Resolving Monitor Refresh Rate Issues: A Guide for Laptop Users

If you’re experiencing difficulties in achieving the desired refresh rate when connecting your laptop to an external monitor, you’re not alone. Let’s dive into the specifics of a common issue faced by many users attempting to enhance their gaming experience with a higher refresh rate display.

The Setup

In this case, we have an HP Pavilion 15-cs1504sa laptop. Despite its internal display being limited to 60Hz, many gamers can push frame rates beyond that threshold, peaking at around 100 frames per second (FPS) while playing various games. However, connecting this laptop to an external monitor can lead to some frustrating limitations.

The monitor in question is the Asus VG248QE, a popular choice among gamers due to its 144Hz refresh rate capability. The problem arises when attempting to achieve that higher refresh rate while using an HDMI connection. Unfortunately, many users find that the display settings only allow for a maximum of 60Hz.

The Challenge

When the laptop is connected to the Asus VG248QE via HDMI, the expected options for display settings don’t reflect the monitor’s true capabilities. This can leave users puzzled and eager for a solution to utilize the full potential of their monitor.

Finding Solutions

So, how can you unlock that higher refresh rate? Here are several strategies to consider:

1. Check the HDMI Port Version: Ensure that both the monitor and the laptop are using HDMI ports that support higher refresh rates. Some older HDMI versions may not be capable of transmitting a 144Hz signal.

2. Use a DisplayPort Connection: If your laptop supports DisplayPort (either through USB-C or a dedicated connector), consider using it instead of HDMI. DisplayPort connections generally handle higher refresh rates better than HDMI in many setups.

3. Adjust Display Settings: Navigate to the display settings on your laptop. Look for advanced settings where you can manually set the refresh rate for your external monitor. You might need to access the display adapter properties to make these adjustments.

4. Update Drivers: Outdated graphics drivers can also pose problems. Ensure you have the latest drivers installed for your graphics card, as this might fix compatibility issues and allow access to higher refresh rates.

5. Monitor Settings: Double-check the settings on your Asus VG248QE monitor itself. Sometimes, the monitor needs to be configured to prioritize higher refresh rates.

6. Game Settings: Lastly, optimize