Tech Talk: Refresh Rates

4K OLED, 144hz, FPS, 240hz, what does it all mean? Do you need resolution (high res) or do you need refresh rates? Until recently, you would be told that the only way to edit video or use graphic intensive programs was to buy a gaming computer. Gaming computers are awesome, but what if you want something a little more sleek? Or what if you love gaming, but need more portability? It's exciting times in the portable computing space with individual use being more catered to than ever before. Unless none of it makes sense, that's why we're translating the tech talk here on The Notebook to help you make the very best choice for your needs.

Let's Talk Gaming: FPS vs Refresh

FPS stands for frames per second, the FPS rate is decided on by the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) and the Central Processing Unit (CPU), it's an internal operation. Refresh rates are calculated in Hz and determine how many times the display (screen) can redraw the images in one second. So, a 144hz panel can redraw the screen 144 times in one second. Basically like a really fast flip book, the screen refresh rate helps you do real time/realistic movements with the illusion of movement. However, just because a laptop has a 144hz display panel, if it doesn't have the GPU power to generate the frames per second then you're just not going to get the use out of that high refresh rate of the panel.

When laptop manufacturers brag about their high refresh screens, but don't pair up the GPU/CPU with enough power, it won't matter how great the screen is. Likewise, you can have the biggest baddest GPU ever and if you don't have the right display panel, it's amazing capacity just won't be revealed.

When a deal isn't a deal

If you do a quick search on Amazon for gaming laptops you'll see a lot of brands pairing up lower performing GPUs (1650, 1060) with 120hz display panels. The price point ranges between $999 - $1300, but are they really a deal? If you're looking for performance refresh rate wise, the answer is no. Remember, if you have a less powerful GPU it just can generate the images fast enough to take advantage of an FHD display panel.

When a deal is a deal

GIGABYTE Notebooks is the only notebook manufacturer to use all premium components in it's notebooks. In fact, we don't just use premium components we insure stable, high performance game play by calibrating each unit for optimum performance. Obviously it depends on the specs and the desired usage for the individual unit, but when we compare GIGABYTE Notebooks budget friendly AORUS 5 and AORUS 7 to the competing models by other brands you find the difference in performance.

You can find the latest deals on AORUS 5 and 7 Notebooks direct from the GIGABYTE Notebook USA Store. Click here to discover which model suits your gameplay.

Everyone uses tech, but not everyone understands it, that's why GIGABYTE Notebooks is dedicated to helping you make the best choice for your needs. Tech Talk articles are our way of walking you through understanding all the different terms and "specs" so that you can secure in your investment of a new laptop.

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