Skip to Content

Will A 165Hz Monitor Run At 120FPS?

Framerates are the most important thing for many gamers. A surprising number of gamers choose framerates over graphic fidelity, even. So will a 165Hz monitor run at 120FPS?

A 165 Hz monitor refreshes 165 times per second. That means that if your computeing hardware can generate 165 frames per second, the monitor can display it. If your computer is producing 120 frames per second of content, that will run (be displayed on) a 165 hz monitor just fine.

We need to understand a couple of things before we can understand the relationship between Hz and FPS and why a 165 Hz monitor can run at 120 FPS. So now, let’s dive right in!

What is FPS?

Monitor Set up

In the early days of film, the camera shot at a then-groundbreaking 24 frames per second. The reason they chose 24 FPS is it was the speed at which one can trick the human brain into thinking it’s seeing coherent motion.

Each frame is a still image, and when played fast enough in sequence, it convinces you that you are watching smooth motion instead of still images. 

That is a good analog for FPS in games. However, games add a dimension of interactivity. The frames you see result from your interaction with the in-game world.

In this process, your gaming device must render the images you see in real-time. That includes all the calculations that come with fancy effects like ray tracing.

That image gets sent to the monitor as encoded pixel data. The higher the resolution, the more pixels are generated, which is why high resolutions are more demanding on your hardware.

So, the image gets processed, sent to the monitor, and displayed in milliseconds. Each frame you see is one image, just like one frame is a photo. So, if you run a game at 30 FPS, you view thirty still images running in sequence every second.

The higher your frame rate, the more stills you see. The gaming rig has to put out twice as many frames, and the monitor needs to be able to display those frames.

What is Hertz?

Hertz, or “refresh rate,” is a different measurement than frames per second. Yet, they correspond nicely, making the question of whether a 165 Hz monitor can display 120 frames each second easier to address.

Your screen works differently than your computer or console. Your monitor does not create any data that it displays. Instead, all the data that it receives gets continuously delivered from your console or PC

Because your monitor does not generate “frames,” instead displaying pixel data, measuring its performance in FPS is nonsensical. A better way to measure the performance of a monition is in Hertz. Hertz measures how quickly a monitor can “draw” a complete image from pixel data. 

The distinction between Hz and FPS is a measurement that coincides. For example, to display 120 frames per second requires a monitor that can draw 120 images per second, which is a 120 Hz refresh rate.

Can You Run 120 FPS on a 165Hz Monitor?

Yes. Your 165 Hz monitor can display at 120 frames per second. Most games are capped at 120 FPS simply because more frames would strain your hardware incredibly.

What is a Refresh Rate?

Regarding monitors, the refresh rate is the same as Hz. So we know what refresh rate means, but how does it work? 

Conventional monitors draw by filling pixels horizontally across the screen at a rate so fast it is almost imperceptible. For example, a 165 Hz monitor running at 120FPS will repeat that process 120 times per second.

How to Choose the Best Gaming Monitor

Man playing video games on computer with mousepad

The “best” monitor is a subjective topic. It is also the first thing you should forget when buying a monitor. Screens get hyped a lot, and the big names have even bigger marketing budgets. 

It’s the performance that matters, not the brand. The most important things to look at are: 

  • Refresh rates: We understand the refresh rates allow for more frames per second and a smoother gameplay experience.
  • Black levels: A screen’s black level is the closest the screen can come to displaying black. That is important for contrast. Poor levels result in a dull, grey display.
  • Resolution: Can you see the difference between 1080p and 4k? You need to be able to see tiny details if you plan on benefiting from a 4k monitor. However, 4K is a more “future-proof” option.

Make sure you look at a range of monitors before you decide. The monitor must deliver what you prioritize.

165Hz refresh is a serious feature, and it costs serious money. If your budget allows, you may want to consider investing in an ultrawide monitor for an enhanced gaming experience.

You can check out this 34in Curved Samsung monitor (on Amazon) running for over $500.