All articles

How to Change the Frame Rate of Your Espresso DisplayUpdated 8 months ago

1. Why would I want to change the frame rate of my Espresso Display?

Changing the frame rate of your Espresso Display can help optimize performance based on your current usage. A higher frame rate can provide smoother visuals, which is ideal for activities like gaming, video editing, or watching high-definition content. Conversely, a lower frame rate can help reduce power consumption and extend battery life on portable devices.

2. What frame rates does the Espresso Display support?

The supported frame rates for the Espresso Display can vary depending on the model and the device it’s connected to. Common frame rates include 30Hz and 60Hz, with some models potentially supporting higher frame rates, depending on the connection and the capabilities of your device.

3. How do I check and change the frame rate on a Mac?

To change the frame rate of your Espresso Display on a Mac:

  1. Open System Settings:

    • Click the Apple menu () in the top-left corner of your screen.
    • Select System Settings from the drop-down menu.

  2. Access Display Settings:

    • In the System Settings window, click on Displays in the sidebar.
    • If you have multiple monitors connected, select the Espresso Display.

  3. Change the Frame Rate:

    • Look for the Refresh Rate dropdown menu.
    • Select your desired frame rate (e.g., 60Hz, 30Hz).
    • The display will adjust to the selected frame rate.

  4. Confirm the Change:

    • Once you select the frame rate, your screen may flicker briefly as it adjusts.
    • Confirm that the new frame rate is suitable for your needs.

4. How do I check and change the frame rate on Windows?

To change the frame rate of your Espresso Display on a Windows PC:

  1. Open Settings:

    • Click the Start menu and select Settings (gear icon).
    • In the Settings window, select System.

  2. Access Display Settings:

    • Click on Display in the left sidebar.
    • Scroll down and click on Advanced display settings.

  3. Select the Display:

    • If you have multiple monitors, select the Espresso Display from the dropdown menu under Choose display.

  4. Change the Refresh Rate:

    • Under Refresh rate, select your desired frame rate from the dropdown menu (e.g., 60Hz, 30Hz).
    • The display will adjust to the selected frame rate.

  5. Apply and Confirm:

    • After selecting the new frame rate, click Apply.
    • Confirm the change if prompted by the system.

5. What should I do if I don’t see the desired frame rate option?

If the desired frame rate is not listed:

  • Check your connection: Ensure you are using a high-quality cable that supports the desired frame rate. For instance, some USB-C cables may not support higher frame rates.
  • Update your drivers: Make sure your device’s graphics drivers are up to date, as outdated drivers can limit available display settings.
  • Check compatibility: Verify that your device and the Espresso Display model support the desired frame rate. Some devices may limit the available frame rates based on their specifications.
  • Try a different port: If possible, try connecting the display to a different port on your device, as some ports may offer different capabilities.

6. Does changing the frame rate affect power consumption?

Yes, changing the frame rate can impact power consumption. A higher frame rate (e.g., 60Hz) may consume more power, which can reduce battery life on portable devices. If you're using your device on battery power and want to extend its life, consider lowering the frame rate to 30Hz or another available lower option.

7. Will changing the frame rate affect display quality?

Changing the frame rate can affect the smoothness of motion on the screen. A higher frame rate (e.g., 60Hz) typically results in smoother visuals, which is beneficial for gaming or video playback. Lowering the frame rate (e.g., 30Hz) might make motion appear less smooth but can help conserve power.

The default frame rate for most users is typically 60Hz, which provides a good balance of performance and smooth visuals. However, the recommended frame rate depends on your specific needs. For general productivity tasks, 60Hz is usually sufficient, while for high-end gaming or video editing, you might want to explore higher frame rates if your hardware supports it.

9. Can I switch frame rates on the fly?

Yes, you can switch frame rates at any time through your system settings, as described above. Your device will adjust the display output immediately, though you may notice a brief flicker as the change takes effect.

10. What should I do if I experience issues after changing the frame rate?

If you encounter any problems after changing the frame rate, such as flickering, screen blanking, or other visual issues:

  • Revert to the previous frame rate: Return to the frame rate that was working well for you.
  • Check your connections: Ensure that all cables are securely connected and are of high quality.
  • Update your system and drivers: Make sure your operating system and graphics drivers are fully up to date.
  • Contact support: If issues persist, contact Espresso Displays customer support for further assistance.
Was this article helpful?
Yes
No