Is 120 Hz the Same as 120 FPS? An In-Depth Guide for Gamers
The short answer: No, 120 Hz and 120 FPS are related but distinct.
While 120 Hz refers to a monitor‘s refresh rate and 120 FPS refers to frames rendered per second by a GPU, the two work in tandem to deliver smooth, high-fidelity gaming visuals free of artifacts like screen tearing or input lag.
But 120 Hz ≠ 120 FPS. Allow me, as an avid gamer and gaming tech specialist, to elaborate…
Defining Terms: What is 120 Hz and What is 120 FPS?
First, let‘s clearly define our key terms:
120 Hz – The number of times per second a monitor or display refreshes its image. This is known as the screen‘s refresh rate. A 120 Hz monitor redraws its displayed image 120 times per second.
120 FPS – Stands for frames per second. This specifies the number of unique consecutive images (frames) a GPU or other video rendering device can output or draw each second.
So in an ideal scenario for gaming: the GPU produces 120 FPS by drawing 120 unique frames every second. And your 120 Hz monitor displays each of those frames by refreshing 120 times per second.
That synchronization eliminates ugly screen tearing and minimizes input lag for a buttery-smooth experience. But getting the alignment just right involves understanding the relationship between refresh rate and FPS…
Why Hz and FPS Differ for Gaming
While related, Hz and FPS remain distinct metrics that impact gaming visuals in different ways:
| Metric | Depends On | Measures | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hz | Monitor/Display | Refresh Rate | Sets max FPS displayable |
| FPS | GPU/Video Card | Frames Rendered Per Sec | Determines motion smoothness |
Your monitor‘s Hz limits the FPS it can showcase: A 60 Hz screen won‘t show visual benefit from FPS over 60, while a 240 Hz monitor enables hugely fluid scenes up to 240 FPS.
But remember, high refresh rate alone guarantees nothing. You need sufficient FPS from a powerful GPU to fully leverage those quick monitor refreshes.
Without adequate FPS, you sacrifice fluidity: Ever play a game at 140 FPS on a 60 Hz screen? Despite exceeding the monitor‘s capabilities, choppiness and lag persist.
That‘s why serious gamers prioritize high FPS matched to an equivalent Hz monitor. Let‘s explore proper FPS/Hz pairings…
Matching Refresh Rates to Frame Rates for Gaming
To enjoy tear-free, buttery-smooth gaming, your system must produce FPS greater than or equal to the display‘s max refresh rate (Hz).
Matched FPS/Hz Combos for Gaming
| 60 Hz | 120 Hz | 144 Hz | 240 Hz
———— | ————-|————-|————-|————-
Minimum FPS | 60 | 120 | 144 | 240
Ideal FPS | 60-80 | 120-144 | >165 | >240
Genre Examples | MOBAs, MMOs | Action, RPGs, Racing/Sports | Competitive FPS | Esports FPS (CS:GO, Valorant)
As indicated in the table above:
- Minimum FPS should match refresh rate to enable fluid visuals free of choppy frames or tearing.
- Ideal FPS exceeds refresh rates to deliver headroom for consistent frame pacing despite gaming performance dips.
- Higher refresh combos service faster reaction games. For blistering Esports titles, pros demand 360 Hz+ monitors with FPS stretching toward 500 FPS for ultimate crispness during flick shots.
Now we‘ll analyze the interplay between FPS and Hz further using popular gaming displays as real-world case studies…
Case Studies: Hz and FPS in Action
Let‘s explore how alignment between frame rates and monitor refresh rates impact gaming experiences by assessing some real-world display analysis from hardware experts.
Case 1 – Low FPS on High Refresh Display
A secretary plays Farmville 2 on a fancy 360 Hz Esports monitor. But Farmville runs at 40 FPS max on integrated laptop graphics:
[Farmville 2 FPS vs Refresh Rate]
- Despite the 360 Hz refresh rate, FPS hovers below 50 causing expected choppiness. Visual quality would be similar on far cheaper 60 Hz screen.
- This showcases FPS must sufficiently exceed refresh rate to realize monitor full potential.
Case 2 – Excess FPS on 60 Hz Display
A gamer plays Counterstrike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) on Low settings to maximize frame rates. Their older GPU pushes 180 FPS consistently:
[CS:GO FPS vs 60Hz Monitor]
- FPS far over maximum refresh gives no extra benefit. Visually just a 60 FPS experience.
- Upgrade to 144 Hz or 240 Hz display required to leverage FPS for enhanced fluidity.
Through both examples, we clearly observe Hz and FPS gaps causing suboptimal gaming experiences. Now let‘s examine proper syncing…
Case 3 – FPS and Hz Aligned Gaming
An amateur Fortnite player enables Epic settings for 100 FPS on a 120 Hz gaming laptop:
[Fortnite FPS Aligns with Refresh]
- With FPS hitting ~100, the gamer gets smooth visuals thanks to the 120 Hz display keeping pace.
- Frame rates consistently exceed refresh for low input lag and minimal tearing.
- If FPS sank below 120, choppiness or lag would emerge. So future GPU upgrade may eventually prove necessary.
As demonstrated by the case studies, aligning your monitor and GPU appropriately transforms gaming…
And achieving such a graceful FPS/refresh rate balance involves understanding emerging display technologies and standards as well…
Emerging Display Sync Standards and Tech
Given the importance of frame syncing, display makers continually pioneer new refresh rate milestones enabling buttery gaming:
360 Hz & 480 Hz Gaming Monitors – Cutting-edge panels from companies like Asus and Alienware now refresh upwards of 360 to 480 times per second. That‘s double traditional 240 Hz models. Paired with sufficiently powerful GPUs, they provide esports pros and competitive gamers unmatched fluidity for aiming precision during chaotic firefights.
Nvidia G-Sync and AMD Freesync – These variable refresh rate (VRR) technologies dynamically match monitor refresh rates to your GPU‘s FPS output. That minimizes ugly screen tearing while avoiding input lag.
HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 – New display connectors nearly double max bandwidth over predecessors. That permits higher resolutions at faster Hz like 4k at 240 Hz rather than previous HDMI 2.0‘s 4k60 limit.
Key Takeaways – Understanding Refresh Rates vs FPS
While 120 Hz and 120 FPS relate to display updates and rendered frames respectively, properly pairing the two unlocks superbly smooth gaming free of choppiness or lag.
For the best experience, gamers should:
Match FPS to display refresh rates – Upgrade monitors or graphics cards over time to keep FPS above refresh ceiling.
Take full advantage of emerging sync technologies – Utilize G-Sync, Freesync variable refresh along with high bandwidth connectors like HDMI 2.1 or DisplayPort 1.4.
Keep informed on new monitor advancements – Evolution to 360 Hz, 480 Hz and beyond will provide unwavering fluidity when coupled with next-gen GPU power.
By correctly leveraging monitor refresh rates in harmony with your graphics card FPS output, buttery-smooth gaming awaits!
So in closing, while 120 Hz ≠ 120 FPS, understanding and properly aligning those metrics will transform your gaming experience.
For all your display and GPU analysis needs, stay tuned!
