iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Set the monitor’s highest supported refresh rate in Windows first, then select the same mode in each game. In Windows 11 or Windows 10, open Settings > System > Display > Advanced display, choose the gaming monitor, and select the highest rate shown for the resolution you want. If that rate is missing, the monitor’s input, cable, GPU output, resolution, driver, or on-screen display setting is limiting the modes Windows can see.
Refresh rate (Hz) is how often the panel can update; frame rate (FPS) is how many frames the game and GPU produce. A 240 Hz monitor does not make a game render 240 unique frames, and a high FPS counter does not prove that the panel is refreshing at that rate. Configure both settings and verify them independently.
What the highest refresh rate actually changes
A monitor’s refresh rate is measured in hertz. A 60 Hz panel has an opportunity to update 60 times per second; 144 Hz, 165 Hz, and 240 Hz provide progressively more frequent updates when the computer can deliver frames quickly enough. Higher refresh can make cursor movement, camera pans, and fast competitive play look clearer and feel more immediate, but it does not improve image quality by itself and cannot create frames that the game never renders.
Frame rate and refresh rate are separate limits. If a game produces 95 FPS on a 165 Hz display, the monitor cannot show 165 distinct game frames per second. Variable refresh rate (VRR) technologies such as Adaptive-Sync, FreeSync, and G-SYNC can synchronize the panel’s timing to the delivered frame rate within the monitor’s supported VRR range. VRR can reduce tearing and stutter, but it does not raise the panel’s physical maximum.
#1 Best Overall
- [VESA Certified DP to DP Cable 1.4] This 8K DisplayPort Cable 1.4(NOT HDMI) is officially certified by VESA Association; iVANKY 8K DP Cable supports high resolutions 8K(7680x4320)@60Hz, 5K@60Hz, 4K@240Hz, 2K@240Hz, 1080P@240Hz and Dynamic HDR and HDCP 2.2; Backwards compatible with DisplayPort 1.3/1.2/1.1, etc; It also works fully with FreeSync and G-Sync; NOT compatible with HDMI / Mini DP
- [Enhanced Gaming Experience] The DisplayPort 1.4 Cable provides higher bandwidth, HBR3 supports 32.4 Gbps of bandwidth; High refresh rate and high resolution, Maximize the performance of your graphics card and monitor, to allow you to clearly perceive the movement of enemies; No motion blur, screen tearing or flickering; Dynamic HDR can optimize the game's dark picture and enhance the details, especially in FPS, 3A masterpieces and MOBA games
- [Anti-Interference & Ultra Durability] Our Display Port cable 1.4, crafted from 30AWG tinned copper, offers more flexibility and a slimmer profile than 28AWG cables, and helps reduce signal loss; It features a Nylon Braided jacket that can withstand over 28,000+ bends, ensuring long-term reliability; The 24K Gold Plated connectors enhance durability and heat dissipation for stable signal transmission; The Latch-free design prevents damage to your equipment when disconnecting
- [Wide Compatibility] This DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable 1.4+ can be directly connected from DisplayPort-equipped desktop/laptop to monitor; Compatible with Odyssey G7 G9 CHG90 CRG9, Ben Q, Dell, HP, Acer, iiyama, Alienware monitors and others; Supports DP, DP++, and DisplayPort++; Suitable for Graphics cards and monitors with Displayport ports; Do not use extensions or adapters, signal conversion will reduce the performance
- [iVANKY's Customer Support] You'll receive 1 pack 8K DP Cable 6ft, along with our friendly support team ready to help within 24 hours; Each iVANKY cable undergoes meticulous testing to ensure it meets the highest quality standards; We also provide expert technical support to all our customers; Additionally, you can enjoy conditional customer support for up to 54 months
Check the monitor and connection before changing Windows
Windows can list only the modes exposed by the selected display. Start with the monitor’s manual or specification sheet and confirm the maximum refresh rate at the exact resolution you intend to use. A display may advertise 240 Hz at 1920×1080 but offer a lower maximum at 2560×1440 or 4K. Some models require an on-screen-display (OSD) option such as Overclock, Adaptive-Sync, FreeSync, or G-SYNC Compatible before a mode appears.
| Check | What to confirm | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Monitor specification | Maximum Hz at your chosen resolution | The headline refresh rate may apply only to one resolution or an optional mode. |
| Monitor input | Which DisplayPort or HDMI input supports that combination | Different inputs on the same monitor can expose different bandwidth and VRR capabilities. |
| GPU output | The cable is connected to the discrete GPU, not the motherboard video output, when a discrete GPU is installed | The motherboard connector may be driven by integrated graphics or expose fewer modes. |
| Cable | A properly specified DisplayPort or HDMI cable for the required resolution and refresh rate | An uncertain or inadequate cable can prevent the monitor from advertising the desired mode. |
| OSD settings | Documented high-refresh, Overclock, Adaptive-Sync, FreeSync, or G-SYNC Compatible switches | The monitor may hide high-refresh modes until its own feature is enabled. |
Enable only OSD features documented for your model. If an Overclock mode is optional, apply it only after confirming that the monitor maker supports the target setting; do not force an arbitrary timing simply to make a number appear.
Set the highest available rate in Windows 11 or Windows 10
- Open Start > Settings > System > Display.
- Scroll to the display section and select Advanced display.
- If more than one monitor is connected, choose the gaming monitor from the display selector. Recheck this selection whenever you troubleshoot a missing rate; changing the wrong display will not affect the gaming panel.
- At the refresh-rate control, choose the highest value shown for the resolution you plan to play.
- Accept the confirmation prompt if Windows displays one, then leave Advanced display open long enough to verify the current resolution and refresh rate.
The menu is limited to modes the selected display supports. Microsoft describes the list this way: “The refresh rates that appear depend on your display and what it supports.” A rate marked with an asterisk may change the current resolution. Read the resolution shown beside the rate before accepting it; a nominally higher number is not an improvement if Windows silently moves you to an unwanted resolution.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Windows 10 uses the same general route: Start > Settings > System > Display > Advanced display settings, followed by the display adapter properties link if the refresh-rate selector is not shown directly. The exact wording can vary by Windows update, but the objective is unchanged: select the correct monitor and a supported rate at the intended resolution.
If the target rate is not in the list, do not create a custom timing or force an unsupported mode as a first step. Continue with the connection and troubleshooting checks below.
Rank #2
- VESA Certified DP Cable 1.4: This 8K Displayport 1.4 Cable is officially certified by VESA Association; It supports 8K@60Hz, 5K@60Hz, 4K@144Hz, 2K@240Hz and HDCP 2.2/1.4. Display port 1.4 cable is more flexible and slimmer than 30AWG tinned copper, can directly be connected from DisplayPort equipped desktop/laptop to monitor
- Ultimate Gaming Experience: High refresh rates of 4K@144Hz and 2K@165Hz enable crystal-clear enemy tracking with zero frame drops. Dynamic HDR optimizes dark scenes and enhances visual details, delivering tactical advantages in FPS games and immersion in AAA masterpieces
- Wide Compatibility: The DisplayPort cable is compatible with all graphics cards and monitors equipped with DisplayPort ports. It works seamlessly with gaming monitors such as BenQ, Alienware, ASUS ROG, LG Ultragear, Acer Nitro, GIGABYTE, and more. It also supports popular graphics cards, including the RTX 5090/5080/5070Ti/4090/4080/4070Ti/3090/3080 Ti, AMD 7900XTX/7900 XT, and others. Please avoid using extensions or adapters, as signal conversion may reduce performance.
- Advanced Technology: The cable delivers enhanced 32.4 Gbps bandwidth via HBR3, featuring multiple shielding layers and 24K gold-plated connectors. Supports Display Stream Compression 1.2 (DSC), FEC error correction, 32-channel audio, plug & play functionality, and Mirror/Extended Modes
- Multi-functional Support: The 8K DisplayPort cable supports video resolutions up to 8K@60Hz and transmits HD audio and video from computer to display, ideal for video streaming and gaming. It is also backward compatible with DP 1.3/1.2/1.1
Configure the GPU control panel
NVIDIA graphics
- Open NVIDIA Control Panel.
- Choose Display > Change resolution.
- Select the gaming monitor, select the desired resolution, and choose the highest refresh rate listed for that mode.
- Apply the change, then return to Windows Advanced display to confirm that both interfaces show the same rate.
NVIDIA notes that a VRR-capable display can be set automatically to its highest rate when VRR is enabled. The control panel and Windows still need to expose the mode through the actual cable and port; enabling a driver option cannot overcome a bandwidth or monitor limitation.
G-SYNC or G-SYNC Compatible displays
- In NVIDIA Control Panel, open Display > Set up G-SYNC.
- Enable G-SYNC or G-SYNC Compatible and select the display you want to use.
- Open Manage 3D settings and set Monitor Technology to G-SYNC or G-SYNC Compatible as appropriate.
- Return to Display > Change resolution and confirm the highest available refresh rate is selected.
G-SYNC matches the monitor’s refresh timing to the GPU’s frame rate, which can reduce tearing and stutter. It remains separate from the fixed maximum rate: a display configured for 165 Hz still has a 165 Hz ceiling even when G-SYNC is active.
AMD and Intel graphics
Use the current AMD or Intel graphics application only to select modes it actually exposes for the connected display. Keep the Windows rate, the driver-panel rate, and the game’s display mode aligned rather than creating conflicting custom values. Intel’s Dynamic Refresh Rate Switching is a separate power-saving feature with specific embedded-DisplayPort hardware limits; it is not a universal method for unlocking a higher gaming-monitor refresh rate.
Select the rate inside each game
- Launch the game and open its Video, Display, or Graphics menu.
- Choose the same resolution and the highest refresh rate the game lists.
- Select Fullscreen if the title provides a dedicated fullscreen mode and you want the game to control the display mode directly. Use Borderless when you prefer faster switching to other windows or the game handles it more reliably.
- Apply the settings and restart the game if it requests a restart.
- Use the game’s refresh-rate readout or a trusted display/driver overlay to verify the active mode. Treat an FPS counter as a rendering measurement, not proof of panel refresh.
Some games hide the refresh selector when they use the desktop mode, while others list only modes supported by the current Windows setting. If the game offers an uncapped or high-frame-rate option, enable it only when your GPU, cooling, and frame-time behavior can sustain the resulting load. A frame cap slightly below the monitor’s maximum can be useful with VRR, but the appropriate value depends on the game and VRR implementation; it does not change the monitor’s maximum setting.
Windows 11 features that can affect gaming refresh
Dynamic Refresh Rate (DRR)
Windows 11 Dynamic Refresh Rate requires VRR-capable hardware and at least a 120 Hz display. It is designed to vary refresh behavior for power savings and responsiveness. Microsoft warns that DRR should not affect games designed for VRR, but it can limit the maximum refresh rate of games that are not designed for VRR. If a game unexpectedly runs below the rate selected in Advanced display, temporarily disable DRR, relaunch the game, and test again. Re-enable it when you have confirmed that the title behaves correctly.
Rank #3
![UGREEN 16K 6.6FT [VESA Certified] DisplayPort Cable 2.1 54Gbps | Support 8K@240Hz 1080P@540Hz HDR, HDCP, DSC 1.2a, Braided Display Port Cord Compatible FreeSync G-Sync Video Card Monitor](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41GX3qmh3QL._SL160_.jpg)
- Cutting Edge 16K DisplayPort Cable: UGREEN16K DisplayPort cable 2.1 supports high resolutions 16K@30Hz, 8K@240Hz, 4K@240Hz, 1080P@540Hz. And backward compatible with Display Port 1.4 1.3, 1.2. Single-screen video output of 16K@30Hz (DSC 1.2a), and dual-screen supported. The DP to DP cable also supports HDR, HDCP 2.2, FEC forward error correction and UHBR10 which ensure your immersive viewing experience. (Note: 20-pin is disabled with no power. No need to worry about the 20-pin issues.)
- VESA Certified 54Gbps DP Cable 2.1: This Display Port 2.1/2.0 cable features an unprecedented bandwidth of 54Gbps, nearly 3 times what was available in the previous DP 1.4 spec. Stable and high-speed transmission without signal loss. The DisplayPort cable also backward compatible with previous DP 1.4 and DP 1.2 standards. The monitor cable meets the VESA Standard and supports 3D&HDR and Dolby&eARC to provide you with amazing sound and image quality
- Optimized for Game Enthusiasts: The DP cable 2.1 is highly recommended for game setups as it works well with game monitors and graphics cards, delivering high-quality video and audio signals with no lag or interference. It supports FreeSync and G-Sync, which are essential for gaming. You can easily connect multiple monitors with Multi-Stream Transport (MST). Variable refresh rate (VRR) and auto low latency mode (ALLM) bring you smoother game experience especially in FPS, 3A and MOBA games
- Ultra Durability: UGREEN DisplayPort cable port with no buckle design can prevent accidental damage. DP cable 2.1 is made of 28AWG tinned copper and tinplate which features triple shielding and resistance with EMI. Aluminum alloy housing is resistant to rust and can accelerate heat dissipation. The Display Port cord has a strong nylon braided jacket, which is 10X more durable than PVC. It can provide higher connectivity and longer service life for better signal transmission
- Wide Compatibility: UGREEN 16K@30Hz DP cable is compatible with all devices with DP ports, compatible with Valve Steam Machine, Nvidia RTX 5090/RTX 5080/RTX 3090/RTX 4090/RTX 4080ti/RTX 5070ti/RTX 5050 graphics cards, and AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT/RX 6900 XT/RX 7900 XT/RX 9060 XT graphics cards, and Odyssey G8/G9, Ben Q, Alienware, LG Ultragear monitors, HDTV, Fire TV, computer and others. Support DP, DP++ modes, backward compatible 2.0/1.4/1.3/1.2
DRR is not the same as selecting 120, 144, 165, or 240 Hz. It is a Windows policy that may change refresh behavior dynamically; the fixed mode you select remains the starting capability exposed by the monitor and connection.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsOptimizations for windowed games
Windows 11 includes Optimizations for windowed games for compatible DirectX 10 and DirectX 11 games running in windowed or borderless-windowed modes. It transitions supported titles to flip-model presentation and can enable VRR on compatible displays.
- Open Settings > System > Display > Graphics.
- Turn on Optimizations for windowed games.
- Restart the affected game; the change may not apply to a process that was already running.
This setting improves presentation behavior for qualifying games; it does not make an unsupported monitor, cable, or GPU expose a higher physical refresh rate.
Why 144 Hz, 165 Hz, or 240 Hz may be missing
The wrong monitor is selected
Return to Settings > System > Display > Advanced display and select the gaming monitor explicitly. Multi-monitor systems can leave a secondary 60 Hz display selected, making its lower mode list appear to be the limit.
The rate exists only at another resolution
Check every resolution in the monitor’s supported specification and the Windows list. An asterisk beside a refresh rate indicates that Windows may change the current resolution. If 165 Hz appears only at 1920×1080 while 144 Hz is available at 2560×1440, that is a resolution-bandwidth trade-off, not a Windows error.
Rank #4
- IN THE BOX: 6-foot 8K DisplayPort to DisplayPort 1.4 cable
- CONVENIENT: Connects the latest computers and monitors for expanded workspace and multi-monitor configurations
- VIDEO RESOLUTION: Up to 8K (7680x4320) plus 4K Ultra HD (3840x2160 @ 60Hz); Dynamic HDR and 3D
- AUDIO: Crystal clear audio pass-through for uncompressed digital 7.1, 5.1 or 2 channel sound; up to 1536kHz audio sample frequency
- SUPPORTS: High bandwidth HBR3, 32.4 Gbps bandwidth, DSC 1.2 display stream compression, FEC forward error correction, and 32 audio channels
The monitor OSD feature is disabled
Open the monitor’s OSD and inspect its documented Adaptive-Sync, FreeSync, G-SYNC Compatible, or high-refresh/Overclock controls. Enable the required feature, power-cycle the monitor if the manual instructs you to do so, and check Advanced display again. Do not enable undocumented factory or service-menu timings.
The port or cable cannot carry the mode
Try the input and GPU output specified by the monitor maker. NVIDIA documents DisplayPort as the connection used for VESA Adaptive-Sync on supported GeForce setups and describes HDMI 2.1 requirements for certain newer HDMI VRR configurations. Those capabilities depend on the monitor, GPU generation, port implementation, and cable together. Replace an uncertain cable with a properly specified DisplayPort or HDMI cable matched to the target resolution and rate, then recheck the mode list.
Drivers or firmware are stale
Install the current graphics driver and, where the manufacturer provides one, the monitor firmware from the official support page. Restart the computer and monitor after installation, then repeat the Windows and game checks. A driver update may fix detection or compatibility, but it does not guarantee a particular refresh rate if the hardware combination cannot expose it.
The game is applying its own cap
Compare the game’s selected resolution and refresh rate with Windows Advanced display. Check for a separate frame-rate limit, battery-saving mode, vertical synchronization option, or launch profile that restores an older setting. Change one option at a time, apply it, and restart the title when requested. A frame-rate cap can reduce rendered FPS without changing the panel’s configured Hz.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
VRR is active but the rate appears lower
Confirm whether Windows 11 DRR is enabled and whether the game uses a presentation mode covered by Windows 11’s windowed-game optimization. Check the monitor’s reported input mode in its OSD and the GPU control panel’s VRR status. VRR synchronizes refresh to frame delivery within its range; it does not force the display to remain at its maximum during every workload.
Best Value
![Silkland 80Gbps DisplayPort Cable 2.1 [VESA Certified] 6.6FT/2M, DP80 HDR | 16K@60Hz, 8K@240Hz, 4K@540Hz 480Hz 360Hz 240Hz, DP to DP 2.1 Cable, DP80, DP1.4, HDR, DSC, HDCP 2.3, Gaming Monitor, 5090](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41ZU3eQbhEL._SL160_.jpg)
- 【VESA Certified DP80 Cable 2M】Silkland 6.6FT Display Port 2.1 Cable is the first VESA-certified DP80 cable on Amazon. With 80Gbps bandwidth, it supports uncompressed 4K@240Hz, 8K@60Hz and 2K@540Hz resolution. Up to 16K@60Hz, 8K@240Hz, 4K@960Hz 540Hz 480Hz 360Hz with DSC enabled. DP80 cable compatible with UHBR20, dynamic HDR10+, 3D, and HDCP 2.3 for superior visuals. Backward compatible with DP 2.0, and DP 1.4, and supports flawless 7.1/5.1/2.0 uncompressed audio pass-thru
- 【Born for gaming】16K DisplayPort cable is tailored for high-end gamers. Featureing VRR, FEC, ALLM and DSC 1.2a technologies for stable, seamless data transfer and smooth, uninterrupted visuals, no lag, tearing and flickering. MST technology allows multi-monitor setups to expand your gaming world. Dynamic HDR enhances dark scenes and details, while 32-bit audio and lossless surround sound pass-through, helping you spot enemies in FPS and AAA games
- 【Top-Notch Quality】Silkland DP cable has no latch. Plug and play. Features 24K gold-plated connectors for optimal signal quality and corrosion protection. Built with 28AWG tinned copper conductors and triple shielding for stable, high-speed transmission. Tinplate blocks electromagnetic interference and minimizes signal loss. DP to DP cable with nylon exterior is 10 times more durable than PVC, withstanding bending and wearing for long-lasting performance
- 【Wide Compatibility】Our DisplayPort to DisplayPort 2.1/2.0 cable is compatible with all devices featuring DP ports. It works seamlessly with gaming monitors like Odyssey G8/G9, CHG90, CRG9, BenQ, Alienware, ROG Swift, LG Ultragear, ASUS, Acer, GIGABYTE, and more. It also supports popular graphics cards, including the RTX 5090D/5080/5070Ti/5070/4090/4080/4070Ti/3090/3080 Ti/3070, AMD 7900XTX/7900 XT, and others. Works with DP, DisplayPort++, and supports G-Sync, FreeSync for better gaming. *Please ensure your device is equipped with a DisplayPort port. The product does not support connection via HDMI, USB or other ports.
- 【Services from Silkland】We take pride in delivering top-notch cables and exceptional customer service. We are committed to supporting you throughout your purchase journey with our monitor cables. We offer a 24-month service and provide technical support within 18 hours to resolve any issues you may encounter
Windows still does not list the target mode
At this point, the current monitor, port, GPU, cable, resolution, and driver combination is not exposing that timing. Use the highest supported mode Windows offers rather than forcing an unsupported custom mode. An unsupported timing can produce a blank screen, repeated signal loss, or instability and may require a safe-mode or alternate-display recovery.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to compare hardware when your current setup cannot reach the target
If you are replacing a monitor, GPU, or cable, compare the complete signal path rather than the refresh-rate label alone.
| Comparison axis | Questions to answer | Why it determines the result |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum rate at target resolution | Is 144, 165, or 240 Hz supported at the resolution you will actually use? | A maximum quoted for a lower resolution may not apply to your preferred mode. |
| VRR technology and range | Does the monitor support Adaptive-Sync, FreeSync, or G-SYNC Compatible, and over what frame-rate range? | VRR behavior depends on the supported range and GPU compatibility. |
| DisplayPort and HDMI implementation | Which physical inputs and GPU outputs support the desired mode and VRR feature? | Port labels alone do not guarantee identical capabilities across a monitor. |
| Cable requirement | Is the supplied or replacement cable specified for the required resolution and refresh? | The cable is part of the link budget; an unsuitable one can hide modes. |
| GPU compatibility | Can the GPU output the resolution and refresh simultaneously, with the desired VRR technology? | The monitor cannot display a mode the GPU output does not provide. |
| OSD overclock dependence | Is the advertised rate available normally, or only after enabling an OSD overclock? | An optional mode can have different support and stability expectations than a standard mode. |
These checks prevent a common mismatch: buying a monitor labeled 240 Hz while using a port, cable, resolution, or GPU output that exposes only 144 Hz.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →A repeatable verification checklist
- The monitor manual confirms the desired rate at the intended resolution.
- The cable is connected directly to the discrete GPU when one is installed.
- The monitor input and OSD features required for that mode are enabled.
- Windows Advanced display shows the intended monitor, resolution, and highest supported rate.
- The GPU control panel shows the same resolution and refresh rate.
- The game’s Video or Display menu uses the intended mode and does not apply an unwanted cap.
- VRR is enabled only when the monitor and GPU support the selected implementation.
- Windows 11 DRR is disabled during troubleshooting if a non-VRR game is capped unexpectedly.
- Windowed-game optimization is enabled and the game restarted when borderless presentation is preferred.
- Verification uses a refresh-rate readout or display overlay in addition to the game’s FPS counter.
When all three layers—Windows, the GPU control panel, and the game—agree, the system is configured to use the highest mode that the actual monitor-and-connection combination supports. If one layer offers less, treat that lower value as a compatibility signal and investigate the physical link or feature setting before forcing a custom mode.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
