How to Overclock your Monitor

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Boost your computer’s refresh rate with common graphics cards or CRU
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Do you want to get a higher frame rate on your computer monitor without having to buy an expensive gaming monitor? Having a higher frame rate can give you a competitive edge in online gaming. Plus it makes the motion look smoother. Luckily most monitors can be overclocked by at least a little. The amount you are able to overclock your monitor depends on the capabilities of your monitor. Your hardware may also affect how much you are able to overclock your monitor. You can overclock your monitor using the Nvidia, AMD, or Intel settings. You can also use a third-party tool called Custom Resolution Utility. This wikiHow article teaches you how to overclock your monitor.

Overclocking Your Monitor (Intel Graphics Card)

Right-click your desktop and click Intel Graphics Settings to open the Intel HD Graphics Control Panel. Click “Display.” Select “Custom Resolutions” in the left side panel. Change the refresh rate in increments of 5 to see what your monitor can handle. Click “Add” to apply each new refresh rate.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Using an Nvidia Graphics Card

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  1. To do so, simply right-click your desktop and click Nvidia Control Panel . Alternatively, you can click the Windows Start menu and type "Nvidia" and click the Nvidia Control Panel app.
  2. It's the first option below "Display" in the menu panel to the left.
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  3. It's the button at the bottom of the page. This displays a list of any custom displays that have been created. [1]
  4. It's the checkbox below the box that contains a list of custom displays. This allows you to set any resolutions and frame rates that are not part of the standards set by your monitor's manufacturer. [2]
  5. It's the button at the bottom of the pop-up panel. This displays a legal disclaimer.
  6. The legal disclaimer informs you that you are enabling a utility that allows you to operate your monitor outside the manufacturer's design specifications. Some of these features may cause damage to your monitor, computer or BIOS and/or void your warranty. Nvidia does not offer support for this utility, and you are using it at your own risk.
    • Is it safe to overclock your monitor? It's pretty rare that overclocking your monitor causes any permanent damage to your monitor or computer. However, it can reduce the life span of your monitor, as well as void your warranty.
  7. Use the box next to "Refresh Rate (Hz)" to enter a new custom refresh rate. The refresh rate corresponds to the number of frames per second. 60 Hz is equal to 60 frames per second.
    • It is recommended that you increase your refresh rate in increments of 5 and then test to see if your monitor can handle the refresh rate. If it can, increase it further. If it cannot, reduce the refresh rate by increments of 1 until you find the exact refresh rate your monitor is able to handle.
  8. It's in the lower-right corner. This tests to see if your monitor can handle the new refresh rate. [3]
    • If your monitor is able to handle the refresh rate, you will see a pop-up informing you the test was successful and asking if you want to save the custom display. If your monitor cannot handle the new refresh rate, your monitor will go blank for about 20 seconds before reverting back to the previous setting.
    • Generally, a 60 Hz monitor can push anywhere between 70 - 80 Hz.
  9. If the test was successful, you will see a pop-up asking if you want to save the resolution. Click Yes to save the resolution.
  10. You should see your new custom resolution in the list of custom resolutions. Ensure there is a checkmark next to your custom resolution and click Ok .
  11. Use the drop-down menu below "Refresh rate" to select your preferred refresh rate. It's in the "Change Resolution" menu in the Nvidia Control Panel. Then click Apply to apply the new refresh rate. [4]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Using an AMD Graphics Card

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  1. To do so, right-click your desktop and click AMD Radeon Settings . Alternatively, you can click the Windows Start menu and type "AMD". Then click the AMD Radeon Settings app.
    • Is it safe to overclock your monitor? It's pretty rare that overclocking your monitor causes any permanent damage to your monitor or computer. However, it can reduce the life span of your monitor, as well as void your warranty.
  2. It's the fourth tab at the top of the AMD Radeon Settings app. [5]
  3. It's the last option at the bottom of the menu. Click Create on the far right side. [6]
  4. Locate the box that says "Refresh Rate (Hz)" and enter a new refresh rate. Then click Save in the upper-right corner. The refresh rate corresponds to the number of frames per second. 60 Hz is equal to 60 frames per second.
    • It's recommended that you increase the refresh rate in increments of 5 and then test it to see if your monitor can handle the new refresh rate.
  5. To do so, simply right-click on your desktop and click Display Settings . Alternatively, you can use the following steps to open the Display Settings in your Windows Settings . [7]
    • Click the Windows Start icon.
    • Click the Gear/Settings icon.
    • Click System .
    • Click Display .
  6. It's near the bottom of the display menu. If you are using Windows 10, it's the small text that says "Advanced display settings". If you are using Windows 11, it's the large button that says "Advanced display."
  7. It's at the bottom of the menu. This opens the adaptor properties for your monitor.
    • On Windows 11, you can just use the drop-down menu next to "Refresh Rate" to select your preferred refresh rate.
  8. It's the second tab at the top of the Properties menu.
  9. Use the drop-down menu below "Screen refresh rate" to select your preferred refresh rate. [8]
  10. This applies the new refresh rate. If your monitor is able to handle the new refresh rate, it will continue on as normal, but with a higher refresh rate. If your monitor is not able to handle the new refresh rate, it will go black for about 20 seconds before reverting back to the previous settings.
    • If your monitor is not able to handle the new refresh rate, scale it back by just a little and try again. Figure out the exact frame rate your monitor is able to handle.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Using an Intel Graphics Card

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  1. To do so, right-click your desktop and click Intel Graphics Settings . Alternatively, you can click the Windows Start menu and type "Intel." Then click the Intel HD Graphics Control Panel app.
    • Is it safe to overclock your monitor? It's pretty rare that overclocking your monitor causes any permanent damage to your monitor or computer. However, it can reduce the life span of your monitor, as well as void your warranty.
  2. It's the first button on the right. It has an icon that resembles a laptop and a computer monitor.
  3. It's the last option in the panel to the left.
  4. Enter the new refresh rate in the box next to "Refresh rate." The refresh rate corresponds to the number of frames per second. 60 Hz is equal to 60 frames per second.
    • It is recommended that you increase the refresh rate by increments of 5 and test it to see what your monitor can handle.
  5. It's in the lower-right corner. This applies the new refresh rate. If your monitor is able to handle the refresh rate, it should change immediately. If it cannot handle the new refresh rate, your screen will go black for about 20 seconds before reverting back to the previous settings.
    • If your monitor cannot handle the new refresh rate, it is recommended that you dial it back in increments of 1 and try again to see exactly how many frames per second your monitor can handle.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Using Custom Resolution Utility

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  1. Custom Resolution Utility (CRU) is a third-party tool that allows you to create a custom resolution on nearly any Windows computer. Use the following steps to download CRU.
  2. It'll be in the location you extracted the ZIP file contents to. This opens CRU.
    • Is it safe to overclock your monitor? It's pretty rare that overclocking your monitor causes it any permanent damage to your monitor or computer. However, it can reduce the life span of your monitor, as well as void your warranty.
    • If you receive a message informing you that Windows Defender prevented you from running an unrecognized app because it might put your PC at risk, simply click More Info . Then click Run Anyway .
    • The first time you run CRU, you will be asked if you want to allow the program to make changes to your system. Click Yes to continue.
  3. This allows you to create a new custom resolution.
    • If you want to edit an existing custom resolution, click Edit instead.
  4. It's the first option below "Frequency." Enter a new refresh rate in the box next to "Refresh Rate." The refresh rate corresponds to the number of frames per second. 60 Hz is equal to 60 frames per second.
    • It's recommended that you increase the refresh rate in increments of 5 and then test it to see if your monitor can handle the new refresh rate.
  5. This saves the new custom resolution.
  6. To do so, click the new custom resolution to select it. Then click the up arrow below the list of resolutions to move it to the top. This makes the new custom resolution the priority resolution.
  7. To do so, click the "Restart64.exe" file in the folder you extracted the contents of the CRU ZIP file to. Your screen should blink a couple of times. This indicates your graphics drivers have been reset.
  8. To do so, simply right-click on your desktop and click Display Settings . Alternatively, you can use the following steps to open the Display Settings in your Windows Settings . [9]
    • Click the Windows Start icon.
    • Click the Gear/Settings icon.
    • Click System .
    • Click Display .
  9. It's near the bottom of the display menu. If you are using Windows 10, it's the small text that says "Advanced display settings". If you are using Windows 11, it's the large button that says "Advanced display."
  10. It's at the bottom of the menu. This opens the adaptor properties for your monitor.
    • On Windows 11, you can just use the drop-down menu next to "Refresh Rate" to select your preferred refresh rate.
  11. It's the second tab at the top of the Properties menu.
  12. Use the drop-down menu below "Screen refresh rate" to select your preferred refresh rate. [10]
  13. This applies the new refresh rate. If your monitor is able to handle the new refresh rate, it will continue on as normal. If your monitor is not able to handle the new refresh rate, it will go black for about 20 seconds before reverting back to the previous settings.
    • If your monitor is not able to handle the new refresh rate, scale it back by just a little and try again. Figure out the exact frame rate your monitor is able to handle.
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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about overclocking monitors, check out our in-depth interview with Luigi Oppido .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.nvidia.com/content/Control-Panel-Help/vLatest/en-us/mergedProjects/nvdsp/To_show_display_modes_not_supported_by_your_display.htm
      2. ↑ https://www.nvidia.com/content/Control-Panel-Help/vLatest/en-us/mergedProjects/nvdsp/To_show_display_modes_not_supported_by_your_display.htm
      3. ↑ https://www.nvidia.com/content/Control-Panel-Help/vLatest/en-us/mergedProjects/nvdsp/To_create_custom_timings_for_your_HDTV_display.htm
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/W0gQviUnzDE?t=280
      5. ↑ https://www.amd.com/en/resources/support-articles/faqs/DH3-032.html
      6. ↑ https://www.amd.com/en/resources/support-articles/faqs/DH3-032.html
      7. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/view-display-settings-in-windows-37f0e05e-98a9-474c-317a-e85422daa8bb
      8. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/change-the-refresh-rate-on-your-monitor-in-windows-c8ea729e-0678-015c-c415-f806f04aae5a
      9. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/view-display-settings-in-windows-37f0e05e-98a9-474c-317a-e85422daa8bb
      1. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/change-the-refresh-rate-on-your-monitor-in-windows-c8ea729e-0678-015c-c415-f806f04aae5a

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Navigate to https://www.monitortests.com/forum/Thread-Custom-Resolution-Utility-CRU .
      2. Download the CRU 1.5.1 zip file and extract it.
      3. Open the CRU app.
      4. Click Add below "Detailed resolutions.
      5. Enter a new refresh rate and click Ok .
      6. Move the custom refresh rate to the top of the list.
      7. Open the Windows Settings and go to System > Display > Advanced display settings .
      8 Click Display adaptor properties for Display 1 .
      9. Click the Monitor tab.
      10. Select your desired refresh rate and click Apply .

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