You’ve invested in a high-refresh-rate gaming monitor—144Hz, 165Hz, maybe even higher. But here’s the catch: many systems default to 60Hz, meaning you might not be getting the smooth performance you paid for.
So, are you really using your monitor to its full potential? Here’s what you need to know.
1. Why Refresh Rate Matters
Refresh rate (measured in Hz) determines how many times your screen updates per second. The higher the number, the smoother everything looks—especially in fast-paced games.
Higher Refresh Rates Deliver:
Smoother gameplay
Faster visual response
Reduced motion blur
A noticeable advantage in competitive games
Result: A much more fluid and responsive gaming experience.
2. You Might Be Stuck at 60Hz Without Realising
Even if your monitor supports higher refresh rates, Windows doesn’t always enable it automatically.
This means:
Your 144Hz monitor could be running at 60Hz
You’re missing out on smoother visuals
Your gameplay may feel slower or less responsive
3. How to Check and Fix Your Refresh Rate
Luckily, it only takes a few seconds to fix:
Follow These Steps:
Right-click on your desktop → Display Settings
Scroll down → Advanced Display
Select your monitor
Change the refresh rate to the highest available option
4. Get the Performance You Paid For
If your refresh rate isn’t set correctly, your hardware isn’t performing as it should.
Making this small adjustment can instantly improve:
Game smoothness
Reaction time
Overall visual quality
5. Still Not Seeing Higher Options?
If the correct refresh rate isn’t showing, there could be other issues at play:
Outdated graphics drivers
Incorrect cable (HDMI vs DisplayPort)
Monitor settings not configured properly
Let SMS PC Repairs Help
At SMS PC Repairs, we help gamers get the absolute best from their setup—whether it’s optimising performance, upgrading hardware, or fixing hidden issues.
✅ System optimisation and setup
✅ Driver updates and configuration
✅ Gaming performance tuning
👉 Get in touch today and make sure your system is running exactly how it should
Don’t let your settings hold you back—unlock the smooth, high-performance experience your monitor was built for 🎮🔥