Are There Gaming Laptops That Support 120Hz or Higher Refresh Rates?

 In the world of gaming laptops, refresh rate is one of the key factors that contribute to an immersive and smooth gaming experience. A higher refresh rate means that the screen can display more frames per second, which results in smoother motion and less screen tearing. For competitive gamers, or anyone who values a fluid and responsive gaming experience, a laptop with a 120Hz or higher refresh rate is a significant advantage.

In this blog, we'll explore gaming laptops that support 120Hz or higher refresh rates, helping you choose the best machine for your needs.

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What Is Refresh Rate and Why Is It Important for Gaming?

The refresh rate of a display is measured in Hertz (Hz) and represents how many times per second the image on your screen is refreshed. A 60Hz display updates the image 60 times per second, a 120Hz display refreshes 120 times per second, and so on. The higher the refresh rate, the smoother the gaming experience.

Why Is It Important for Gaming?

• Smoothness: A higher refresh rate results in smoother gameplay, especially in fast-paced games where quick reactions are crucial, such as in competitive shooters or action-packed titles.

• Competitive Advantage: Higher refresh rates allow you to spot enemies and react faster. A smooth display reduces motion blur and makes the game feel more responsive, giving you a competitive edge.

• Visual Comfort: Higher refresh rates reduce flickering and improve visual comfort, making the gaming experience more enjoyable, especially during long sessions.

Common Refresh Rate Thresholds

• 60Hz: Standard for most laptops and suitable for casual gaming.

• 120Hz: Provides a noticeable improvement in smoothness and responsiveness, suitable for mid-range gaming.

• 144Hz and 165Hz: Typically found in higher-end gaming laptops and offer superior fluidity, ideal for esports and competitive gaming.

• 240Hz and 300Hz: Premium refresh rates for professional-level gaming, though they require a powerful GPU to fully utilize.

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Best Gaming Laptops with 120Hz or Higher Refresh Rates

Now, let's dive into some of the best gaming laptops that support refresh rates of 120Hz or higher. These machines offer excellent performance for a smooth gaming experience and are designed to handle modern games with ease.

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1. ASUS ROG Strix G15

• Display: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) 144Hz

• Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 5800H

• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060

• RAM: 16GB DDR4

• Storage: 512GB SSD

Why It’s Great: The ASUS ROG Strix G15 is an excellent choice for gamers who demand a smooth experience. It comes equipped with a 144Hz display, making it a great option for fast-paced games, such as shooters or racing titles. The RTX 3060 GPU ensures that you can run most modern games at high settings while maintaining smooth, consistent frame rates.

Pros:

• High 144Hz refresh rate for fluid gameplay

• Powerful RTX 3060 graphics for demanding games

• Sleek design with great cooling

Cons:

• On the heavier side

• Battery life could be better under load

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2. Alienware m15 R6

• Display: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) 165Hz

• Processor: Intel Core i7-11800H

• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070

• RAM: 16GB DDR4

• Storage: 512GB SSD

Why It’s Great: Alienware is known for producing high-performance laptops, and the m15 R6 is no exception. Featuring a 165Hz refresh rate, this laptop ensures smooth, high-quality visuals during intense gaming sessions. Powered by an RTX 3070 GPU, it can handle graphically demanding games at high frame rates with ease.

Pros:

• Gorgeous 165Hz display for smooth gaming

• Excellent build quality and premium design

• Great cooling performance

Cons:

• Expensive compared to other options

• Battery life isn’t ideal when gaming heavily

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3. MSI GE66 Raider

• Display: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) 240Hz

• Processor: Intel Core i7-12700H

• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070

• RAM: 16GB DDR4

• Storage: 1TB SSD

Why It’s Great: The MSI GE66 Raider is a powerhouse designed for gamers who crave performance and smooth visuals. With its 240Hz refresh rate, it's perfect for fast-paced competitive gaming, especially in titles like Apex Legends, CS: GO, or Valorant. Its RTX 3070 GPU ensures that you get high frame rates at ultra settings without breaking a sweat.

Pros:

• Ultra-fast 240Hz display for esports-level gaming

• Fantastic GPU for ultra settings in modern games

• Solid build quality and impressive cooling

Cons:

• Quite bulky, less portable

• Can be noisy under load

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4. Razer Blade 15 Advanced

• Display: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) 360Hz

• Processor: Intel Core i7-11800H

• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080

• RAM: 16GB DDR4

• Storage: 1TB SSD

Why It’s Great: For gamers who want the best of the best, the Razer Blade 15 Advanced offers a 360Hz refresh rate for the ultimate in smoothness and responsiveness. It features top-tier components, including an RTX 3080 GPU, making it perfect for 4K gaming and VR, as well as competitive esports. This laptop is ideal for those who need the fastest possible response time in competitive games.

Pros:

• Exceptional 360Hz refresh rate for ultra-smooth gameplay

• Incredible RTX 3080 performance for high-end gaming

• Premium design with a sleek, slim profile

Cons:

• High price point

• Battery life can be short when gaming

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5. Acer Predator Helios 300

• Display: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) 144Hz

• Processor: Intel Core i7-11800H

• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060

• RAM: 16GB DDR4

• Storage: 512GB SSD

Why It’s Great: The Acer Predator Helios 300 is one of the best value-for-performance gaming laptops available. It comes with a 144Hz refresh rate, offering great smoothness for both casual and competitive gaming. Powered by an RTX 3060, it handles demanding games at 1080p with high settings without dropping below 60fps, even in the most intense moments.

Pros:

• Great value for a 144Hz refresh rate gaming laptop

• Solid performance with the RTX 3060 GPU

• Good thermal management for consistent performance

Cons:

• Battery life could be better

• The design may feel a bit bulky for some users

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Conclusion: Why You Should Opt for Higher Refresh Rates

Higher refresh rates like 120Hz, 144Hz, 165Hz, and 240Hz provide a significant improvement in the smoothness and responsiveness of gameplay, which is especially noticeable in fast-paced, action-heavy titles like first-person shooters and competitive games. Laptops equipped with these displays, such as the ASUS ROG Strix G15, Alienware m15 R6, and MSI GE66 Raider, cater to gamers who prioritize smooth gameplay and fast, fluid motion.

If you're serious about competitive gaming or want a laptop that can provide a premium, immersive experience, a high-refresh-rate laptop is a smart investment. However, make sure to pair these displays with a capable GPU, such as the RTX 3060 or RTX 3070, for the best performance and to avoid any bottlenecking.

Ultimately, choosing a gaming laptop with a 120Hz or higher refresh rate can elevate your gaming experience, providing smoother, more responsive visuals and a better overall performance for both casual and competitive players.