Why Can't My Monitor Run at 144Hz, 120Hz, or 100Hz?Updated 20 days ago
Why is my 144Hz/120Hz/100Hz monitor stuck at 60Hz? Is this problem caused by hardware or software? What should I do to fix it? This article will clear up your doubts and provide you with the perfect solution.
Why Can't My Monitor Run at 144Hz/120Hz/100Hz?
The Reasons
If your monitor isn't reaching high refresh rates like 144H / 120Hz / 100Hz, there could be a few reasons for this:
- System incompatibility
- Incorrect cables not being used
- Monitor settings not adjusted to the required resolution
- Drivers not updated
- Portable monitor lacking external power
What Should I Do?
Check System Compatibility
First, ensure your device like a laptop, game console, etc., supports 2K resolution and has the necessary ports to connect to the display. You can check the product's official website or manual to see if it has a 2k resolution.
Generally speaking, many computers with integrated graphics can reach 2K at 60Hz/100Hz. But, to achieve resolutions above 2K at 120Hz, a computer with a dedicated graphics card is generally required. You can check if your computer has a dedicated graphics card by following these steps.
- Right-click on the desktop.
- Select Display settings or Display adapter properties.
- Open Device Manager.
- Expand Display adapters.
- Check for the professional graphics card name.
You can check your HDMI and USB-C ports for compliance.
- HDMI : supports up to 2560x1440 at 144Hz and 2560x1600 at 120Hz
- USB-C: goes up to 2560x1600 at 144Hz
Use the Right Cables
- Use high-quality cables like DisplayPort or HDMI 2.0 to connect the monitor to your device, ensuring proper transmission of high-resolution and high-refresh-rate signals.
- The cables with the monitor meet the highest output requirements, and you should not arbitrarily change them.
Adjust Display Settings
- Some devices might not automatically set the optimal resolution and refresh rate. You may need to manually set the display resolution to 2K (2560x1600) and the refresh rate to 144Hz for the smoothest experience.
- Enable Adaptive Sync (if available): If your monitor and device support technologies like AMD FreeSync, enable them to reduce screen tearing and enhance gaming performance.
- FreeSync typically requires settings above 60Hz. If set to 30Hz, display issues may occur.
Keep Drivers Updated
Install your device's latest graphics card drivers to ensure compatibility and optimal performance with the 2K 144Hz display.
Provide Sufficient Power
Some portable monitors may require an external power source for optimal performance. Please ensure the monitor is connected to a power outlet or the battery is adequately charged.
Why Can't I Select 120Hz or 2K/1440p When Connecting Xbox/PS4/PS5 to My Monitor?
The Reasons
Because monitors with a refresh rate above 120Hz must load games running at 120Hz or higher to display that refresh rate when connected to PS5 or Xbox Series X/S. This is how to enable 120Hz. It's due to the console's settings.
How to Set Refresh Rate to 144HZ or 2K/1440p?
Steps to Set 120Hz:
- On your console, go to Home.
- Navigate to Settings → General → TV & Display Options.
- Select Video Fidelity and Overscan.
- Under Display, set it to Auto-Detect.
- Go back to Display Options and choose 120Hz for the refresh rate.
Note: If the game doesn’t support 120Hz, the console will default to 60Hz, even if the monitor is capable of higher refresh rates (especially on Xbox Series X/S).
Steps to Set 2K/1440p:
- Go to the console's Home screen.
- Open Settings → General → TV & Display Options.
- Navigate to Video Fidelity and Overscan.
- Under Display, set to Auto-Detect.
- Go back to Display Options and select 1440p.
These settings allow the monitor to display the selected refresh rate and resolution, provided the console and game support them.