Can a GTX 1650 Run at 120Hz?
The concept of 120Hz is often associated with refresh rates, which determine how many times your monitor can update the image every second. However, the true test of performance lies in the frames per second (FPS), a metric representing how many frames your graphics card can render in a second. This article delves into the intricacies of running a GTX 1650 at 120Hz and the factors influencing its performance.
Understanding Refresh Rate and FPS
Refresh rate is the speed at which a display’s backlight cycles through its range of luminance levels to produce one cycle of the punctuation of images, commonly expressed in Hertz (Hz). For instance, a 120Hz monitor refreshes the image 120 times every second.
Frames per second (FPS) measure the performance of the graphics card, indicating the number of images your system can render each second. It is a critical factor in determining the smoothness and responsiveness of gameplay, making it vital for gamers looking to maintain a consistent frame rate.
The Role of the Monitor
Your monitor plays a crucial role in achieving the desired refresh rate. While a GTX 1650 can theoretically run at 120Hz, the actual performance is limited by the monitor's refresh rate. If your monitor supports 120Hz, you can indeed achieve this refresh rate, but if your monitor is slower, say 60Hz, you won't be able to reach 120Hz even if your graphics card can.
For example, in Cyberpunk 2077, a gamer might experience around 50 to 60 FPS with a 120Hz monitor, providing a smoother and more responsive gaming experience. However, in games like Valorant, a GTX 1650 might hit higher frame rates, easily reaching 144 FPS, purely limited by the game’s complexity and the monitor's refresh rate.
Performance of GTX 1650
The GTX 1650 is a mid-range graphics card designed for gaming and general computing tasks. It has around 1,280 CUDA cores and a base clock of 1,485 MHz, making it suitable for a wide range of games.
When it comes to Rockstar Games' Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2), a demanding title with high graphical fidelity, the performance of a GTX 1650 may be limited. Even on low to mid settings, you can expect around 40 to 50 FPS, which is quite acceptable for a 120Hz monitor but not enough to take full advantage of the monitor's capabilities.
It is essential to note that achieving 120Hz is more about the specific game and its performance. Some games may not be optimized to take full advantage of the monitor's capabilities, leading to lower frame rates even on a capable card like the GTX 1650.
Conclusion
In summary, a GTX 1650 can theoretically run at 120Hz, but the actual performance depends heavily on the game and the settings you use. A 120Hz monitor will allow the GTX 1650 to achieve higher frame rates in certain games, providing a smoother gaming experience. However, for a more demanding title like RDR2, you might not see the full benefit of a 120Hz monitor.
Ultimately, the choice between a GTX 1650 and other GPUs, such as the RTX series, should be made based on your specific needs and the games you plan to play. If you are a competitive player or enjoy playing fast-paced games, a higher-end GPU might be more appropriate.