Solve the Mystery: Why Is My 144Hz Monitor Capped at 60Hz on PS5?

Are you experiencing frustrating lag and stuttering while playing your favorite PS5 games on your 144Hz monitor? You’re not alone. Many gamers have encountered this issue, leaving them wondering why their high refresh rate monitor isn’t delivering the buttery smooth gameplay it promises. This blog post will delve into the reasons behind this frustrating limitation and provide you with solutions to unlock the full potential of your 144Hz monitor on your PS5.

Understanding the Limitation: Why 144Hz Isn’t Always Possible

The PS5, while a powerhouse console, has limitations when it comes to outputting high refresh rates. Here’s why your 144Hz monitor might be stuck at 60Hz:
1. HDMI 2.0 Bandwidth: The PS5 uses HDMI 2.0, which has a bandwidth limit of 18 Gbps. While this is sufficient for 4K resolution at 60Hz, it falls short of the bandwidth required for 4K at 120Hz or 144Hz.
2. Game Support: Not all PS5 games support 120Hz or 144Hz refresh rates. Even if your monitor and console are technically capable, the game itself needs to be optimized for it.
3. Display Settings: Your monitor’s settings might be limiting the refresh rate. Incorrect configurations can prevent the PS5 from recognizing and utilizing the full potential of your 144Hz display.

Troubleshooting Steps: Getting Your 144Hz Monitor Working

Now that we understand the potential roadblocks, let’s explore troubleshooting steps to get your 144Hz monitor running at its optimal refresh rate:
1. Check Your Cable: Ensure you’re using a high-quality HDMI 2.1 cable. HDMI 2.0 cables, while sufficient for 4K at 60Hz, lack the bandwidth needed for higher refresh rates. A certified HDMI 2.1 cable will guarantee the necessary bandwidth for 120Hz or 144Hz output.
2. Verify Game Compatibility: Not all PS5 games support 120Hz or 144Hz refresh rates. Check the game’s official website or in-game settings to see if it offers high refresh rate options.
3. Configure Your Monitor Settings:

• Refresh Rate: Make sure your monitor’s refresh rate is set to 144Hz in the display settings.
• Resolution: Select the correct resolution for your monitor (usually 1920×1080 or 3840×2160).
• HDMI Mode: Some monitors have HDMI modes. Select the highest mode supported by your monitor (usually HDMI Enhanced).

4. Adjust PS5 Settings:

• Video Output: Go to Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output.
• Refresh Rate: Select “120Hz” or “144Hz” if available.
• Resolution: Set the resolution to match your monitor’s native resolution.

5. Check for Software Updates: Ensure your PS5 console and monitor drivers are up to date. Software updates often include performance enhancements and bug fixes that can resolve compatibility issues.

Alternative Solutions: Embracing Workarounds

If you’re still unable to achieve 144Hz refresh rates, consider these alternative solutions:
1. Lower Resolution: If a game doesn’t support 144Hz at 4K, try lowering the resolution to 1080p. This can reduce the bandwidth requirements and allow for higher refresh rates.
2. Enable VRR (Variable Refresh Rate): VRR technology helps eliminate screen tearing and stuttering by synchronizing the refresh rate of your monitor with the output of the PS5. If your monitor and game support VRR, enabling it can significantly improve your gaming experience.
3. External Capture Card: A capture card can be used to bypass the PS5’s HDMI limitations. Connect the PS5 to the capture card, then connect the capture card to your monitor. This allows you to utilize the full potential of your 144Hz monitor.

The Final Word: Unlocking the Full Potential of Your Setup

While achieving 144Hz refresh rates on a PS5 can be challenging, it’s not impossible. By carefully reviewing your setup, troubleshooting potential issues, and exploring alternative solutions, you can unlock the full potential of your 144Hz monitor and enjoy a smoother, more immersive gaming experience.

Basics You Wanted To Know

1. Does the PS5 support 144Hz output?
The PS5 itself doesn’t natively support 144Hz output. Its HDMI 2.0 port only allows for a maximum of 120Hz refresh rate at 4K resolution.
2. Can I use a DisplayPort cable to achieve 144Hz?
The PS5 lacks a DisplayPort output. HDMI remains the primary video output option for the console.
3. What are the best PS5 games that support 120Hz or 144Hz?
Several PS5 games support 120Hz or 144Hz refresh rates, including “Demon’s Souls,” “Returnal,” “Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart,” and “Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales.”
4. Is there a difference between 120Hz and 144Hz?
Yes, 144Hz offers a smoother and more responsive gaming experience than 120Hz, as it refreshes the screen 24 times per second more.
5. Will future PS5 updates address the 144Hz limitation?
While Sony has not publicly announced any plans to address the 144Hz limitation, it’s possible that future updates could enhance the PS5’s video output capabilities.