Why is my refresh rate 59.997? A refresh rate is the number of times a display refreshes images on a screen each second. Whether it’s a television or a computer monitor, a higher refresh rate offers a more fluid picture with less motion blur. Generally, a refresh rate of 60 Hertz (Hz) is the highest one can achieve, however, in some cases the refresh rate may be slightly less. It’s important to understand why this is and how to work around it in order to get the best performance out of your display.
Introduction
If you have ever looked at the display settings of your monitor, you may have seen something called the refresh rate. The refresh rate is the number of times per second that the image on your monitor is refreshed. It is measured in hertz (Hz). A refresh rate of 59.997 Hz means that the image is refreshed 59.997 times per second. So why is your refresh rate 59.997?
Reasons Behind 59.997 Refresh Rate
The most common reason for a refresh rate of 59.997 Hz is that the monitor is connected to a device that is outputting a 59.940 Hz signal. This is most commonly seen with PCs that are connected to TVs or other displays that are not designed to support higher refresh rates. The device is still outputting at the highest refresh rate it can, but the monitor can only display 59.997 Hz.
Another reason for a refresh rate of 59.997 Hz could be that the monitor is not able to support higher refresh rates. This is common with older monitors or budget monitors that are not designed to support higher refresh rates.
Benefit of 59.997 Refresh Rate
A refresh rate of 59.997 Hz is better than a refresh rate of 59.940 Hz, as it is slightly smoother and can reduce the appearance of screen tearing. It also means that the monitor is able to display more frames per second, which can be beneficial for gamers.
Limitations of 59.997 Refresh Rate
While a refresh rate of 59.997 Hz is better than a refresh rate of 59.940 Hz, it is still not ideal. A higher refresh rate of at least 75 Hz is recommended for gaming and other activities that require a smoother picture.
Conclusion
The refresh rate of 59.997 Hz is usually seen when the monitor is connected to a device that is outputting a 59.940 Hz signal, or when the monitor is not able to support higher refresh rates. While it can provide a smoother picture than a refresh rate of 59.940 Hz, it is not ideal for gaming or other activities that require a smoother picture. It is recommended to use a monitor with a higher refresh rate for these activities.
