Quick overview:
Most games today are based on the popular DirectX gaming interface. The interface provides applications with easy access to the PC's graphics, video and controls, making it very easy for programmers.
However, if you run such a game under Windows XP, you will notice that the Refresh rate is very low and the picture on the monitor flickers at a meagre 60Hz, which can lead to headaches and burning eyes in the long term. To avoid this, you need to do the following:
Setting the refresh rate
1. Click on Start/Execute and type dxdiag in the command line. The DirectX configuration program appears immediately.
2. Switch to the tab Further help and click on the button Override. After you have marked the value for the override, enter the number 85 which corresponds to a refresh rate of 85 Hertz. Not every monitor can cope with excessively high values above 100 Hz, which is why it might be worth taking a look at the manual in any case.
3. Once you have restarted your computer, you can play games such as Age of Empires II without any flickering.
NOTE FOR NEW PUBLICATION: This article was produced by Sandro Villinger and comes from the Windows Tweaks archive, which has been built up since the late 1990s.
On Windows Tweaks you will find time-saving tech guides for PC, software & Microsoft. For a stress-free digital everyday life. Already we have been "tweaking" Windows since 1998 and just won't stop!
