Should I cap monitor refresh rate to 120hz if im only getting 120fps

[arshevizard]

Hi, I'm currently using MSI MAG271QPX QD-OLED E2 240 Hz however im only playing RPG games with max 120fps. Should I limit the the refresh rate or just set it to 240hz even though I'm not getting past 120fps

[kyube]

Hi, I'm currently using MSI MAG271QPX QD-OLED E2 240 Hz however im only playing RPG games with max 120fps. Should I limit the the refresh rate or just set it to 240hz even though I'm not getting past 120fps

That is absolutely unnecessary and counterintuitive.
When your refresh rate is set to 240hz and you display content which is 120fps, you're experiencing 120hz already!
But, with a catch. The scan-out (refresh rate) is much faster, thus giving you lower display latency.
(this is a rudimentary explanation with some important distinction skipped, refer to https://blurbusters.com/understanding-d ... eed-video/ for a more in-depth and exact explanation)

If you want to eliminate "tearing" (time-domain visual artifact caused due to mismatch between frametime and refresh rate in ms), you have two options:
- Enable VRR and cap to 5-10% from your refresh rate (or to whatever your content can achieve)
- DIsable VRR and cap to 120fps

The 2nd option might be more desirable in games whose erratic frametimes may cause visible flicker on OLED displays.
VRR applies something called QFT automatically, while normal operation does not (you'd have to make a higher VT resolution to emulate VRR's benefits on lower-than-native refresh rate)
Refer to this article to understand what QFT is: viewtopic.php?f=7&t=8946