30 FPS is the lowest framerate at which a game is still playable, however, 60 FPS is seen as the ideal framerate as it is more responsive.
Gamers are always in the pursuit of smooth gameplay, and they love setting those graphic settings up all the way, while still being able to achieve the best gaming experience.
Unfortunately, framerates have a big impact on how smooth a game will run. However, there are multiple people who do not know what a framerate is, and why it is significant to their gaming experience.
Framerate, measured in frames per second (FPS), is a measurement of the number of images that the user’s computer can produce every second.
This means that if the user’s personal computer (PC) produces a framerate of 50 FPS at a particular time during a game, the user will see 50 images per second.
The higher the FPS is, the smoother the gameplay will be. While low FPS can cause performance issues, which will affect the user’s overall gaming experience, more powerful hardware means that the user will get a higher framerate. In other words, the user’s screen will show more images every second.
The maximum number of images per second a user sees is determined by the refresh rate of their monitor, the type of hardware they use, as well as the type of games that they play.
Why does a monitor matter when it comes to FPS?
Even though the graphics processing unit (GPU) could be capable of producing more frames per second, the user’s monitor will dictate how many frames or images it can display at any given time.
If the user’s system can produce 90 FPS, but the monitor’s refresh rate is limited to 60 Hertz (Hz), it will not be able to display all the images their system is producing.
On a standard 60 Hz screen, the user can see up to a maximum of 60 FPS. However, this does not mean that the user’s system is not producing more than 60 FPS, it simply means that the user will only see 60 images per second.
The same concept counts for a 144Hz screen, where the user will be able to see up to 144 FPS.
FPS Brackets
FPS is divided into different brackets, and each of these framerate brackets determine how well a game can perform.
30 FPS
30 frames per second is seen as very basic, as it does not offer a very smooth gaming experience. Even though the images on the computer will not stutter, it can still feel strange. A significant delay between the user’s actions and what they will see on screen is described as occurring.
However, this framerate is said to be good enough for a single-player game, and it sometimes makes for a more cinematic experience. It is not recommended to play games on a framerate that is lower than 30 FPS.
60 FPS
60 FPS is the ideal framerate for most people, as the extra fluidity makes the games more responsive, and it can provide a more enjoyable experience overall.
This framerate can be achieved from any good mid-range computer. It is alleged that the latest consoles are now capable of producing 60 FPS, even when the user plays Triple-A games.
144 FPS
This framerate is very respectable for competitive games. The user will have no problems with input delay, and they will be able to perform quite well. However, the user will need decent hardware in order to obtain this bracket.
240 FPS
Some high-end computers will be able to reach 240 FPS, especially on less demanding games such as Counter Strike: Global Offense and Overwatch. The user would not notice any input delay and games will feel extremely responsive.
However, the user will need a high-end monitor with at least a 240Hz refresh rate. Going for this framerate is usually only worthwhile when the gamer is playing competitively and needs every edge that they can get.
Is 60 FPS good for gaming?
60 FPS is enough to deliver excellent performance and make any gaming experience enjoyable. In addition, obtaining 60 FPS does not require high-end product, as a good mid-range setup should be able to get the job done.
If the user has a 60Hz monitor, it is recommended that they lock their frames per second to 60, since going beyond that will not make much of a difference other than unnecessarily stressing their system.
Is 120 FPS good for gaming?
Most users will never get to experience 120 FPS, as this would require a rather expensive build. However, if a user has the right type of hardware, it is recommended to go for 120 FPS rather than 60 FPS.
Once a gamer has experienced playing at such high framerates, it will be hard for them to go back to 60 FPS. As already stated, if the user does not have a monitor capable of displaying 120 FPS, it is better to limit their FPS to 60 or 75 FPS.
Doing otherwise will put an additional load on the user’s graphics processing unit (GPU) and central processing unit (CPU), plus, the user would not be able to notice any big difference regarding FPS.
Can a higher FPS result in lower system latency?
Latency is a significant factor in ensuring the best gaming experience when it comes to online gaming. The term refers to how quickly the gamer’s commands are transmitted to the game’s servers. When a system has a high latency, it will result in lagging or freezing.
However, when talking about system latency, it refers to how quickly the hardware can register each command and transmit it to the user’s display. This includes scrolls, keyboard commands and mouse clicks. This can also be referred to as input lag.
While latency in online games depends on the internet speed, system latency depends on the computer’s hardware. This means that the better hardware the user has, the more FPS is produced, thus, lowering the system latency.
Can a higher FPS result in a more enjoyable gaming experience?
When a user obtains a higher than usual framerate, they will notice that the overall gaming experience has improved. The higher the framerate, the more enjoyable the game will be. Higher framerates make any game extremely responsive, and the user will not notice any input delays.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the framerate a user should aim for will mainly depend on their budget and preferences. A framerate of 30 FPS is playable; however, most people will agree that 60 FPS is the ideal middle ground between cost-effectiveness and responsiveness.
The triple-digit framerates are great for competitive multiplayer games, or for people who prefer having some extra responsiveness in their single-player games. However, a triple-digit framerate is not necessary, as a framerate of 60 FPS can do the job.