Investing in a high-refresh-rate monitor like a 240Hz display and then seeing it only work at 144Hz can be a real bummer, whether you’re on Windows 11 or Windows 10. This hiccup happens more often than you’d think and for various reasons. Getting to the bottom of it is key to enjoying your monitor to the fullest. We’re going to talk about the usual suspects behind this annoyance and how you can fix them to get that smooth 240Hz refresh rate you were aiming for.
Also see: How to Change Desktop Screen Refresh Rate in Windows 11
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Incompatibility with Output Ports
If your 240Hz monitor isn’t living up to its potential, first check if your computer’s output ports are up to the task. They need to handle a lot of data – like, around 26.54 Gbps for 1440p and 240Hz. Not all ports can do that. For instance, HDMI 2.0b, though pretty common, might not cut it.
When your laptop or PC’s ports aren’t powerful enough, or if your monitor can’t handle the signal from your device, you won’t get to use the monitor’s max refresh rate. Even if your device has HDMI 2.0b and your monitor needs something better for 240Hz, you’ll have to settle for less.
Similar problem: 144Hz Monitor Only Showing 60Hz in Windows 11, Why?
The Crucial Role of Cables
The cable connecting your monitor and computer is super important. Not all cables can handle the bandwidth needed for 240Hz refresh rates.
If you’re aiming for 240Hz at higher resolutions, HDMI 2.0b might not be enough because it only supports up to 18 Gbps. DisplayPort 1.4 is better for this, offering up to 32.4 Gbps. At lower resolutions, HDMI 2.0b could work, but for 1440p and up, you should go with DisplayPort 1.4.
Using an old HDMI 1.4 or a not-so-great DisplayPort cable? Your monitor might be stuck at 144Hz or even 60Hz. This happens because the cable can’t transfer data quickly enough for higher refresh rates.
To get 1440p or more at 240Hz, make sure your cable is up for the job. Here’s what you need:
- DisplayPort 1.4: The go-to choice for 1440p at 240Hz. It supports up to 32.4 Gbps and has Display Stream Compression (DSC) for high-quality performance without loss.
- DisplayPort 2.0: Not as common, but also good for 1440p at 240Hz. It has a higher bandwidth (up to 80 Gbps) for even better performance.
- DisplayPort 2.1: The newest and coolest, with way more bandwidth than 1.4. It supports super high resolutions and refresh rates, but it’s still new on the market.
- HDMI 2.1: Another great option for 1440p at 240Hz, but your monitor and graphics card both need to support HDMI 2.1.
Upgrade to a quality DisplayPort 1.4, DisplayPort 2.0, or HDMI 2.1 cable. Avoid cheap ones and look for reputable brands to make sure they really do the job.
Also, remember that not every device supports the latest standards like DisplayPort 2.0 and HDMI 2.1.
Once you’ve got the right cable, double-check your monitor settings to make sure it’s set to run at 240Hz.
Related resource: Mouse Lag on 4k Monitor or TV Screen (Fix)
Updating Graphics Drivers, Nvidia Control Panel, and Monitor Recognition
Sometimes, a monitor stuck at 144Hz is because of old or wrong graphics drivers. These drivers help your computer talk to your monitor. If they’re not right, you might not get to use higher refresh rates.
If your Nvidia Control Panel doesn’t match your drivers, it might stop you from changing the refresh rate. Updating your graphics drivers can fix this. Nvidia often releases updates, so checking their website for the latest version is a good idea.
Adding the Nvidia Control Panel lets you adjust settings, including refresh rate. If you’re having trouble with it, try reinstalling the latest drivers from Nvidia’s site.
Another thing to check is how your computer sees your monitor. If it’s listed as a “Generic PnP Monitor“, that might be why you’re not getting 240Hz. Try updating the monitor driver or picking the right monitor model in your system settings.
Monitor Specifications and Settings
Sometimes, the problem is actually the monitor itself. Make sure it can actually do 240Hz. Check the user manual or online specs to be sure it supports 240Hz at the resolution you’re using. Some monitors only do 240Hz at lower resolutions.
If your monitor can do 240Hz, peek at the settings. In Windows, you can change the refresh rate in Display Settings -> Advanced Display Settings -> Monitor Properties. If 240Hz is an option, select it there.
If the right refresh rate isn’t showing, making a custom resolution in Nvidia Control Panel might help. But be careful, wrong settings can mess up your display.
Also, some monitors, like certain G-Sync ones, have specific needs, like lower refresh rates over HDMI connections. Check the manual or the manufacturer’s site to know these details.
Pro tip: 16:10 vs 16:9 Aspect Ratio for Gaming: Which is Better?
Impact of a Dual Monitor Setup on Refresh Rates
Using two monitors can be tricky if you want one of them to hit 240Hz. The problem often comes from how your computer’s graphics are set up, especially with laptops.
Many laptops have their high-speed outputs hooked up to the integrated GPU, not the fancy dedicated one. This means you might be stuck with the integrated GPU’s limits, like only going up to 144Hz, even though your dedicated GPU can do more.
Linked issue: Second Monitor Keeps Flashing or Going Black Randomly
Finding a fix can be tough. Sometimes you can change settings in the BIOS to pick which GPU your external monitors use, but not all laptops let you do this.
Another idea is using special docking stations or external GPU boxes that connect with something like Thunderbolt 3. They might help get around these limits, but they’re pricey and not a sure thing.
Even if your laptop can technically do 240Hz, software or driver issues could still hold you back. Sometimes updates or tweaks can help, but not always.
Getting a monitor to run at 240Hz with a dual monitor setup on a laptop can be tricky. You need to really know your stuff about your GPU and what fixes you can try.
