What is refresh rate?
Refresh rate is the number of times each second a raster‑based screen draws a new image. Higher rates reduce flicker on CRTs and set the maximum frame rate an LCD can show.
Think of a flip‑book: the faster you flip the pages, the smoother the motion looks.
How it works
On CRTs the electron beam returns to the top of the screen a set number of times per second, drawing a fresh frame each time. On LCDs the pixels stay lit, but the display still updates only as often as the refresh cycle allows.
What it tells you and what it doesn’t
A higher refresh rate lets the screen show more frames per second, which can make motion look smoother and reduce eye strain on CRTs. It does not guarantee higher graphics performance; the content must also be rendered at that speed.
What to check before buying
Make sure the monitor’s refresh rate matches the frame rate you expect from games or videos. Look for variable refresh rate (VRR) support if you want smoother gaming, and verify that the display can actually run at the advertised rate without damage.
▸ THE HYPE VS WHAT WE FOUND
Real claims involving this term, each checked in a PixProof with linked sources.
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▸ QUICK QUESTIONS
- Does a higher refresh rate always mean less eye strain?
- On CRTs, higher rates reduce flicker and eye strain. LCDs do not flicker, so the benefit is mainly smoother motion.
- Can I set any refresh rate on my monitor?
- Older monitors can be damaged if set above their maximum supported rate. Modern displays often limit you to safe rates and may offer variable refresh options.
- What is variable refresh rate (VRR)?
- VRR lets the display change its refresh speed on the fly to match the frame output, saving power and reducing input lag in games.
▸ SOURCES
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