165Hz vs 144Hz: Do 21 Extra Frames Really Matter?

You're deep in a Warzone lobby, milliseconds from the gulag, and you wonder: could a better monitor have saved you? The debate between 165Hz and 144Hz monitors is raging in South African gaming circles. Many say the jump is tiny, while others swear by the extra smoothness. So, is that 21-frame difference a real competitive edge, or just clever marketing? Let's break it down and see if it's worth your hard-earned Rands.

[White] Arozzi Dual Monitor Gaming Setup / Arrozi Nova 27" Gaming Monitor, 180Hz Refresh Rate, QHD (2560x1440) Resolution, 1ms Response Time, AZ-NO-27T2K180-WT / Arozzi Arena Large Gaming Desk, Full-surface Microfiber Mousepad Cover, ARENA-PWT / Arozzi Vernazza Soft Gaming Chair, VERNAZZA-SPU-WT / Arozzi Alzare Neo Duo Gas Spring Monitor Arm, AZ-ALZARE-NEO-DUO-WT / Arrozi Arena PC Mount, AZ-PCMOUNT-WT / PC Not Included

R21999.00In Stock

[Pink] Arozzi Dual Monitor Gaming Setup / Arrozi Nova 27" Gaming Monitor, 180Hz Refresh Rate, QHD (2560x1440) Resolution, 1ms Response Time, AZ-NO-27T2K180-PNK / Arozzi Arena Large Gaming Desk, Full-surface Microfiber Mousepad Cover, ARENA-PNK / Arozzi Vernazza Supersoft Gaming Chair, VERNAZZA-SPSF-PNK / Arozzi Alzare Neo Duo Gas Spring Monitor Arm, AZ-ALZARE-NEO-DUO-PNK / Arrozi Arena PC Mount, AZ-PCMOUNT-PNK / PC Not Included

R21999.00In Stock

[Purple] Arozzi Single Monitor Gaming Setup / Arrozi Nova 34“ Curved Gaming Monitor, 165Hz Refresh Rate, UWQHD (3440x1440) Resolution, 1ms Response Time, AZ-NO-34T2K165-PP / Arozzi Arena Large Gaming Desk, Full-surface Microfiber Mousepad Cover, ARENA-PP / Arozzi Vernazza Supersoft Gaming Chair, VERNAZZA-SPSF-PP / Arozzi Alzare Neo Gas Spring Monitor Arm, AZ-ALZARE-NEO-PP / Arrozi Arena PC Mount, AZ-PCMOUNT-PP / PC Not Included

R18999.00In Stock

[Forest Green] Arozzi Single Monitor Gaming Setup / Arrozi Nova 34“ Curved Gaming Monitor, 165Hz Refresh Rate, UWQHD (3440x1440) Resolution, 1ms Response Time, AZ-NO-34T2K165-FST / Arozzi Arena Large Gaming Desk, Full-surface Microfiber Mousepad Cover, ARENA-FST / Arozzi Vernazza Supersoft Gaming Chair, VERNAZZA-SPSF-FST / Arozzi Alzare Neo Gas Spring Monitor Arm, AZ-ALZARE-NEO-FST / Arrozi Arena PC Mount, AZ-PCMOUNT-FST / PC Not Included

R18999.00In Stock

[Black] Arozzi Single Monitor Gaming Setup / Arrozi Nova 34“ Curved Gaming Monitor, 165Hz Refresh Rate, UWQHD (3440x1440) Resolution, 1ms Response Time, AZ-NO-34T2K165-BK / Arozzi Arena Large Gaming Desk, Full-surface Microfiber Mousepad Cover, ARENA-PURE-BLACK / Arozzi Vernazza Supersoft Gaming Chair, VERNAZZA-SPSF-PBK / Arozzi Alzare Neo Gas Spring Monitor Arm, AZ-ALZARE-NEO-BK / Arrozi Arena PC Mount, AZ-PCMOUNT-BK / PC Not Included

R18999.00In Stock

[Black] Arozzi Dual Monitor Gaming Setup / Arrozi Nova 27" Gaming Monitor, 180Hz Refresh Rate, QHD (2560x1440) Resolution, 1ms Response Time, AZ-NO-27T2K180-BK / Arozzi Arena Large Gaming Desk, Full-surface Microfiber Mousepad Cover, ARENA-PURE-BLACK / Arozzi Vernazza Supersoft Gaming Chair, VERNAZZA-SPSF-PBK / Arozzi Alzare Neo Duo Gas Spring Monitor Arm, AZ-ALZARE-NEO-DUO-BK / Arrozi Arena PC Mount, AZ-PCMOUNT-BK / PC Not Included

R21999.00In Stock

Breaking Down Refresh Rates: What is Hz?

Before we dive into the 165Hz vs 144Hz comparison, let's get the basics straight. A monitor's refresh rate, measured in Hertz (Hz), is simply how many times per second the screen can draw a new image. A 144Hz monitor refreshes the picture 144 times every second, while a 165Hz monitor does it 165 times.

This is different from Frames Per Second (FPS), which is how many frames your graphics card is producing. For the smoothest experience, you want your GPU's FPS to match or exceed your monitor's refresh rate. Think of it as a team: your GPU creates the frames, and your monitor displays them. A high-Hz monitor can only display what the GPU sends it.

The 144Hz vs 165Hz Showdown: A Difference You Can Feel?

Okay, let's talk numbers. The jump from 60Hz to 144Hz is a massive, night-and-day difference that any gamer will immediately notice. Everything from dragging your mouse on the desktop to flick-shotting in Valorant feels incredibly fluid.

But what about the step up from 144Hz to 165Hz? 🤔

The mathematical difference is a ~15% increase in refresh cycles. This translates to a fractional improvement in frame time—the time between new frames appearing—from about 6.9 milliseconds on a 144Hz display to 6.1 milliseconds on a 165Hz one. For most gamers, this sub-1ms difference is practically imperceptible.

However, for highly competitive esports athletes playing fast-paced shooters, that tiny reduction in motion blur and input lag could be the sliver of an advantage needed to win a duel. It's a subtle refinement, not a revolution. Creating the perfect setup on your dedicated gaming desk is all about finding the right balance of components for your needs.

[Purple] Arozzi Dual Monitor Gaming Setup / Arrozi Nova 27" Gaming Monitor, 180Hz Refresh Rate, QHD (2560x1440) Resolution, 1ms Response Time, AZ-NO-27T2K180-PP / Arozzi Arena Large Gaming Desk, Full-surface Microfiber Mousepad Cover, ARENA-PP / Arozzi Vernazza Supersoft Gaming Chair, VERNAZZA-SFB-PP / Arozzi Alzare Neo Duo Gas Spring Monitor Arm, AZ-ALZARE-NEO-DUO-PP / Arrozi Arena PC Mount, AZ-PCMOUNT-PP / PC Not Included

R21999.00In Stock

[White] Arozzi Dual Monitor Gaming Setup / Arrozi Nova 27" Gaming Monitor, 180Hz Refresh Rate, QHD (2560x1440) Resolution, 1ms Response Time, AZ-NO-27T2K180-WT / Arozzi Arena Large Gaming Desk, Full-surface Microfiber Mousepad Cover, ARENA-PWT / Arozzi Vernazza Soft Gaming Chair, VERNAZZA-SPU-WT / Arozzi Alzare Neo Duo Gas Spring Monitor Arm, AZ-ALZARE-NEO-DUO-WT / Arrozi Arena PC Mount, AZ-PCMOUNT-WT / PC Not Included

R21999.00In Stock

[Purple] Arozzi Single Monitor Gaming Setup / Arrozi Nova 34“ Curved Gaming Monitor, 165Hz Refresh Rate, UWQHD (3440x1440) Resolution, 1ms Response Time, AZ-NO-34T2K165-PP / Arozzi Arena Large Gaming Desk, Full-surface Microfiber Mousepad Cover, ARENA-PP / Arozzi Vernazza Supersoft Gaming Chair, VERNAZZA-SPSF-PP / Arozzi Alzare Neo Gas Spring Monitor Arm, AZ-ALZARE-NEO-PP / Arrozi Arena PC Mount, AZ-PCMOUNT-PP / PC Not Included

R18999.00In Stock

[White] Arozzi Single Monitor Gaming Setup / Arrozi Nova 34“ Curved Gaming Monitor, 165Hz Refresh Rate, UWQHD (3440x1440) Resolution, 1ms Response Time, AZ-NO-34T2K165-WT / Arozzi Arena Large Gaming Desk, Full-surface Microfiber Mousepad Cover, ARENA-PWT / Arozzi Vernazza soft Gaming Chair, VERNAZZA-SPU-WT / Arozzi Alzare Neo Gas Spring Monitor Arm, AZ-ALZARE-NEO-WT / Arrozi Arena PC Mount, AZ-PCMOUNT-WT / PC Not Included

R18999.00In Stock

[Forest Green] Arozzi Dual Monitor Gaming Setup / Arrozi Nova 27" Gaming Monitor, 180Hz Refresh Rate, QHD (2560x1440) Resolution, 1ms Response Time, AZ-NO-27T2K180-FST / Arozzi Arena Large Gaming Desk, Full-surface Microfiber Mousepad Cover, ARENA-FST / Arozzi Vernazza Supersoft Gaming Chair, VERNAZZA-SPSF-FST / Arozzi Alzare Neo Duo Gas Spring Monitor Arm, AZ-ALZARE-NEO-DUO-FST / Arrozi Arena PC Mount, AZ-PCMOUNT-FST / PC Not Included

R21999.00In Stock

[Pink] Arozzi Dual Monitor Gaming Setup / Arrozi Nova 27" Gaming Monitor, 180Hz Refresh Rate, QHD (2560x1440) Resolution, 1ms Response Time, AZ-NO-27T2K180-PNK / Arozzi Arena Large Gaming Desk, Full-surface Microfiber Mousepad Cover, ARENA-PNK / Arozzi Vernazza Supersoft Gaming Chair, VERNAZZA-SPSF-PNK / Arozzi Alzare Neo Duo Gas Spring Monitor Arm, AZ-ALZARE-NEO-DUO-PNK / Arrozi Arena PC Mount, AZ-PCMOUNT-PNK / PC Not Included

R21999.00In Stock

Can Your PC Even Push 165 Frames?

Here’s the most important question many people forget to ask: can your rig consistently produce over 165 FPS in the games you play? A 165Hz monitor is a fantastic piece of tech, but it's only as good as the PC powering it. If your graphics card is struggling to hit 120 FPS in Apex Legends, you won't see any benefit from a 165Hz screen over a 144Hz one.

Before you upgrade your monitor, fire up your favourite games and check your average FPS. If you're consistently maxing out well above 165 FPS, then a 165Hz monitor will let you see all those extra frames. If your current rig is struggling, exploring pre-built Arrozi gaming setups can be a great way to guarantee high-FPS performance from the get-go.

The Verdict: Is 165Hz Worth the Extra Rands?

So, should you choose a 165Hz monitor over a 144Hz one? The answer depends entirely on your situation.

For New Buyers

If you're buying a brand new monitor and the price difference between a 144Hz and a 165Hz model is minimal (often just a few hundred ZAR), absolutely go for 165Hz. It offers a slight performance ceiling and future-proofs your setup for your next GPU upgrade. There's no real downside.

[White] Arozzi Dual Monitor Gaming Setup / Arrozi Nova 27" Gaming Monitor, 180Hz Refresh Rate, QHD (2560x1440) Resolution, 1ms Response Time, AZ-NO-27T2K180-WT / Arozzi Arena Large Gaming Desk, Full-surface Microfiber Mousepad Cover, ARENA-PWT / Arozzi Vernazza Soft Gaming Chair, VERNAZZA-SPU-WT / Arozzi Alzare Neo Duo Gas Spring Monitor Arm, AZ-ALZARE-NEO-DUO-WT / Arrozi Arena PC Mount, AZ-PCMOUNT-WT / PC Not Included

R21999.00In Stock

[Pink] Arozzi Single Monitor Gaming Setup / Arrozi Nova 34“ Curved Gaming Monitor, 165Hz Refresh Rate, UWQHD (3440x1440) Resolution, 1ms Response Time, AZ-NO-34T2K165-PNK / Arozzi Arena Large Gaming Desk, Full-surface Microfiber Mousepad Cover, ARENA-PNK / Arozzi Vernazza Supersoft Gaming Chair, VERNAZZA-SPSF-PNK / Arozzi Alzare Neo Gas Spring Monitor Arm, AZ-ALZARE-NEO-PNK / Arrozi Arena PC Mount, AZ-PCMOUNT-PNK / PC Not Included

R18999.00In Stock

[Forest Green] Arozzi Single Monitor Gaming Setup / Arrozi Nova 34“ Curved Gaming Monitor, 165Hz Refresh Rate, UWQHD (3440x1440) Resolution, 1ms Response Time, AZ-NO-34T2K165-FST / Arozzi Arena Large Gaming Desk, Full-surface Microfiber Mousepad Cover, ARENA-FST / Arozzi Vernazza Supersoft Gaming Chair, VERNAZZA-SPSF-FST / Arozzi Alzare Neo Gas Spring Monitor Arm, AZ-ALZARE-NEO-FST / Arrozi Arena PC Mount, AZ-PCMOUNT-FST / PC Not Included

R18999.00In Stock

[Purple] Arozzi Single Monitor Gaming Setup / Arrozi Nova 34“ Curved Gaming Monitor, 165Hz Refresh Rate, UWQHD (3440x1440) Resolution, 1ms Response Time, AZ-NO-34T2K165-PP / Arozzi Arena Large Gaming Desk, Full-surface Microfiber Mousepad Cover, ARENA-PP / Arozzi Vernazza Supersoft Gaming Chair, VERNAZZA-SPSF-PP / Arozzi Alzare Neo Gas Spring Monitor Arm, AZ-ALZARE-NEO-PP / Arrozi Arena PC Mount, AZ-PCMOUNT-PP / PC Not Included

R18999.00In Stock

[Purple] Arozzi Dual Monitor Gaming Setup / Arrozi Nova 27" Gaming Monitor, 180Hz Refresh Rate, QHD (2560x1440) Resolution, 1ms Response Time, AZ-NO-27T2K180-PP / Arozzi Arena Large Gaming Desk, Full-surface Microfiber Mousepad Cover, ARENA-PP / Arozzi Vernazza Supersoft Gaming Chair, VERNAZZA-SFB-PP / Arozzi Alzare Neo Duo Gas Spring Monitor Arm, AZ-ALZARE-NEO-DUO-PP / Arrozi Arena PC Mount, AZ-PCMOUNT-PP / PC Not Included

R21999.00In Stock

[Black] Arozzi Dual Monitor Gaming Setup / Arrozi Nova 27" Gaming Monitor, 180Hz Refresh Rate, QHD (2560x1440) Resolution, 1ms Response Time, AZ-NO-27T2K180-BK / Arozzi Arena Large Gaming Desk, Full-surface Microfiber Mousepad Cover, ARENA-PURE-BLACK / Arozzi Vernazza Supersoft Gaming Chair, VERNAZZA-SPSF-PBK / Arozzi Alzare Neo Duo Gas Spring Monitor Arm, AZ-ALZARE-NEO-DUO-BK / Arrozi Arena PC Mount, AZ-PCMOUNT-BK / PC Not Included

R21999.00In Stock

For Upgraders

If you already own a solid 144Hz monitor, the upgrade to 165Hz is much harder to justify. The difference is so subtle that the money is almost always better spent elsewhere. That extra cash could go towards a more comfortable ergonomic gaming chair for those long sessions, or even some slick NZXT case lighting to complete your battle station's aesthetic. 🚀

Ultimately, the choice in the 165Hz vs 144Hz debate comes down to value. Both are fantastic for high-performance gaming, but one offers a slightly sharper edge for a potentially small price premium.