Refresh rate are one of the most misunderstood aspects of displays, with many common misconceptions floating around about what they are, how they work, and what impact they have on our viewing experience. In this article, we’ll explore some of these myths and debunk them once and for all.

Myth #1: Higher refresh rates always make a noticeable difference

One of the most pervasive myths about refresh rates is that higher is always better. While it’s true that a higher refresh rate can lead to smoother, more responsive visuals, the difference between 60Hz and 120Hz or 144Hz isn’t always as dramatic as people think. However difference between 75Hz and 144Hz is a different story (75Hz vs 144Hz – Complete Guide)

The reason for this is that the human eye has its limits. At a certain point, the difference between refresh rates becomes imperceptible to the naked eye. This varies from person to person, but generally speaking, most people won’t notice a significant improvement in visuals beyond 120Hz or 144Hz.

Of course, there are exceptions to this rule. Competitive gamers, for example, often swear by high refresh rates, claiming that they give them a competitive edge (You can read more about it in the following article: Impact of Refresh rate on Competitive gaming). But for the average person, a refresh rate of 60Hz or 75Hz is perfectly adequate.

Myth #2: Higher refresh rates cause eye strain and other health issues

Another common misconception about refresh rates is that they can cause eye strain or other health issues, such as headaches or nausea. While it’s true that prolonged exposure to screens can cause these symptoms, the refresh rate itself is not the culprit.

In fact, higher refresh rates can actually help reduce eye strain. This is because they reduce the amount of flicker that occurs on the screen. Flicker is when the screen flashes on and off rapidly, which can cause eye strain and headaches in some people. By increasing the refresh rate, the screen becomes more stable and flicker-free, which can make it more comfortable to use for longer periods of time.

We have covered this entire topic in a separate article (Does a higher refresh rate cause eye fatigue?)

Myth #3: Refresh rates are the same as frame rates

Refresh rates and frame rates are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. Refresh rate refers to how many times per second the screen refreshes, while frame rate refers to how many frames per second are being displayed.

For example, a video game might be running at 60 frames per second, but if the refresh rate of the screen is only 60Hz, it will still only display 60 frames per second. Conversely, if the screen has a refresh rate of 144Hz, it can display up to 144 frames per second, but if the game is only running at 60 frames per second, you won’t see any additional benefit beyond the increased smoothness provided by the higher refresh rate.

Myth #4: You need a high-end graphics card to take advantage of high refresh rates

Although a top-tier graphics card can help you attain higher frame rates, it is not necessary to do so in order to benefit from high refresh rates. A display with a higher refresh rate can still offer a better, more responsive experience even if you’re just playing games at 60 frames per second.

In fact, a high refresh rate display can still be useful even if you use your computer primarily for productivity tasks like web browsing or word editing. You’ll feel more responsive and fluid when you scroll through web pages and documents, which will boost your overall productivity.

Myth #5: All monitors with the same refresh rate are created equal

Finally, it’s important to remember that not all monitors with the same refresh rate are created equal. There are a number of other factors that can impact the quality of the image, such as response time, input lag, and color accuracy.

So when you are going out to buy a monitor, it is crucial to look at the other features offered by the display and consider why you need the monitor in the first place, if you need it for gaming then you should look for low response time and high refresh rate. If you need it for editing, then greater picture, color accuracy and contrast should be prioritized over a greater refresh rate

In short

In short, refresh rates are an important aspect of displays, but they are often misunderstood. It’s important to debunk common myths and misconceptions about refresh rates, such as the belief that higher refresh rates always make a noticeable difference, or that they cause eye strain and other health issues. While there are benefits to higher refresh rates, such as reduced flicker and increased smoothness, it’s important to remember that other factors, such as response time and input lag, can impact the quality of the image as well. Ultimately, the best refresh rate for you depends on your needs and preferences, but by understanding the facts and debunking common myths, you can make an informed decision when shopping for a monitor.