Member Avatar for zampano

Hi all,

I was wondering how safe it is to exceed the
recommended refresh rates on a monitor?
I currently have a Viewsonic G220fb with
an NVidia Ti4200 card, and overriding the
refresh rate of 75hz to 100hz (at 1280x1024) via the
Nvidia control panel.

I'm finding that 100hz is worlds apart
from 75hz, or even 85hz in
terms of eyestrain. Therefore, even if the new refresh
rate takes half a year off the life of the monitor,
it'll be well worth it. However, if it's any more than
that, I'll have to consider bumping it back down.
Thanks in advance guys

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by belama

Dani AI

Generated

Short answer: raising a CRT refresh rate is commonly safe if the custom mode stays inside the monitor’s published scan ranges, but do it carefully. The G220f/G220fB specs list horizontal scan Fh: 30-110 kHz and vertical Fv: 50-180 Hz (the manual also highlights a 75 Hz “flicker-free” timing for certain resolutions). At the same time, GPU vendors warn that creating modes beyond the manufacturer’s advertised specs can cause permanent damage and may void the warranty. (manualslib.com)

How to test safely: check the G220fb spec sheet for Fh/Fv, then use the NVIDIA Control Panel Customize -> Create Custom Resolution -> Test flow. Use the Test button and let the monitor confirm the new mode; an “out of range” or black screen during the test means the monitor rejected it. After a successful test, run the mode for a few hours and watch for geometry/focus drift, color/convergence problems, odd noises or excess heat — any of those are reasons to revert. CRTs do age (phosphor/cathode wear and thermal stress), so higher refresh rates can accelerate normal wear even when the mode is accepted. (nvidia.com)

Practical tips: increase refresh in small steps (for example 80 -> 85 -> 100 Hz), keep brightness/contrast subdued while testing, avoid leaving the CRT on 24/7, and monitor temperature and image stability. Given your report, keeping 100 Hz is reasonable if the mode is accepted and stable — that agrees with ’s experience — but also honor ’s point about staying within manufacturer limits if you want to minimize risk. If longevity is critical, consider a newer display designed for high refresh as a long-term solution. (manualslib.com)

Recommended Answers

All 3 Replies

Member Avatar for belama

There shouldnt be a problem if you boost it up. If you go too high your monitor will go out of range but wont be damaged. 100mhz is good.

I dont know about the lifetime part though but monitors last long if you take care of them. I've had a monitor for almost 10 years before I sold it and it was still in mint condition. Even if it would last a year less, it wouldnt make a big difference.

Member Avatar for Zachery

I must be weird, but I have problems with high refresh rates :)

But I cannot advise setting the refresh rate higher than what the manufature told you to have it set at.

Member Avatar for belama

I must be weird, but I have problems with high refresh rates :)

At a certain point the human eye cant see much of a difference so its almost useless to set it too high. I cant see much difference between 80 and 100...

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