Am I utilizing my 144hz refresh rate?

[mebcitadel]

I have a non g-sync monitor that is a 1080p 144hz panel, however my fps in games is usually in the 40-60 range. Am I actually making use of the 144hz, or is it essentially the same thing as 60hz?

 

[skit75]

Your GPU has to be able to deliver those frames per second. You're not seeing any benefit of a high frame rate monitor with your current GPU.

What GPU do you have?

 

[mebcitadel]

So it would be the same as playing on a 60hz monitor basically? I ask because my current setup is 980 Ti with everything cranked all the way up and am thinking about getting another 980 Ti and 4k. Because the way my monitor plays now I am very pleased with in terms of fluidity and tearing so i think g-sync plus 4k would just make it that much better.

 

[skit75]

A 980Ti should be able to blow any game passed 60 fps @ 1080p even on Ultra settings. You might have a config issue?

 

[mebcitadel]

A 980Ti should be able to blow any game passed 60 fps even on Ultra settings. You might have a config issue?

Hmm, well I have Grand Theft Auto 5 on Ultra so all AA options maxed, advanced settings maxed, and my fps goes as low as 50. Same with Witcher 3. Running latest Nvidia drivers. What could be the config issue, or any issue for that matter? Not sure where to look or what to look for.

 

[skit75]

Ahh, I see. Well that will surely tax most cards. I thought there would have been better performance from that card in 1080p even with Ultra and max AA. It is probably normal. Using those setting, you probably won't be able to see benefits of the monitors higher refresh rate, in that game. Older games should see FPS >60 and even GTA V if you drop some of the AA or use High settings.

 

[NBSN]

The fps you are getting is essentially the hz. So you would be getting the same performance on a monitor that was exactly the same except for the hz being 60.

If you are using HDMI, then I would recommend switching over to DVI to take advantage of the higher hz of the monitor.

However, with those settings in those games you will not be hitting 144 fps/144 hz anyway. Sure in some games and depending on the settings used you will be able to enjoy the higher fps...but if you are only getting 60 fps or less, than you will not be taking advantage of the 144 hz of the monitor.

 

[mebcitadel]

Ok that all makes sense so with that logic then, If I consider 45fps @ ultra 1080 p "butter smooth" with no g-sync, would I be just as happy with a 60hz monitor and g-sync? I ask because if that's the case I'm buying a 4k monitor and another 980 Ti like right now.

 

[NBSN]

Ok that all makes sense so with that logic then, If I consider 45fps @ ultra 1080 p "butter smooth" with no g-sync, would I be just as happy with a 60hz monitor and g-sync? I ask because if that's the case I'm buying a 4k monitor and another 980 Ti like right now.

Honestly, it all depends on the person. Some people have a hard time...or are unable to see a difference between 1080p (or even 720p) and 4k. Just like there are some people that can't tell a difference between 30 fps and 60 fps...much less 60 fps and 120 fps.

Depending on the game and gamer having a 4k 60 hz display is a lot better than 120 hz 1080p display. And if you can add in g-sync and other special features, then the monitor will get even better.

Depending on the game settings and resolution you use with any particular setup will dictate the average, low, and max fps you can get. If you are used to getting 40 - 60 fps in games at 1080p...then adding in another GPU to run in SLI will definitely help increase your fps. And by switching over to 4k gaming, you should end up similar in fps (once you switch down AA since it is not really needed at that resolution).

So, my honest opinion is yes. Go SLI and get a 4k setup. I have seen some in stores but not upgraded myself yet since I am buying a house and still have to buy a lot of stuff for it. You can look up opinions that people have for and against each side of the argument, but it all comes down to your personal preferences.

If possible I would recommend you go to a local store and see a 4k display for reference though, as well as turning down your game settings to see the 144 hz refresh rate in action. That way you can get a basic comparison of what you can see yourself.

 

[mebcitadel]

Ok that all makes sense so with that logic then, If I consider 45fps @ ultra 1080 p "butter smooth" with no g-sync, would I be just as happy with a 60hz monitor and g-sync? I ask because if that's the case I'm buying a 4k monitor and another 980 Ti like right now.

Honestly, it all depends on the person. Some people have a hard time...or are unable to see a difference between 1080p (or even 720p) and 4k. Just like there are some people that can't tell a difference between 30 fps and 60 fps...much less 60 fps and 120 fps.

Depending on the game and gamer having a 4k 60 hz display is a lot better than 120 hz 1080p display. And if you can add in g-sync and other special features, then the monitor will get even better.

Depending on the game settings and resolution you use with any particular setup will dictate the average, low, and max fps you can get. If you are used to getting 40 - 60 fps in games at 1080p...then adding in another GPU to run in SLI will definitely help increase your fps. And by switching over to 4k gaming, you should end up similar in fps (once you switch down AA since it is not really needed at that resolution).

So, my honest opinion is yes. Go SLI and get a 4k setup. I have seen some in stores but not upgraded myself yet since I am buying a house and still have to buy a lot of stuff for it. You can look up opinions that people have for and against each side of the argument, but it all comes down to your personal preferences.

If possible I would recommend you go to a local store and see a 4k display for reference though, as well as turning down your game settings to see the 144 hz refresh rate in action. That way you can get a basic comparison of what you can see yourself.

PERFECT. Thanks! I think, depending on when Fallout 4 release date is, this is what I'm going to do!

 

[NBSN]

Oh, you are waiting for Fallout 4 also

Really excited about it. Even though I know that the game will have plenty of bugs at release, I will definitely be picking it up.

Good luck.