120Hz refresh rates. Developers optimize for these target frame rates, and games would need extensive reworking to fully utilize 240Hz.
• Visual Fidelity: The PS5 prioritizes resolution and visual fidelity. Reaching 240fps at high resolutions like 4K would be extremely demanding for the console.

Why a 240Hz Monitor Still Makes Sense for PS5 Users

Even though the PS5 won’t output at 240Hz, using a 240Hz monitor with your console can still be beneficial for a few reasons:

• Future-Proofing: If you also plan on using the monitor for PC gaming, a 240Hz refresh rate becomes extremely valuable for high-frame-rate PC games.
• Reduced Input Lag: Monitors with high refresh rates often have lower input lag, which can provide a more responsive gaming experience even when running at 120Hz.
• VRR Compatibility: Many 240Hz monitors feature Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), which helps synchronize the refresh rate of the monitor with the frame rate output of the console, reducing screen tearing and stuttering.

Understanding the Sweet Spot: 120Hz

For PS5 gaming, the most significant upgrade you can make regarding refresh rates is to aim for a 120Hz compatible display. Many PS5 games support a 120fps mode, and with an HDMI 2.1 port, these games run smooth and with lower latency. The difference between 60Hz and 120Hz is noticeable and results in a much smoother gaming experience. However, note that not all titles support 120fps, and some may require lowering resolution to achieve this level of performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can the PS5 output 4K resolution at 120Hz?

Yes, the PS5 can output 4K at 120Hz, but this is game-dependent. Not all games support this output, and some may require settings adjustments to enable it, like enabling performance mode. These are often the games that are optimized for 120fps with lower graphics.

2. What is the highest refresh rate I can achieve with a PS5?

The highest refresh rate the PS5 can output is 120Hz.

3. Do I need an HDMI 2.1 cable for 120Hz on PS5?

While you don’t absolutely need an HDMI 2.1 cable for 120Hz, it is recommended for the best performance, especially at 4K. Older HDMI versions can technically support 120Hz, but might do so at a lower resolution or with compression.

4. Can the PS5 run 144 FPS?

The PS5’s highest framerate output is 120fps, it will not output a 144 fps signal.

5. Will the PS5 ever support 240Hz?

It’s unlikely that the current generation of PS5 hardware will ever natively support 240Hz. It is not designed with that refresh rate in mind.

6. Does a 240Hz monitor improve PS5 gameplay?

While the PS5 won’t run at 240Hz, a 240Hz monitor may offer lower input lag and VRR support, improving responsiveness and screen tearing, and offers future-proofing for PC gaming at 240hz.

7. Why is my game not running at 120fps on PS5?

First, ensure the game supports 120fps mode, check your settings menu, and adjust your PS5’s settings accordingly. You may need to enable Performance mode on the console settings. Make sure your monitor also has an HDMI 2.1 port and has settings that align with the 120hz output of your console.

8. What is Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and why is it important?

VRR synchronizes your monitor’s refresh rate with the console’s frame rate, eliminating screen tearing and stuttering. It results in a smoother gaming experience.

9. Can I use a TV with a 120Hz refresh rate for PS5 gaming?

Yes, many modern TVs support 120Hz refresh rates through HDMI 2.1. However, make sure your TV offers a true 120Hz refresh rate and not just motion interpolation.

10. Is 144Hz overkill for PS5?

A 144Hz monitor can still be a good choice, as it can display the PS5’s maximum 120Hz output without issues, and it will ensure minimal input latency. It’s still a good step up from a 60hz screen.

11. Does the PS5 support 1440p resolution?

Yes, the PS5 supports 1440p at up to 120Hz refresh rate, and may be more likely to achieve 120fps on some titles compared to playing at 4K.

12. What’s the difference between 60Hz and 120Hz in games?

The difference is very noticeable. 120Hz is smoother, more responsive, and reduces visual motion blur. Games running at 120fps will feel more fluid, fast, and seamless.

13. What is the PS5’s equivalent graphics card?

The PS5 has a custom integrated RDNA 2.0 graphics card that performs similarly to an RTX 2060-2070 in raw power, but through optimization, it performs at a level similar to an RTX 2070 Super in optimized titles.

14. Will the PS6 support higher refresh rates?

While there’s no official confirmation, it is likely that the PS6 will offer higher refresh rates and possibly support 240Hz and even higher to ensure the console can run all demanding games at the smoothest possible frame rate.

15. Is buying a PS5 in 2023 worth it?

Yes, the PS5 is still a powerful console and worth buying in 2023 if you want to play current and upcoming titles.

Final Thoughts

While the PS5 does not output at 240Hz, understanding the console’s capabilities regarding refresh rates and display technologies is important for optimizing your gaming experience. Investing in a monitor with a 120Hz or 144Hz refresh rate, combined with HDMI 2.1 and VRR, will provide the best visuals and performance possible with the current generation of the console. And while the jump to a 240Hz monitor won’t change the console output, it is definitely a good idea if you also play on a PC and enjoy high frame rates. You’ll enjoy a fluid and responsive gaming experience on the console, while having the flexibility to enjoy PC gaming at the highest possible frame rates.