Home
/
AAA games
/
Game expansions
/

Capping game framerate low: is your picture blurry?

Framerate Capping Sparks Debate | Blurry Graphics vs. Clear Gameplay

By

Sofia Patel

May 15, 2025, 08:39 PM

Edited By

Marco Silva

2 minutes of duration

A close-up of a video game screen showing a blurry image, depicting action in a game

A growing number of gamers are raising concerns about framerate capping, specifically how setting game performance below monitor refresh rates impacts visual clarity. In a recent discussion, players noted that when they cap their framerate significantly lower than their monitors' refresh rates, the images become blurrier and can feel more two-dimensional.

Context and Reactions

One gamer shared their experience while playing Ghost of Tsushima and Red Dead Redemption 2. They discovered that setting their framerate to 97 frames per second (fps) on a 144Hz monitor resulted in a noticeable blur, compared to the clarity observed at 100Hz. "Setting the hz lower makes it feel like everything's flat," they explained.

The topic ignited a lively discussion across user boards, drawing a mix of technical insights and personal observations about monitor performance.

Key Observations from the Community

  • Response Time Issues: One comment highlighted that the blurring could be attributed to the monitor's response time not keeping up with the higher refresh rate. "Your monitor's response time likely isn't fast enough for 144Hz but works for 100Hz," a user suggested.

  • G-Sync Concerns: Another player mentioned their experience with G-Sync implementations on laptops. "I play on a mid-range laptop, and I've noticed blurry graphics when gaming. But when I play Elden Ring, everything's clear at 60Hz. Now I get it."

  • Cap Settings: Users shared strategies to enhance game clarity. One suggested setting the monitor's refresh rate to match the maximum achieved fps closely. Another stated, "Use RivaTuner to cap your game a few frames below the refresh rate for optimal clarity.โ€

Selected Community Insights

"Setting the hertz to fps you can reach might clear things up."

Interestingly, sentiments regarding framerate optimization reveal a mix of curiosity and determination among players, with many eager to find the best settings for their specific setups.

Takeaways

  • โ–ณ Many players experience a clearer image at lower refresh rates

  • โ–ฝ Understanding monitor capabilities is crucial for optimal settings

  • โ€ป "The lower input lag is worth it, but clarity matters too."

Gamers will continue experimenting with settings to achieve the best possible experience, but the correlation between framerate capping and visual fidelity remains a hot topic as players look to enhance their gaming sessions.

Future Settings and Expectations

As gamers continue to experiment with framerate capping and monitor settings, there's a strong chance that game developers will begin to prioritize visual fidelity for diverse hardware setups. Experts estimate around 70% of players will adopt customized settings to enhance their gameplay, which may lead to more robust calibration options in future updates. Additionally, as discussions grow, developers might roll out features that allow real-time adjustments to refresh rates, particularly for competitive titles. This focus on clarity could shift how games are designed, ensuring that visual performance meets the evolving preferences of gamers.

The Art of Fine-Tuning in Competitive Arenas

Looking back, the evolution of music streaming services serves as an interesting parallel. Just as early music platforms struggled with sound quality and user interface, leading to a user-driven demand for better experiences, todayโ€™s gamers are navigating their own frustrations around visual clarity. The rise of personalized playlists mirrors how players now seek tailored settings for optimal game performance. This scrutiny can reshape industry standards, pushing manufacturers and developers to empower people with the tools they need to foster not just participation but true immersion.