Differences Between 144Hz vs 165Hz Refresh Rate Monitors

A monitor’s refresh rate refers to how many times per second the screen is refreshed with a new image. It is measured in Hertz (Hz). For example, a monitor with a refresh rate of 60Hz updates the image on the screen 60 times per second. The higher the refresh rate, the more times per second the screen is updated, resulting in smoother and more fluid motion, particularly in fast-paced games and videos.

A higher refresh rate can also help reduce motion blur and input lag, resulting in a more responsive and immersive gaming experience. However, not all systems or graphics cards can support higher refresh rates, and a monitor with a higher refresh rate may be more expensive.

Most modern monitors come with a refresh rate of 60Hz, while gaming monitors often have a refresh rate of 120Hz, 144Hz, 165Hz, or even 240Hz. The choice of refresh rate depends on personal preferences, the type of content being viewed, and the user’s hardware and gaming setup.

It’s important to note that increasing the refresh rate alone does not necessarily result in better image quality. The monitor’s resolution, color accuracy, and other features also play a role in the overall viewing experience.


144Hz vs 165Hz

When it comes to gaming monitors, refresh rate is an important consideration. Two of the most popular refresh rates are 144Hz and 165Hz. While the differences may seem subtle, they can have a significant impact on gaming performance. Here are some of the key differences between 144Hz and 165Hz:

  1. Refresh Rate: The main difference between 144Hz and 165Hz is the refresh rate. A monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate can display up to 144 frames per second, while a monitor with a 165Hz refresh rate can display up to 165 frames per second. This means that a monitor with a 165Hz refresh rate can provide a smoother and more responsive gaming experience.
  2. Input Lag: Another important factor to consider is input lag, which is the delay between a user’s input and the corresponding action on the screen. A monitor with a higher refresh rate generally has lower input lag, which can provide a more responsive gaming experience.
  3. Compatibility: Not all gaming systems can support a 165Hz refresh rate. If your graphics card is not powerful enough to push that many frames per second, you may not see any benefits from a monitor with a 165Hz refresh rate. However, a monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate is generally compatible with most gaming systems.
  4. Price: Monitors with a higher refresh rate typically cost more than monitors with a lower refresh rate. A monitor with a 165Hz refresh rate may be more expensive than a monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate, depending on the brand, size, and other features.
  5. Visual Difference: While the difference between 144Hz and 165Hz may not be immediately noticeable, many users report that they can see a difference in the smoothness and fluidity of motion when playing games on a 165Hz monitor. However, the extent to which this difference is noticeable may depend on factors such as the type of game, the user’s sensitivity to motion, and the user’s overall gaming setup.

Is 165hz good for Valorant?

Yes, a monitor with a 165Hz refresh rate can be good for Valorant. Valorant is a fast-paced game that requires quick reactions and precise aiming, and a monitor with a high refresh rate can provide a smoother and more responsive gaming experience. A higher refresh rate can also help reduce motion blur and input lag, resulting in faster and more accurate gameplay.

However, it’s important to note that a monitor’s refresh rate is just one factor in the overall gaming experience. The monitor’s resolution, color accuracy, response time, and other features also play a role. In addition, a high refresh rate monitor may not provide any benefits if the user’s hardware and graphics card are not powerful enough to support it.

In summary, a monitor with a 165Hz refresh rate can be good for Valorant, but the overall gaming experience depends on a combination of factors including hardware, graphics settings, and personal preferences.


Is 165Hz good for gaming?

Yes, a monitor with a 165Hz refresh rate can be good for gaming. The higher refresh rate can provide a smoother and more responsive gaming experience, particularly for fast-paced games such as first-person shooters and racing games. A higher refresh rate can also help reduce motion blur and input lag, resulting in faster and more accurate gameplay.

However, it’s important to note that a monitor’s refresh rate is just one factor in the overall gaming experience. The monitor’s resolution, color accuracy, response time, and other features also play a role. In addition, a high refresh rate monitor may not provide any benefits if the user’s hardware and graphics card are not powerful enough to support it.

In summary, a monitor with a 165Hz refresh rate can be good for gaming, but the overall gaming experience depends on a combination of factors including hardware, graphics settings, and personal preferences.


Which Refresh Rate Should I Choose?

Whether to buy a 144Hz or 165Hz monitor ultimately depends on your personal preferences, budget, and specific needs. Here are some factors to consider:

  1. Refresh Rate: The main difference between a 144Hz and 165Hz monitor is the refresh rate. A 165Hz monitor can display up to 165 frames per second, while a 144Hz monitor can display up to 144 frames per second. A higher refresh rate can provide a smoother and more responsive gaming experience, particularly for fast-paced games.
  2. Compatibility: Not all gaming systems can support a 165Hz refresh rate. If your graphics card is not powerful enough to push that many frames per second, you may not see any benefits from a monitor with a 165Hz refresh rate. However, a monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate is generally compatible with most gaming systems.
  3. Price: Monitors with a higher refresh rate typically cost more than monitors with a lower refresh rate. A 165Hz monitor may be more expensive than a 144Hz monitor, depending on the brand, size, and other features.
  4. Visual Difference: While the difference between 144Hz and 165Hz may not be immediately noticeable, many users report that they can see a difference in the smoothness and fluidity of motion when playing games on a 165Hz monitor. However, the extent to which this difference is noticeable may depend on factors such as the type of game, the user’s sensitivity to motion, and the user’s overall gaming setup.

In summary, if you have a powerful gaming system and want the smoothest possible gaming experience, a 165Hz monitor may be the better choice. However, if you are on a budget or have a less powerful gaming system, a 144Hz monitor may provide a good balance of performance and affordability. Ultimately, the best refresh rate for you depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Danny Leonard
Danny Leonard possesses a comprehensive understanding of the technical aspects of PC monitors. This includes screen specifications, panel types, resolution, refresh rates, and color accuracy. Danny Leonard focuses on the user experience, evaluating monitors in real-world scenarios. This includes gaming performance, suitability for design work, and productivity features. Danny Leonard excels at comparing multiple monitor models within the same category. This helps readers weigh the pros and cons of different options effectively. Danny Leonard's reviews are known for their clarity and accessibility. They present complex technical information in a way that's easy for readers to understand.