A 165Hz refresh rate provides a smooth and fluid experience when viewing fast-moving visuals and animations. Gaming enthusiasts, competitive players, and digital content creators can benefit from the ultra-responsive refresh rate. But how many FPS (frames per second) does a 165Hz monitor give you? And how can you make sure you’re getting the most out of your monitor?
A 165Hz monitor can display up to 165 FPS. You’ll need to use a cable that supports up to 165Hz refresh rates, such as DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.0. Your graphics card will need to be capable of producing content at at least 165 FPS. Only then will a 165Hz monitor actually display at 165Hz.
Let’s look at what FPS is, how it works, and what it means for your gaming experience when using a 165Hz monitor. You’ll also get a comparison of 165Hz to 144Hz and find out how to set up 165Hz on your monitor.
What is FPS and How Does it Work?
FPS stands for “frames per second” and is the rate a graphics card can render or display an image on your monitor.
The higher FPS improves the gaming experience as more frames are processed every second. It can also help maximize hardware performance with minimal latency since the game renders faster.
The higher the rate, the smoother and more responsive your gaming experience will be, as there’s less delay between frames.
FPS works by tracking the number of frames (or individual pictures) displayed each second. The graphics card and monitor determine the number of frames per second, with the graphics card pushing out image data for the monitor to display.
This process is known as “refreshing,” which happens when new information is sent from the graphics card to the monitor at a specific rate, measured in Hertz (Hz).
A 165Hz monitor can display up to 165 frames per second. So, the game will display more frames per second than a standard 60 Hz monitor, which can only render up to 60 frames per second.
The higher refresh rate reduces motion blur and ghosting, producing a more natural-looking picture without lag or stuttering for an immersive gaming experience.
How Does 165Hz Affect FPS?
A display with a refresh rate of 165Hz can refresh the screen 165 times per second, meaning it can handle up to 165 frames per second.
The relationship between the refresh rate of a display and the FPS of the content is more complicated. Your graphics card is still limited in how much detail and texture it can render each frame, even with a higher refresh rate monitor.
So, if your graphics card can produce 165 frames per second, you’ll get the full benefit of a 165Hz monitor.
For example, if your graphics card and game can only render 60 frames per second, you won’t benefit from the additional frames a 165Hz monitor can produce. So, the 165Hz monitor won’t give you more frames per second than a 60 Hz monitor.
The higher refresh rate of a 165Hz monitor is most beneficial when combined with hardware that can handle high frame rates.
If your graphics card and game can render more than 60 frames per second, then a 165Hz monitor can make the most of that extra detail and texture.
But, if the display’s refresh rate is not in sync with the frame rate of the content, it can cause the image to appear “torn” or split into separate sections. This phenomenon is known as “screen tearing” and can occur when the frame rate of the content is higher than the display’s refresh rate.
To get the best results out of a 165Hz monitor, you need a powerful gaming PC that can push enough frames to take full advantage of its high refresh rate capabilities—typically around 144 FPS (frames per second).
Users who don’t have hardware powerful enough to keep up may still benefit from using a 165 Hz monitor because of its superior motion handling and image clarity. But it won’t get the same level of performance as those that can produce high frame rates.
The full potential of a 165Hz monitor is only unlocked when paired with a high-performance gaming PC that can produce high FPS.
Does 165Hz Have a Higher FPS Than 144Hz?
Yes. A 144Hz monitor sends 144 images per second, while a 165Hz monitor sends 165 images per second. So, you’ll get 21 more frames with a 165Hz monitor compared to a 144Hz monitor.
This slight difference may not seem like much, but it will increase fluidity and responsiveness when playing games that require fast reaction times. You’ll also get smoother motion and less ghosting, which can make a big difference when gaming.
However, even with the extra frames per second, if your graphics card isn’t powerful enough to keep up with the 165Hz refresh rate, you may not notice much difference. So, in this case, sticking with a 144Hz monitor or investing in a more powerful graphics card may be better options.
A 165Hz monitor can perform better than a lower refresh rate monitor, but only if your hardware is up to the task. Otherwise, you might be better off with a 144Hz or even 60Hz monitor.
What is the Cost Difference between 165Hz vs. 144Hz?
Differences in cost between a display with a refresh rate of 165Hz and one with a refresh rate of 144Hz can vary depending on the size and resolution of the screen, the manufacturer, specific features, and other factors.
Displays with higher refresh rates are more expensive than those with lower refresh rates. However, the cost difference can vary and may not always be significant. Usually, a 165Hz will run $50-100 more than a 144Hz model.
Sometimes, a high-end 144Hz monitor is more expensive than an entry-level 165Hz model. That’s because the former includes features such as higher resolution or better color accuracy, while the latter focuses on delivering a high refresh rate.
It is best to consider the overall value of a display rather than just focusing on the refresh rate. Other considerations, such as the resolution, color accuracy, viewing angles, and overall build quality, can also impact a display’s price and performance.
Compare a range of displays with different refresh rates and other features to find the best option for your needs and budget.
How to Set Up 165Hz on Your Monitor
The graphics card in your PC must support 165Hz for it to work. Look for the “max refresh rate” number listed in your card’s specifications to confirm it meets the requirements. If your card can’t handle 165Hz, you may need to upgrade before proceeding to gain the full benefits of a 165Hz monitor.
You will also need the correct cable to connect your PC and monitor. For the best performance, you’ll need either a DisplayPort 1.2 or higher, an HDMI 2.0 or higher, or a Dual-Link DVI cable.
When you are ready, follow these steps to set up a 165Hz display on a PC:
1. Connect Your Monitor
Use an HDMI or DisplayPort cable to connect to your computer and monitor. Ensure the cord is suitable for high-bandwidth connections supporting 144 Hz and above.
2. Change the Refresh Rate Settings
Once connected, open the display settings on your computer and select Advanced Settings. Then, click Monitor Settings and set the refresh rate to 165 Hz.
The refresh rate method may vary depending on your computer’s operating system, but it should be relatively straightforward. You may also find the refresh rate options under a menu called Advanced Display Settings or Screen Refresh Rate.
3. Calibrate Your Monitor
To get optimal performance out of a 165Hz monitor, calibrate it by setting contrast, brightness, sharpness, and color temperature levels to ensure you get the most accurate and vibrant images possible.
You can find the Display Color Calibration Tool on your PC by entering “display calibration” in the Windows Search bar or by searching in Settings for Calibrate. Then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the calibration process.
Some monitors may require you to change the refresh rate through the on-screen display (OSD) menu, typically accessed by pressing a button on the monitor itself.
Connect 165Hz to Gaming Console
If you are using your monitor with a gaming console like PS4 or Xbox, set the refresh rate through the monitor’s on-screen display (OSD) menu with these steps:
- Press the Menu button on your monitor to open the OSD menu. The location will vary by monitor, but it is typically on the side or bottom of the display.
- Navigate to the Monitor Settings menu and select Refresh Rate; this option may also be called Screen Refresh Rate or found under an Advanced Settings menu.
- Choose the 165Hz option and press Ok to save your changes.
Your monitor may briefly flash on and off as the refresh rate changes.