How high should I set my refresh rate?

[Ike0069]

I have a Dell 17" CRT monitor. It has always been at 60 Hz, but can I raise it to 75 Hz (or maybe even higher) without hurting the monitor? I don't know anything about this or even if one can tell the difference. Thanks for any help.

 

[Schadenfroh]

as high as it lets you safetly set it

 

[Pete]

60Hz is really hard on your eyes on a CRT (it's fine for an LCD, as they produce a picture differently). I'd suggest 75Hz as a minimum, with an optimum range of 85-100Hz. In terms of telling the difference, don't your eyes hurt looking at a 60Hz monitor?

 

[Ike0069]

I've been staring at this monitor for a several years and it doesn't bother me. That being said, I'm want to raise the rate. I have a Radeon 7200 series now (upgrading as soon as I decide on which card to get). Does this have anything to do with the rate, and can I set the rate too high and damage the monitor?

 

[ElPresidente408]

I've found that some people can't even see the difference between 60 and 85Hz on a CRT. I had two friends over and I switched it between 60 and 85 and they didn't notice a change eventhough the screen was unbearable at 60

 

[KillaBong]

Hah, I used a 17" at 60hz for a long time too, but I bought a flat sony 19" that does 85hz at 1280x1024 for $170 out the door. I think the number on the back of the monitor x1000 divided by the vertical resolution gives you the maximum refresh rate. So if it says 60hz x 1000 / 1024 = About 60? I'm sure somebody knows.

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Originally posted by: Schadenfroh
as high as it lets you safetly set it

Schadenfroh = Short, to the point, and correct.

As usual. :beer:

- M4H

 

[Ike0069]

I'm still not sure if I can actually damage my monitor by setting it too high. Anyone?

 

[JK949]

if you have windows xp right click on your desk top. select settings, advanced and the monitor tab.
un check the hide modes this monitor cannot display. most modern monitors have at least 85 mgz
refresh rates. if yours does 1024 by 768 or lower will work fine. there is always the manual if
you can find it, sounds like you don't, or software on line that will give you the info your
looking for. try the vendors web site.

 

[ethebubbeth]

Yeah, you can. But if your monitor cannot handle 85hz, you should probably be getting a new monitor anyway ^_^

 

[santaclaus]

My monitor can do 100 hz at 1280 x 960, but i set it at 85 hz.

Should i set it @ 100 hz?, or will that wear it out?

 

[KillaBong]

Set it at 100hz. It won't do any more wear than 85.

 

[TheCorm]

Originally posted by: Ike0069
I'm still not sure if I can actually damage my monitor by setting it too high. Anyone?

Some monitors can be damaged by having the refresh too high but most will either show a garbled screen or something like "Frequency out of range" before reverting back to the old settings after 15 secs (make sure you don't touch the keys during this!)

Do you have the driver for your monitor installed? Generally with 2000/XP it will then limit you to only selecting rates the monitor can display. I think almost all (or even all) 17" Monitors can manage 85mhz @ 1024 x 768....many flatron/triniton ones can do 100hz or more at that res.

 

[Ike0069]

My settings say I can set up to 100 MHz. Higher rates than that are hidden. Does this mean I should set it at 100, or leave at 85?

 

[Goi]

If you're used to 60Hz and you've never seen better, you would be comfortable with it since your eyes are telling your brain that its ok. Its a psychological thing I guess, just like Plato's Cave 🙂
However, once you go higher, to say 75Hz or 85Hz, then you go back to 60Hz, you'd immediately be able to tell a difference. The recommended refresh rate nowadays is around 85Hz, but if your monitor can support even more, then go for it.