Does 1440p Lower FPS on PS5? How Much and Does it Matter?

The short answer is yes, switching your PS5 to 1440p output will likely lower FPS (frames per second) in most games compared to 4K or 1080p resolutions. However, the actual impact ranges hugely depending on the game genre, graphical effects enabled, target frame rates, and your display specs. After extensive benchmark analysis and real-world testing, here‘s everything you need to know about the 1440p FPS situation on PS5.

At a Glance: 1440p FPS Changes on PS5

Before we dig into the nuances, here is a quick snapshot of how 1440p affects FPS across different game types based on aggregated benchmark data:

So while mileages vary, most PS5 titles see a modest but measurable dip in average and peak FPS when you switch from 4K or 1080p to a native 1440p rendering resolution. Competitive genres focused on peak frame delivery take a bigger hit. But many single player games still hold 60 FPS or 30 FPS minimums to avoid stuttering.

Why 1440p Lowers FPS on PS5

There are a few reasons why driving more pixels at 1440p decreases FPS versus lower rendering resolutions:

1. More Graphics Workload

Pushing games at 1440p‘s higher 2560 x 1440 resolution simply requires more graphics processing power compared to 1920 x 1080 or upscaled 4K. So the GPU has to work harder to render all the extra detail, tightening performance headroom available for peak FPS.

2. VRR Support Disabled

Sadly, enabling 1440p output on PS5 systems disables support for HDMI 2.1‘s Variable Refresh Rate technology. VRR matches your display‘s refresh rate to the game‘s frame rate for super smooth visuals free of screen tearing. Losing VRR introduces potential for frame pacing issues where FPS dips become more noticeable even if average FPS remains high.

3. Target Frame Rates Exceeded More Easily

The FPS overheads from increased rendering load and lack of VRR mean even well-optimized PS5 titles exceed targeted performance levels more frequently. For example, games with an uncapped frame rate designed to hit 120 FPS during action may see dips to 100 FPS instead. If the FPS consistently drops below ideal rates, it can worsen gameplay feel and response.

FPS Impact Examples Comparing 1440p vs 4K/1080p

To give you a better idea of real-world differences, here is FPS data compiled by the technical wizards at Digital Foundry testing various games on a PS5 paired with a native 1440p display:

So the benchmarks show FPS differences are modest at under 10% in either direction for top single player PS5 exclusives. Games like Spiderman with performance modes that hit CPU/GPU limits at 4K anyway see identical framrates at 1440p. More graphics-bound games like Horizon take a slight FPS penalty at the higher rendering resolution.

But when looking at esports titles like Rainbow Six Siege, Call of Duty, and Fortnite that try to max out 120+ FPS, Digital Foundry measured up to a 20% FPS drop at 1440p. This aligns with our earlier table showing competitive multiplayer titles suffer larger declines that possibly disrupt the twitch responsiveness these games demand.

Gameplay Impact Depends on Your Performance Targets

Ultimately, whether lower 1440p FPS on PS5 hampers your experience comes down to the game genres you prefer and frame rate targets for playability:

• Casual single player games shooting for 30 FPS or 60 FPS minimums still feel smooth despite modest 1440p FPS drops. The enhanced visual fidelity outweighs slightly lower peak rates.
• However, competitive genres require consistently high FPS to preserve split-second reaction time and skill consistency. Dropping from say 140 FPS to 100 FPS introduces further input lag and bullet registration issues.

As a general guideline, graphics-intensive PS5 titles with capped 30 FPS or 60 FPS modes won‘t "feel" different at 1440p for most gamers outside of benchmark numbers. But for twitchy PvP games, staying above 100-120 FPS is recommended, so 1080p may be better if not using VRR displays.

I can personally say games like God of War and Returnal still play wonderfully to my eyes at 1440p resolutions around 50-60 FPS on an LG OLED TV. Yet in Apex Legends, dropping under 120 FPS introduces occasional hitching that disrupts the ideal esports experience. So consider your own priorities and preferred gaming genres before sacrificing speed for pixels.

The Verdict?

While no definitive scientific conclusion exists across the vast scope of PS5 titles, the FPS testing shows 1440p does lower frame rates versus 4K or 1080p in many games. However, the exact impact varies significantly depending on genres, graphical settings, optimisation levels, and target frame rates. As a passionate gamer myself, I think 1440p is still an excellent "sweet spot" upgrade for PS5 owners with the right expectations set.

Thanks for reading and let me know if this guide helps inform your own display decision process for building the ultimate PS5 setup! I‘m happy to answer any other questions down below on balancing visual upgrades with blazing fast FPS performance. Game on!