Does refresh rate matter?

[CasTroLTraN]

Hi, I just have a quick question and that is does refresh rate matter? I have a Sony 21" G500 running @ 1600x1200 and the refresh rate is at 85hz. Does it harm my monitor if I put on the highest refresh rate, meaning the highest supported refresh rate that the monitor can go for a particular resolution. Thanks

 

[myocardia]

No, it doesn't harm your monitor, but having a refresh rate that's to low can harm your eyes. (Not really harm them, but give you a headache, the same way people who need glasses get headaches)

 

[MDE]

Usually you want the highest refresh rate supported by your monitor at whatever resolution you're using. For me the bare minimum is 75hz, any lower and I get a headache in under a half hour and 85 looks even better to me. It comes down to whatever your eyes are comfortable with looking at.

 

[CasTroLTraN]

Thanks guys for the quick answer. I don't notice any different at different refresh rate but since low refresh rate can be harmful, I will be using the highest refresh rate possible. Thanks alot

 

[Alkali]

Yes, highest is best!


"I need more power Scotty!"

"Aye Captain! I'm giving you all she's got!"

 

[Cheetah8799]

IMO, it depends on what works well with your eyes. My eyes hurt when using a computer for long periods of time at some refresh rates.

 

[JustAnAverageGuy]

60 or below is the easiest to prove this.

Set your monitor to a low refresh rate.

Look about 6-8 inches to the right.

At this point, I can easily and clearly see the flickering.

Continue upping the refresh rate until you don't see the flicker anymore.

For me, that's around 85 to 90.

When you can't see the flicker, leave the monitor at that or one step higher.

People people stop seeing the flickering between 75 and 90.

 

[Bucksnort]

A mid range refresh is recommended by most manufacturers ie 85. High refresh rates can shorten the monitors longevity as compared to a lower one just like over use of the new ultrabrite modes will definately shorten monitor life. If you do not believe me then I suggest you contact a monitor tech support and ask.

 

[JBT]

85 is ussually a good one to go with if you play games have it set at the higheset possible if you want to see all the FPS but really 60 should be pretty good here.

I use 85 cause it is the highest my monitor will do @1280x 960 an it looks best to me. You can run highier ones then go for it and see which looks best to you.

 

[EeyoreX]

Thanks guys for the quick answer. I don't notice any different at different refresh rate but since low refresh rate can be harmful, I will be using the highest refresh rate possible. Thanks alot

Just to address something you said; You seem to have misunderstood something. Low refresh rates are not harmfull. They may be annoying, but that is only if you notice. I only notice anything below 75, so running anything higher really serves no real purpose. Run whatever rate is comfortable, because comfort is really the only critera that matters here (other than running extremely high rates which may shorten the monitors lifespan).

\Dan