Most gamers are familiar with the technique of overclocking a GPU and CPU, but most do not know that monitors can be overclocked too. Yes, bet you did not know that. Here’s how to do it.

Overclocking a monitor achieves the same goal as overclocking your CPU: a boost in speed. It entails going over and above the default frame rate (refresh rate in general), which means it can render more images on the display per second. It isn’t an absolutely necessary action to do, however, that doesn’t suggest that it isn’t a clever technique or that anyone shouldn’t be doing it.

So what is the refresh rate? Refresh rate basically refers to the number of times an image is regenerated per second on a screen, in order to avoid jitter when viewed by a human eye. For instance, a 60hz display refreshes its image content 60 times per second; 120 times per second in a 120hz capable monitor similarly. The smoother your visuals transition, the quicker the refresh rate.

As long as the overall computer system can manage the modification, an overclocked display with a faster sampling rate may show visuals quicker and more fluidly. Overclocking a display from 60 Hz to 120 Hz, for example, implies that the display is twice as smooth as it initially was.

Can You Overclock a Monitor?

Every monitor found in the market can be overclocked. However, whether or not can raise the frame rate is determined by the type of display you have. Even inside comparable displays, the screens are not treated similarly. On one computer, you may see reports of large rises for some, but others may not be that fortunate.

Overclocking a monitor is a rather simple procedure. You may either use Custom Resolution Utility, a third-party utility, or you have the option to use NVIDIA, Intel, or AMD tools. Let’s talk about some of the options.

Before we get into overclocking a display, keep in mind that tinkering with the system to make it perform at parameters higher than what it was meant for, might invalidate its contract (guarantee and warranty).

An overclocked monitor normally performs significantly better, however, there is a possibility that overclocking will have a detrimental influence on operations. Since you’re driving the GPU to go above its limitations, if the refresh level is more than what your display can support, you may have difficulties like frame stuttering or a totally black display.

However, if you feel that it is worth overclocking your panel prior to buying a new one and choose to do so at your sole risk, go ahead.

Custom Resolution Utility (CRU)

Overclocking your monitor using CRU is an ancient approach that may or may not work with every GPU or Intel integrated graphics. Nonetheless, it appears to operate fine with AMD GPU. After installation is complete, open the CRU tool application. The homepage will provide you with two options standard resolutions and detailed resolutions.

Select the detailed resolution option and click the ‘add’ option. Then, select Automatic (PC), under the TIming drop-down menu, if you’re using a standard LCD monitor or click on the Automatic (HDTV) if your display panel is a TV. After that, you can input the refresh rate you want in the Refresh rate box and click the OK button.

After a quick restart, the changes will be applied to your monitor. Allow a few moments before Windows automatically eventually returns to your original refresh rate if the display turns dark or is screwed up. This indicates that the modification has gone too far with the overclocking. If everything seems good, go back to CRU and edit your account.

How to Overclock Monitor (NVIDIA)

One can use the Nvidia Control Panel to customize your display and frame rates if they have an Nvidia GPU. Here’s a step-by-step procedure on how to overclock using the NVIDIA tool.

Select Change Resolution from the Display menu.
Select Customize.
Select Create Custom Resolution after checking Enable Resolutions Not Exposed by the Display.
In the Refresh Rate box, type the refresh rate you want.
Select Test.
After selecting your new account, change the sampling (refresh) rate in the drop-down menu.
Click the Apply button.

How to Overclock Monitor (AMD)

If you have an AMD graphics card, go to the Radeon settings and select “Create” from the menu beside “Custom Resolutions.” Regardless of whether you have AMD or Nvidia, users must only adjust their frame rate in 5Hz intervals. Raise till the connection is dropped and the display goes back to a framerate that the screen can handle, then raise it in 1Hz intervals to maximize the frame rate.

Although overclocking makes the experience smoother and more fluid, it comes at a cost.