High refresh rate vs higher resolution: Which one is right for your gaming needs?

In the ever-evolving world of gaming, enthusiasts often find themselves grappling with a crucial decision- should they prioritise a high refresh rate display or opt for one with a higher resolution? Both aspects contribute significantly to the overall gaming experience, but the choice largely depends on individual preferences, the types of games played, and the hardware powering the gaming setup.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of high refresh rates and higher resolutions, exploring their impact on gaming visuals, performance requirements, and the ideal scenarios for each. By the end, readers will have a clearer understanding of these display features and be better equipped to make an informed decision based on their specific gaming needs.

What is Refresh Rate?

Refresh rate refers to the number of times per second that a display refreshes or redraws the image on the screen. It is measured in Hertz (Hz), and a higher refresh rate means that the display updates more frequently. For example, a monitor with a refresh rate of 60Hz refreshes the image 60 times per second.


In the context of monitors and screens, a higher refresh rate is generally associated with smoother motion and reduced motion blur, especially in fast-paced content like video games or sports. It contributes to a more fluid and responsive visual experience. Standard monitors often have a refresh rate of 60Hz, but gaming monitors commonly offer higher refresh rates such as 144Hz, 240Hz, or even 360Hz to enhance the gaming experience.

Impact of refresh rate on gaming

Smoother motion: One of the primary advantages of a high refresh rate is the ability to deliver smoother motion and animations in games. With more frames displayed per second, fast-paced action becomes noticeably more fluid, reducing motion blur and enhancing the overall visual experience.

Reduced input lag: Higher refresh rates are associated with lower input lag, the delay between a user’s input (e.g., mouse movement or keyboard press) and the corresponding on-screen action. This reduction in input lag is particularly crucial in competitive gaming, where split-second reactions can make a significant difference.

Compatibility with variable refresh rate technologies: Many modern gaming monitors support technologies like Nvidia G-Sync or AMD FreeSync, which synchronize the monitor’s refresh rate with the frame rate outputted by the graphics card. This eliminates screen tearing and stuttering, providing a more immersive and tear-free gaming experience.

Understanding resolution

Display resolution refers to the number of pixels that can be displayed on a screen, typically measured in terms of width and height. It determines the clarity and level of detail that can be seen on a display. Resolution is often expressed as the number of pixels in each dimension, such as 1,920 x 1,080, where 1920 represents the width and 1080 represents the height.

Higher resolutions provide sharper and more detailed images, but the hardware requirements to drive these resolutions also increase. The choice of display resolution depends on factors such as the size of the screen, the intended use (e.g., gaming, professional content creation), and personal preferences.

Impact of high resolution on gaming visuals

Sharper image quality: The most noticeable advantage of a higher resolution is the improvement in image sharpness and clarity. Games are rendered with greater detail, and in-game elements, such as textures and small objects, appear more defined. This is especially appreciated in open-world games and titles with intricate environments.

Larger display sizes: Higher resolutions become increasingly beneficial as display sizes grow. On larger screens, lower resolutions may result in visible pixelation, reducing the overall visual appeal. High resolutions, such as 4K (3,840 x 2,160) or even 8K (7,680 x 4,320), are well-suited for large monitors or multi-monitor setups.

Productivity and content creation: Gaming monitors with higher resolutions also serve as excellent productivity tools. The additional screen real estate allows for more content to be displayed simultaneously, making tasks like video editing, content creation, and multitasking more efficient.

Choosing the right balance

While both high refresh rates and higher resolutions offer distinct advantages, finding the right balance is key. The ideal choice depends on individual preferences and the specific demands of the games being played.

For esports enthusiasts and gamers who prioritise competitive play, a high refresh rate is often the preferred choice. Games with fast-paced action, such as first-person shooters (FPS) and racing titles, benefit greatly from the smoother motion and reduced input lag provided by high-refresh-rate monitors.

On the other hand, those who prioritise immersive experiences and enjoy games with rich visuals and detailed landscapes may lean towards higher resolutions. Role-playing games (RPGs), open-world adventures, and cinematic titles shine on displays with 4K resolutions, providing unparalleled image quality.

Considering hardware requirements

The choice between high refresh rates and higher resolutions is intertwined with the capabilities of the gaming hardware. Both aspects place varying demands on the graphics card and CPU, and gamers must ensure that their system can deliver a smooth and responsive gaming experience.

GPU considerations: Achieving high frame rates at higher resolutions requires a powerful graphics processing unit (GPU). Gamers opting for 4K gaming, for instance, may need a high-end GPU, such as the upcoming Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 Super or AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT, to handle the increased pixel count.

CPU performance: While the GPU plays a crucial role, the CPU is also a factor, especially in scenarios where high frame rates are targeted. Games that benefit from a high refresh rate, such as esports titles, often rely on strong single-core performance, making a capable CPU essential for unlocking the full potential of a high-refresh-rate monitor.

Choosing the right cable: Carrying signals for high resolutions at extremely fast rates requires a wide bandwidth. To meet the demands, it is recommended that you don’t cheap out on HDMI or DisplayPort cables. HDMI stands out as a technically superior option, particularly with the introduction of HDMI 2.1. However, it’s worth noting that DisplayPort 2.0 boasts an even higher maximum bandwidth than HDMI 2.1—nearly triple the bandwidth of its predecessor, DisplayPort 1.4.

Future trends and technological advancements

As technology continues to advance, new standards and innovations emerge, influencing the landscape of gaming displays. Trends such as mini-LED and micro-LED backlighting, improved panel technologies, and advancements in display interfaces contribute to the evolution of gaming monitors.

Manufacturers are increasingly aiming to offer the best of both worlds by developing gaming monitors that combine high refresh rates with higher resolutions. Monitors featuring 1440p at 144Hz or 4K at 120Hz have become easier to access, catering to gamers who seek a balance between smooth motion and enhanced image quality.

Variable refresh rate technologies, such as Nvidia Reflex and AMD FidelityFX, continue to evolve, providing enhancements beyond eliminating screen tearing. These technologies focus on reducing system latency and improving the overall responsiveness of gaming setups.

As technology progresses, the boundaries between these two aspects are becoming less rigid, with displays emerging that aim to deliver both high refresh rates and higher resolutions simultaneously. In fact we are going to see even better options this year as manufacturers have announced their next-generation of advanced gaming monitors at CES 2024 featuring 4K resolution at 240Hz, 1440p resolution at 360Hz, and 1440p at blistering fast 480Hz. Gamers are encouraged to consider their gaming preferences, the types of titles they enjoy, and the capabilities of their gaming rig when making this important decision.

In conclusion, the choice between a high refresh rate and a higher resolution ultimately boils down to personal preferences and gaming priorities. While competitive gamers may lean towards the responsiveness offered by high-refresh-rate displays, enthusiasts seeking visual fidelity and immersive experiences may opt for higher resolutions.