Higher FPS Is NOT Pointless Above 60 – The PC Gaming Myth Explained

For years, one of the most repeated myths in PC gaming has been:

“There’s no point going above 60 FPS. The human eye can’t tell the difference.”

At AWD‑IT, we hear this all the time — especially from gamers upgrading from console, or building their first gaming PC. And honestly? It couldn’t be further from the truth.

Let’s break down why higher FPS absolutely matters, even above 60, and how it can transform your gaming experience — whether you’re a casual player or competitive sweat.

What Does FPS Actually Do in Gaming?

FPS (Frames Per Second) refers to how many individual images your PC outputs every second.

  • 60 FPS = 60 frames per second
  • 144 FPS = 144 frames per second
  • 240 FPS = 240 frames per second

More frames = smoother motion, lower input lag, and greater visual clarity — especially during fast movement.

FPS isn’t just about how things look. It directly affects how the game feels.

Myth #1: “The Human Eye Can’t See Above 60 FPS”

This is one of the most persistent gaming myths — and it’s flat‑out wrong.

While the human eye doesn’t work like a camera, we can absolutely perceive improvements beyond 60 FPS, particularly in:

  • Motion smoothness
  • Reduced blur during fast camera movement
  • Quicker response to mouse and keyboard inputs

If higher FPS didn’t matter, 144Hz and 240Hz monitors wouldn’t exist — let alone dominate competitive gaming.

Find monitors here.

If you'd like to read more in-depth on monitors, click here

If higher FPS didn’t matter, 144Hz and 240Hz monitors wouldn’t exist — let alone dominate competitive gaming.

Best Sim Racing Setup for Beginners: Start With the Essentials

You don’t need a full cockpit immediately. A well‑chosen beginner setup helps you develop skills faster and keeps costs under control.

1. Steering Wheel and Pedals (Top Priority)

Your wheel and pedals are the most important part of any sim racing rig. Force feedback allows you to feel grip changes, kerbs, and steering resistance—crucial for learning car control.

Beginner tip: Focus on force feedback quality rather than raw power.

Your wheel and pedals are the most important part of any sim racing rig. Force feedback allows you to feel grip changes, kerbs, and steering resistance—crucial for learning car control.

Even if you're not playing competitively, input latency matters more than most people realise

Higher FPS = Lower Input Lag (This One’s Huge)

Even if you're not playing competitively, input latency matters more than most people realise.

At higher FPS:

  • Your inputs register faster
  • On‑screen actions happen more quickly
  • Gameplay feels more responsive and “tight”

For example:

  • 60 FPS ≈ ~16.6ms per frame
  • 144 FPS ≈ ~6.9ms per frame

That difference might sound small — but in fast games like CS2, Valorant, Fortnite, Warzone, or Apex Legends, it’s absolutely noticeable. Find esports-level gaming PCs here.

Once you feel it, it’s impossible to unfeel.

Why Competitive Gamers Push for 144Hz, 165Hz & 240Hz

There’s a reason esports pros rarely play at 60Hz:

  • Smoother enemy tracking
  • Clearer motion during flicks
  • Faster reaction times
  • Less visual fatigue over long sessions

Even outside esports, higher FPS makes games feel more fluid and immersive, whether you’re racing, flying, or exploring open worlds.

It’s Not Just FPS — Your Monitor Matters Too

Here’s the important bit many people miss:

You only see higher FPS if your monitor refresh rate supports it

  • 60Hz monitor = max 60 FPS displayed
  • 144Hz monitor = up to 144 FPS displayed
  • 165Hz / 240Hz = even more smoothness

This is why pairing a high‑FPS gaming PC with a high‑refresh‑rate monitor is essential — something we always recommend at AWD‑IT.

More cache reduces latency, helping games and creative apps run smoother.

Is Higher FPS Worth It for Single‑Player Games?

Yes — just in a different way.

While reactions aren’t as crucial, higher FPS still offers:

  • Smoother camera pans
  • Reduced motion blur
  • More immersive visuals
  • Less eye strain

Games like RPGs, racing sims, and open‑world titles feel silkier and more natural at higher frame rates.

Form Factor, Cooling & Installation

  • SATA SSDs: Installed via cables, usually mounted in 2.5” drive bays
  • M.2 SSDs: Slot directly onto the motherboard—no cables required

M.2 drives offer a cleaner build, but high‑performance NVMe models can run hot, making heatsinks important for sustained gaming sessions.

Ensuring your budget goes where it matters most.

The “Diminishing Returns” Argument (And the Real Truth)

It’s true that:

  • The jump from 30 → 60 FPS is massive
  • 60 → 144 FPS is still very noticeable
  • 144 → 240 FPS is more subtle, but real

So no — higher FPS isn’t pointless above 60.
But yes — the improvements become more refined rather than dramatic.

That’s why we help gamers choose the right balance of GPU, CPU, and monitor based on how they play.

Should You Upgrade From AM4 to AM5?

This depends heavily on what you’re upgrading from.

When an AM5 Upgrade Makes Sense

  • You’re on an older Ryzen CPU (1000–3000 series)
  • You need better productivity performance
  • You plan to upgrade CPUs again in the future

When It Probably Doesn’t

  • You already use a Ryzen 5000 CPU
  • Your PC is mainly for gaming
  • Budget is your top priority

If you’re already on AM4 with a strong CPU, upgrades like a faster GPU or more RAM often make more sense than switching platforms.

If you’re already on AM4 with a strong CPU, upgrades like a faster GPU or more RAM often make more sense than switching platforms.

Tower air coolers should pull air from the front and push it towards the rear exhaust.

5. CPU Cooling & AIO Placement

Air Coolers

Tower air coolers should pull air from the front and push it towards the rear exhaust.

Browse high‑performance air coolers:

AIO Liquid Coolers

Best placement for airflow:

  • Front‑mounted AIO → Intake
  • Top‑mounted AIO → Exhaust

AIO cooling solutions available here:

⚠️ Avoid bottom‑mounted radiators — they trap heat and restrict airflow.

 

6. Cable Management Improves Airflow

Neat cabling isn’t just cosmetic — it directly improves airflow.

✅ Route cables behind the motherboard tray
✅ Keep GPU intake fans clear
✅ Use PSU shrouds properly

Power supply upgrades with cleaner cabling:

7. Keep Your PC Clean

Even the best airflow setup fails if dust builds up.

Maintenance tips:

  • Clean dust filters every 4–6 weeks
  • Replace clogged airflow filters
  • Re‑check temperatures after cleaning

The Smarter Way to Build a Gaming PC

Whether you’re buying your first gaming PC or upgrading an existing one, the smartest builds focus on balance:
COMPONENT PRIORITY FOR GAMING
GPU
★★★★★
CPU
★★★★☆
RAM (AMOUNT)
★★★☆☆
RAM (SPEED)
★★★★☆
STORAGE
★★★☆☆

This approach ensures you get maximum gaming performance per pound.

Final Verdict: Is Higher FPS Pointless Above 60?

Absolutely not.

✅ Higher FPS improves responsiveness
✅ Reduces input lag
✅ Enhances motion clarity
✅ Gives competitive advantages
✅ Makes games feel smoother and more immersive

Once you experience 144Hz gaming, going back to 60 feels jarring — and that’s something nearly every AWD‑IT customer agrees on.

Thinking About Upgrading?

Whether you're chasing higher FPS, smoother gameplay, or a full PC & monitor upgrade, AWD‑IT has you covered with expertly built gaming PCs and honest advice.