High refresh rate monitors (144hz, 240hz, 360hz) require correct Windows configuration to run at full speed. Here's what to check.
Verify your monitor is actually at its rated refresh rate
Right-click desktop → Display settings → Advanced display settings → check "Refresh rate".
Or: nvidia-smi / AMD Radeon Software shows current display mode.
Common issue: monitors default to 60hz in Windows. You must manually select the higher rate.
Cable matters
DisplayPort: supports 144hz+ at 1080p and 1440p easily. Use DP 1.4 for 4K 144hz.
HDMI: version matters. HDMI 2.0 supports 1080p 240hz, 1440p 144hz. HDMI 2.1 supports 4K 144hz. Many monitors ship with HDMI 2.0 cables that can't do the full spec.
If you're not hitting rated refresh rate, try a different cable or port.
Custom resolution utility
For monitors where Windows doesn't offer all supported modes, use Custom Resolution Utility (CRU) to add the correct timing.
DPI scaling
Windows DPI scaling at 150% or 200% can affect how games render. For competitive gaming, 100% DPI scaling is recommended — no additional scaling pass.
Frame cap placement
Cap FPS at your monitor's exact refresh rate for VSync, or 3-5 below for G-Sync/FreeSync. Don't cap above refresh rate if you're using any form of VSync.
1ms response time marketing
Panel response time (GtG) is different from input lag. A "1ms" monitor can still have 5-10ms of total input lag from processing. Check HDTVTest or Rtings for actual measured input lag.
Full display configuration guide at https://terweb.lt/
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