Why Refresh Rate Matters More Than You Think
Lennon Byatt
Why Refresh Rate Matters More Than You Think
When upgrading a gaming PC, it's easy to focus on the latest graphics cards and processors. But one component that's often overlooked is your monitor.
Even the most powerful gaming PC can only display as many frames as your monitor allows. That's where refresh rate comes in. Whether you're a casual gamer or a competitive esports player, understanding refresh rate can help you get the most out of your setup.
What Is Refresh Rate?
Refresh rate, measured in Hertz (Hz), refers to how many times your monitor updates the image every second.
For example:
- 60Hz refreshes the screen 60 times per second.
- 144Hz refreshes it 144 times per second.
- 240Hz refreshes it 240 times per second.
The higher the refresh rate, the smoother motion appears on screen, provided your PC can produce enough frames to match.
The higher the refresh rate, the smoother motion appears on screen
The Perfect England Matchday PC Schedule
Here's how to make the most of the best England kick-off time we've had all tournament:
| Time (BST) | What's Happening | PC Task |
|
2pm–4:45pm
|
Pre-match build-up
|
Game session — get a proper hour in
|
|
4:45pm
|
Teams announced
|
Close the game, open BBC iPlayer
|
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5pm
|
Kick-off
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Stream on second monitor, game on hold
|
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~6:50pm
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Second half
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Back on the stream
|
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~8pm
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Full time (hopefully)
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Celebrate / commiserate, fire the game back up
|
Why Does It Matter for Gaming?
Higher refresh rates don't just make games look smoother, they can also improve responsiveness.
When your monitor updates more frequently, your actions appear on screen faster. This can make aiming, tracking enemies and reacting to fast-paced gameplay feel more natural.
The difference is especially noticeable in competitive games such as:
- Counter-Strike 2
- Valorant
- Call of Duty
- Fortnite
- Apex Legends
Many esports players consider 144Hz the minimum for competitive gaming, with some opting for 240Hz or even higher.
60Hz monitor can still provide an enjoyable experience.
Is 60Hz Still Good Enough?
Absolutely, depending on what you play.
If you mainly enjoy story-driven adventures, strategy games or casual gaming, a 60Hz monitor can still provide an enjoyable experience.
Games like Baldur's Gate 3, Civilization VII or The Sims 4 don't rely on split-second reactions in the same way competitive shooters do.
However, once you've experienced gaming at 144Hz, many players find it difficult to go back.
Can Your PC Keep Up?
A high refresh rate monitor is only worthwhile if your gaming PC can produce enough frames.
For example:
- A PC running 200 FPS on a 60Hz monitor will only display 60 frames each second.
- The same PC connected to a 144Hz monitor can display up to 144 frames each second, making gameplay noticeably smoother.
That's why it's important to pair your monitor with hardware capable of delivering high frame rates.
Choosing the Right Refresh Rate
Not every gamer needs a 240Hz monitor.
Here's a quick guide:
60Hz
Perfect for casual gaming, everyday use and older titles.
144Hz
The sweet spot for most gamers, offering a significant improvement in smoothness without requiring top-end hardware.
240Hz and Above
Ideal for competitive gamers looking for every possible advantage in fast-paced multiplayer titles.
Not every gamer needs a 240Hz monitor
Don't Forget Resolution
Refresh rate is only one part of the equation.
Gaming at 1440p or 4K requires more graphics power than gaming at 1080p, so choosing the right balance between resolution and refresh rate is key.
Many gamers find that a 1440p 144Hz monitor offers the perfect combination of sharp visuals and smooth gameplay.
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.
Creators in attendance
Stacked lineup
Experience zones
Arcades · Sim rigs · PCs
Tech on display
Latest gen builds
Verdict
Showroom certified
Pick Your Tier
We've named each tier after a tournament stage, because let's be honest, that's exactly the kind of thing we'd do. Find your budget and dive in.
Group Stage
Round of 32
Quarter Final
World Cup Final
England's Path If They Get Through
Win against Congo DR and England's potential route to the Final looks like this:
• Round of 16 (8–9 July): Mexico or Ecuador — tough but winnable
• Quarter-Final (12–13 July): Potentially Brazil — the big one
• Semi-Final (15–16 July): Possibly Argentina — we're in Messi territory now
• Final (19 July): MetLife Stadium, New Jersey — it might be coming home
The bracket is genuinely open. England are well-placed, and Tuchel's side are unbeaten in ten competitive fixtures. Don't get your hopes up. Also: get your hopes up.
The bracket is genuinely open
GTA 6 GPU Comparison Table (RTX 50 Series)
|
GPU Model
|
Performance Tier
|
Best Resolution
|
VRAM (Expected)
|
GTA 6 Settings
|
Ideal User Type
|
|
RTX 5060
|
Entry-Level
|
1080p
|
8–12GB
|
Medium–High
|
Budget gamers looking for smooth GTA 6 gameplay
|
|
RTX 5070
|
Mid-Range
|
1440p
|
12–16GB
|
High–Ultra
|
Best value for most UK gamers
|
|
RTX 5070 Ti
|
Upper Mid-Range
|
1440p / 4K
|
16GB
|
Ultra
|
High FPS + future-proofing
|
|
RTX 5080
|
High-End
|
4K
|
16–20GB
|
Ultra + Ray Tracing
|
Enthusiasts & high-performance gaming builds
|
|
RTX 5090
|
Ultra Enthusiast
|
4K+ / 8K
|
24GB+
|
Max Settings + Full Ray Tracing
|
No-compromise, ultimate GTA 6 experience
|
The point is don't buy a £150 mouse expecting it to fix your aim. Buy it because the weight, shape, and quality will make long gaming sessions more comfortable.
AWD-IT stocks gaming mice from Razer, Corsair, and ASUS at a range of price points. If you're unsure where to start, a mid-range wireless mouse from any of these brands will give you everything you need for competitive gaming.
Signs your PC has genuinely run its race
When It IS Time for a Full Rebuild
Even Messi will retire eventually. And there are signs your PC has genuinely run its race:
• CPU is pre-2018 and DDR3 (no DDR5 upgrade path available)
• Motherboard doesn't support PCIe 4.0 — you're bottlenecking modern GPUs
• Power supply is under 500W — can't safely run anything modern
• Multiple components failing, temperatures consistently hitting 90°C+
If you're ticking more than two of those boxes, a fresh AWD-IT pre-built is often better value than stacking upgrades onto a dead-end platform. You get a warranty, a coherent spec, and you know everything works together from day one.
Should You Upgrade or Buy a New PC?
If your system is only a few years old, upgrading individual components is usually the most cost-effective option.
However, if your PC uses an older platform that requires a new motherboard, RAM and processor just to stay current, replacing the whole system may offer better value in the long run.
Modern gaming PCs also benefit from improved cooling, faster DDR5 memory and support for the latest graphics cards, making them a worthwhile investment if your current build is showing its age.
Final Thoughts
A monitor upgrade can completely transform your gaming experience, especially when paired with the right hardware. While a powerful graphics card is essential, your monitor plays an equally important role in how games look and feel.
Whether you're building your first gaming PC or upgrading your current setup, AWD-IT offers a range of gaming PCs designed to deliver the frame rates needed to make the most of high-refresh-rate gaming. Pair your system with the right monitor, and you'll be ready to enjoy smoother, more responsive gameplay across all your favourite titles.
