Question on refresh rates and frame rates

[DT4K]

If my Geforce3 Ti200 is capable of 70 fps in Medal of Honor, would it be better to have my refresh rate set to 60Hz or 85Hz?

I know higher refresh is better, but if the card can only do 70 fps and the refresh is set to 85, won't I really only be seeing 42.5 frames per second?

If so, then wouldn't I be better off leaving the refresh set to 60, so I can see 60 frames per second instead of 42.5?

After searching quite a bit, I finally found a solution to the nvidia / winXP refresh rate problem that works with the newest detonator drivers. I'm using Multires to lock refresh rates. I didn't notice any improvement in the gameplay when I switched from 60hz to 80hz. And now I'm wondering if it is actually making it worse. Last time I checked, it seems like I was averaging around 70 fps.

Thanks

 

[tenoc]

Refresh rate is mostly a function of your monitor's capabilities and those of your video card.

fps is a function of your overall system capabilities and the programme (game) requirements.

The two do not interact in the way that you suggest.

Set your refresh rate to 75 or better in the resolution desired as supported by monitor and card.

 

[sMashPiranha]

Running at 85hz will generally be smoother, I have my refresh rate for all the resolutions I use locked at 85hz. If you leave V-Sync on it synchronises frames with the refresh of the monitor so, like you said, at 85hz most of the time you'll get 42fps. So leave V-Sync off in that case. I leave V-Sync on in most games because I notice the tearing, and it annoys the hell out of me. So just lock the refresh at whichever you feel most comfortable at, if thats 60 then fine, but you might notice headaches and eyestrain after prolonged exposure. I'd recommend 75 or 85hz and turn off V-Sync.

 

[DT4K]

I understand they are different, but what I'm saying is, if the refresh is 85 and the card can only generate 70, how can you possibly get more than 42.5 frames per second? The screen is only being repainted 85 times per second, so won't you always get the same frame displayed for 2 cyles. Say the card renders a frame then the monitor displays that frame, 1/85 of a second later, the monitor is ready for another frame, but the card is not quite done with the next frame, so won't that first frame be displayed a second time. Or if v-sync is off, will you get part of the first frame on the top half of the screen, then part of the second frame on the bottom since by the time the monitor has displayed the first half of the picture, the video card now has the second frame ready. Is that what tearing is? I guess that would make sense, but it doesn't seem like that would make things look any smoother.

I'm not an expert or anything, so I'm still a little confused. It may be a moot point though, because I overclocked my card last night and I am now averaging around 90fps. So it should be fine now to have it on 85hz. I would still like to understand better.

Thanks

 

[BFG10K]

would it be better to have my refresh rate set to 60Hz or 85Hz?

85 Hz of course.

won't I really only be seeing 42.5 frames per second?

Quite often you will and that's one of the biggest reasons not to use vsync.

If so, then wouldn't I be better off leaving the refresh set to 60, so I can see 60 frames per second instead of 42.5?

No because now sometimes you'll be at 30 FPS.

The best combo at all times is to simply have the refresh rate and FPS as high as possible while keeping vsync disabled. This gives you the best gaming experience and doesn't allow any of the factors to intefere with each other.

if the refresh is 85 and the card can only generate 70, how can you possibly get more than 42.5 frames per second?

Quite easily (if vysnc is off). In one second you're getting 70 frames and you've got 85 instances to draw one of them. This is easily achieved and you have and 15 Hz "extra" which goes towards making the display not flicker as much.