What is refresh rate and why does it matter?

Refresh rate measures how many times per second your monitor updates the image. It is measured in hertz, or Hz. A 60 Hz monitor refreshes 60 times per second, while a 144 Hz monitor refreshes 144 times per second.

A higher refresh rate can make motion look smoother, especially when your PC can produce enough FPS to match it.

FPS is how many frames your PC creates per second. Refresh rate is how many frames your monitor can show per second. They work together, but they are not the same thing.

For example, 120 FPS on a 60 Hz monitor can still improve responsiveness, but you will not see all 120 unique frames. To fully benefit visually, you need both a capable PC and a high-refresh-rate monitor.

Higher refresh rates make fast movement easier to follow and can make controls feel more immediate. This is useful in shooters, racing games, sports games, and any game where quick reactions matter.

Casual players can still enjoy 60 Hz, but 120 Hz, 144 Hz, and higher monitors often feel noticeably smoother once paired with the right PC.

Make sure the PC can reach the FPS you want in your favorite games. Also check that the monitor cable and port support the refresh rate at your chosen resolution.

A high-refresh monitor is most valuable when the CPU and GPU are strong enough to keep frame rates consistent.

Choosing around refresh rate is easier when the whole PC is balanced, tested, and matched to the way you actually use it.

• Bronze Level: Ideal for everyday use, school work, office tasks, and light games.
• Silver Level: A strong value choice for popular games and smooth general performance.
• Gold Level: Better suited for higher settings, heavier multitasking, and more demanding games.
• Platinum Level: Built for users who want high performance for demanding games, creative work, or long-term headroom.

Prenew's refurbished PCs are checked before resale, so you can upgrade responsibly without guessing whether the parts work well together.