Is 165Hz Good For Gaming? What Every Gamer Should Know!

Gamers can greatly benefit from a high refresh rate, such as 165Hz, specifically in fast-paced games that demand precise movements and quick responses. The more frames per second a monitor can produce, the smoother and more responsive the gameplay will be. 

There is a caveat though. For instance, if you already have a 144Hz display, then going for a 165Hz monitor won’t provide you with any significant change in performance or visual quality. To know more about this difference in performance, you can also check out this article on 144Hz vs. 165Hz monitors. However, if you have only used a 60Hz monitor, then a 165Hz display will feel much smoother. 

What is a 165Hz monitor?

A 165Hz monitor is a display with a fast refresh rate of upto 165 times per second. The refresh rate of a monitor refers to how many times it can update the image on the screen in a second. The greater the refresh rate, the smoother the motion appears on the screen.

A 165Hz monitor is regarded as a mid-range gaming monitor and is perfect for players who want to gain an advantage over their opponents through quicker reaction times and smoother gameplay. Lowering motion blur and enhancing the clarity of games and videos can also change the watching experience in a significant way. By lowering motion blur and enhancing clarity in frantic games or videos, it can drastically improve the watching experience.

Features of 165Hz Monitor

Here’s a table outlining the main features of a 165Hz monitor:

A 165Hz display, as we can see from the table, has a high refresh rate that offers fluid motion and little input lag, making it perfect for gaming. Although not as excellent as monitors with higher refresh rates, the motion clarity is still decent enough for competitive play. A 165Hz display might also have adaptive sync features like G-Sync or FreeSync, which reduces screen tearing and stuttering while gaming.

Is 165Hz Good For Gaming? 

The short answer is – yes, a 165Hz monitor is generally considered good for gaming due to the significant benefits it provides in terms of motion clarity and reduced motion blur. Below, we have outlined some of the key advantages you can expect to get from a 165Hz screen.

High Refresh Rate

When playing fast-paced games, a higher refresh rate allows for smoother motion and less stuttering, which can be crucial for competitive gameplay. Moreover, higher refresh rates can reduce input lag, resulting in a more responsive gaming experience.

It has been shown in several tests that a higher refresh rate can result in more tangible benefits for gamers. According to a survey conducted by NVIDIA, gamers who played on a 265Hz monitor saw a 34% reduction in motion blur compared to those playing on a 60Hz monitor. This can be especially significant in fast-paced games where quick movements can become blurred and difficult to track on lower refresh rate monitors. For example, an enemy may pass by and you won’t be able to see them properly if your refresh rate is too low. This is why a 165Hz display is a better option compared to a 60Hz display for gaming.

Good Animation and Image Quality 

Another aspect added to the list of 165Hz monitors is improved animation and image quality. Some 165Hz monitors have excellent animation and image quality, particularly if they have a high-resolution display, an IPS panel with good color accuracy and viewing angles, a wide color gamut, a high contrast ratio, and a high brightness level.

It’s worth noting that some TN panel 165Hz monitors may sacrifice image quality for speed, so it’s important to consider your priorities when choosing a monitor. It’s always a good idea to read reviews and compare specifications before purchase to ensure that the monitor you choose meets your needs and expectations. Here are some good 165Hz monitors that provide good animation and image quality for gaming:

1. Samsung – Odyssey 27”
2. LG – 32” UltraGear
3. ASUS – TUF Gaming 27″
4. AOC – G2 Series C27G2 27″

Cost

A great product comes with a great price. Even though there is a high to low price, the range is still high compared to the general cost of normal computer equipment. 

The price of a 165Hz monitor can vary depending on several factors such as the size, resolution, panel type, and additional features. High-resolution monitors like 1440p or 4K usually are more expensive than those with lower resolutions such as 1080p. Similarly, monitors with IPS or VA panels usually have better image quality and often are more expensive than those with TN panels. Extra features such as G-sync or FreeSync can also add to the cost of a monitor.

What is the Difference Between a 165Hz and 240Hz Display?

There is a noticeable difference between 165 Hz and 240 Hz in terms of motion clarity and responsiveness. Here’s a table comparing the two display types:

As we can see from the table, since a 240Hz monitor has a higher refresh rate than a 165Hz monitor, this results in an even smoother motion and better clarity. Moreover, a 240Hz display is also more responsive than a 165 Hz monitor because it has much lower input lag.

It’s crucial to remember that not everyone will be able to tell the difference between the two refresh rates. Some users may not be able to tell much of a difference between the two refresh speeds in terms of responsiveness or motion clarity.

Is 165Hz Overkill?

It is hard to comment on features being overkill or not when they are made for people who prefer them. However, a 165Hz monitor would probably be overkill or unnecessary for most people who use their computers for routine activities like online browsing, document editing, or video watching. 

On the other hand, gamers might prefer a monitor with a greater refresh rate because it can produce smoother motion, less motion blur, and less screen tearing, all of which can give players an advantage in fast-paced games. Furthermore, faster refresh rates can help players follow moving objects and respond rapidly to changes on the screen.

FAQS

Does 165Hz use more power?

Yes, a 165Hz monitor usually consumes more energy than a monitor with a lower refresh rate because it needs more processing power to display more frames per second. However, the disparity in power consumption is typically not substantial.

What GPU can run 165Hz? 

Several modern GPUs can run games and applications at 165Hz, including the Nvidia GeForce RTX 30 series, RTX 40 series, AMD Radeon RX 6000 series, etc. However, the specific GPU required will depend on the resolution and graphical settings of the game or application being used.

How to Make Your Monitor Run at 165Hz?

To make your monitor run at 165Hz, ensure your monitor supports the desired refresh rate, use DisplayPort or HDMI 2.0 cable, update graphics card drivers, enable the higher refresh rate in display settings, and adjust settings in the game/application being used.

How many FPS can 165Hz run?

A 165Hz monitor can display up to 165 frames per second (FPS). However, the actual number of FPS displayed on the screen will depend on the capabilities of the graphics card and the game or application being used.

Wrapping Up

A 165Hz monitor is a notable option for gamers who prioritize smooth gameplay and want to gain a competitive edge. The reduced motion blur and improved visual comfort can make a significant difference in competitive games, making investing in a high refresh rate monitor worthwhile.