Confused by 120Hz refresh rates? We can't blame you. With the latest PC-like consoles ever, you've probably talked a lot about the kind of gaming TV you need and the future of 120Hz refresh rates if you want your PS5 or Xbox Series X to be at their best, but , really matters? And what does even 120 Hz mean? Don't worry. While it can seem incredibly confusing where to start, especially if you're planning to buy yourself a new 4K TV to take full advantage of the latest consoles, we're here to help you decipher the magic behind refresh rates. 120 Hz and whether or not that really matters to you. Read on as we take a look
the differences between the types of refresh rates and let's take a look at its effect on your gaming sessions. The best 4Hz 120K TV deals right now
What is 120 Hz?
Hertz, also known as Hz, is a unit of frequency that indicates how many times the screen is updated every second. A higher number means new information arrives on your screen faster, but this is also affected by the frame rate of what you're watching or playing. More on that in a moment.
(Image credit: Microsoft) In the case of 120Hz, that means 120 frames per second are displayed on every refresh, which means a much smoother image, which makes a world of difference when gaming on your new PS5. As long as the game you're playing supports 120Hz. You'll find 120Hz support on Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles
Hertz vs frames per second
The number of frames per second (fps), also known as "frame rate", is the number of frames sent to your screen every second. It is controlled by hardware. For example, a mid-range PC trying to run Cyberpunk 2077 will run the game at a lower frame rate than a high-end system. Again, the higher the frame rate, the smoother the image will be. Of course, you need to be able to run games at a high frame rate while also being able to view them on a TV or display with a high refresh rate. Nearly all new gaming monitors and gaming TVs now have a refresh rate of at least 60Hz (unless you're using very old tech), but that means it won't be quite up to the capabilities of the Xbox Series X or PlayStation. 5 120Hz. (Some budget TVs may also surprise you with a 50Hz panel.)
30Hz, 60Hz, 120Hz: what is the difference?
Look around when shopping for a TV or monitor and you'll notice a few different refresh rates. For the most part,
30Hz, 60Hz and 120Hz are the most common you will see, but there are also 50Hz and 85Hz displays, as well as 144Hz and some other unusual numbers. Each of these comes down to the number of times a new image is displayed on the screen. For example, 60Hz displays display a new image every 16 milliseconds, while a 120Hz display produces an image every eight milliseconds.
(Image credit: TCL) Whether you can tell the difference, though, is another matter. There's a handy comparison tool called Blur Buster UFO Motion Tests that can help you see the difference, though you'd have to already have high refresh rate screens to see what we mean. This is a good example of the difference lower refresh rates can make and gives you a little insight into your existing hardware.
What is the speed of motion of 120 Hz?
Look around on some TVs and you may notice mention of a 120Hz motion rate instead of a 120Hz refresh rate. This means that this is not a true 120Hz refresh rate, but rather a 60Hz refresh rate. a TV that can only display up to 120 frames per second, simulating the rest to smooth out motion. Depending on your budget, this may be the most you can handle, but it's important to know that it's not the same as a TV that natively supports XNUMXHz.
How does the 120Hz refresh rate affect your game?
In the past,
many game consoles focused on 30 FPS with standard 60Hz output to keep costs down for both manufacturer and consumer. That changed with the release of the PS5 and Xbox Series X, with both consoles supporting the new HDMI 2.1 standard, meaning enough video output bandwidth to deliver 4K resolutions at 120Hz. Xbox One X and S supported 120 Hz but only at 1080p and 1440p. However, does it make any difference? Not quite. While support exists, currently relatively few games support 120Hz. Find a game that does, however, and the title will run much smoother, if you also have a TV that supports 120Hz. You'll see less stutter during fast-paced cutscenes and an overall improvement in movement or animation. It's not necessarily a huge, game-changing difference, but for those who want the best picture possible, it's definitely a nice bonus.
(Image credit: Gearbox Software) Will it make any difference to your gaming performance? This is a controversial topic. An Nvidia study found a link between higher refresh rates and drive performance, but it's safe to say, given that it's all about selling high-end graphics cards. However, some independent reports have found similar results. While this is just a placebo effect, if it means you're playing better, it might be worth it. Borderlands 3 is one of the few games that already supports 120Hz/120fps gameplay.
What games support 120Hz?
The list of games that support 120Hz continues to grow, but don't assume that all games support it. Please note that some will need to be played at a lower resolution to do this. We have a regularly updated list of all PS5 and Xbox Series X games with 120Hz support:
Do I need a 120 Hz TV?
First of all, do you have an Xbox Series X or a PlayStation 5? It is important that you have a device that supports 120Hz; otherwise there's no point in having a fancy and expensive TV that can't show off your talents. If you watch 60Hz content on your 120Hz TV, it will still look the same as if you were watching it through a 60Hz TV. It's also important to note if you're playing games that support 120Hz. Again, if you're not playing any of the games that already support it and there aren't any on the horizon for you, it's probably not worth it. Of course, if you want to buy a new 4K TV right now, it makes sense to stick with your purchase and plan ahead. If you can afford a 4Hz 120K TV, you'll be ready for any next-gen gaming plan.