The Performance Gap Between 100Hz and 165Hz Monitors Explained

Refresh rate is among the most important aspects to consider when you're shopping for a gaming monitor. It directly affects how smooth your gaming looks and feels. While in the past 60Hz was standard, today gamers are generally considering the 100Hz vs 165Hz gaming monitors' differences. But how much of a performance difference is there, really? And do you always need the higher number?

Here, we'll explain the difference between 100Hz and 165Hz monitors in simple terms, so you can make an informed decision based on your gaming style and setup.

What Does Refresh Rate Actually Mean?

Refresh rate, which is measured in hertz (Hz), refers to how many times your monitor updates the image on the screen in a second. A 100Hz monitor does this 100 times a second, while a 165Hz one does so 165 times a second.

The higher the refresh rate, the smoother the motion—especially noticeable in fast-paced games like first-person shooters, racing games, and competitive online games.

100Hz: A Noticeable Step Up from 60Hz

An upgrade from a 60Hz screen to a 100Hz monitor is an appreciable visual boost. Motion is more fluid, input lag is reduced, and gaming overall feels snappier.

100Hz can already be enjoyable for mid-range and casual gamers, especially if your setup doesn't consistently reach frame rates above 100 FPS. It's also a decent compromise between cost and performance.

165Hz: Designed for Quick Reflexes

The bump from 100Hz to 165Hz isn't as extreme as from 60Hz to 100Hz, but it's still noticeable for competitive players.

Here’s what you get with a 165Hz monitor:

Faster screen refreshes, so you notice on-screen developments milliseconds sooner.

Reduced motion blur, which is useful when attempting to track fast-moving targets.

Improved aim and response time, especially in games like CS2, Valorant, or other competitive games.

If your graphics card can maintain frame rates above 144 FPS consistently, then a 100 Hz to 165 Hz gaming monitor upgrade can give you a competitive edge.

Real-World Differences: Is It Worth It?

Let’s recap the real-world difference:

So, while 100Hz to 165Hz monitors both offer smooth visuals, the difference becomes more apparent the faster and more competitive the game environment becomes.

Hardware Considerations

Before deciding on a refresh rate, ask yourself this: Can your system support it?

To fully benefit from a 165Hz refresh rate, your PC should be capable of producing high frame rates. That means:

A modern graphics card

A fast CPU

Games running on optimized settings

If your system struggles to go beyond 100 FPS, a 100Hz display might be perfect already. However, if you want to future-proof your hardware at some point in the future, having a 165Hz monitor ensures that you're prepared.

Is It a Significant Gap?

From a technical standpoint, yes—165Hz offers 65% more frames per second than 100Hz. But perception-wise, the gap narrows down to your eyes, your reflexes, and the games you play.

For general usage, the difference is middling. For professional gamers or players who value every millisecond, however, that difference can translate to more precise actions and better performance.

Final Thoughts

Both 100Hz and 165Hz monitors are solid upgrades from regular screens. The choice hinges on your gaming needs, your PC's capabilities, and your level of performance ambitions.

If you require fluid gameplay for everyday use, a range of 100 Hz to 165 Hz monitors is already a good boost. And if you're going to compete seriously, push more FPS, and get the most out of your rig, 165Hz is more than worth it.

At Viewedge, we're committed to creating gaming monitors that wed speed, clarity, and comfort—so every gamer can find their ideal setup.

FAQ

Q1: Is 165Hz inherently better than 100Hz?
A: Technically, yes—but the difference is most noticeable in fast-paced games. For general use or light gaming, 100Hz may be fine.

Q2: Will I be able to notice the difference if my game will only run at 90 FPS?
A: No. To benefit from higher refresh rates, your system must deliver frame rates close to or greater than that refresh rate.

Q3: Are 100Hz monitors useless for gaming?
A: No. 100Hz is already much smoother than 60Hz and is a good choice for most gamers. 

Q4: Is a 165Hz monitor suitable with lower FPS?
A: It can display lower frame rates, but to enjoy the benefit, you need to have higher FPS output from your computer.

More Thought:

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Is a 24 Inch Curved 240Hz Monitor the Best Choice for Competitive Gaming?

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