The video demonstrates that while higher mouse polling rates can provide smoother input, they significantly increase CPU usage and cause performance issues like frame drops and stuttering in CPU-intensive games such as Star Citizen, especially on mid- and low-end systems. Therefore, the presenter recommends using a 1,000 Hz polling rate for such games to balance input smoothness and system performance.
The video explores how mouse polling rates affect performance, particularly in CPU-intensive games like Star Citizen. Polling rate refers to how many times per second the mouse reports its position to the computer, with higher rates theoretically providing smoother and more precise input. The presenter tested various polling rates—1,000, 2,000, 4,000, and 8,000 Hz—on three different systems ranging from high-end to minimum recommended specs. The aim was to understand the impact of these rates on CPU usage and game performance, especially given the popularity of high-polling-rate gaming mice.
Initial demonstrations using aim trainers highlight the difference in smoothness between low (125 Hz) and higher (1,000 Hz) polling rates, showing that higher rates can provide a visibly smoother experience. However, as polling rates increase, the CPU workload also rises because the system has to process more frequent input updates. Using Razer’s utility, the presenter showed that while hitting the maximum polling rate is easier at lower levels, reaching 8,000 Hz requires very exaggerated mouse movements and is not constantly saturated during typical gameplay.
CPU usage tests confirmed that higher polling rates increase CPU utilization, with 8,000 Hz causing the most significant load. This increased CPU demand can lead to lower frame rates and more stuttering, especially in CPU-heavy games like Star Citizen. The presenter noted that while high-end systems could handle these rates with minimal impact, mid-range and lower-end systems experienced noticeable performance drops and severe stuttering at 8,000 Hz polling, making gameplay difficult or even unusable.
In Star Citizen testing, the high-end system showed only minor, likely imperceptible performance differences across polling rates. The mid-range system experienced small but consistent frame rate drops at 8,000 Hz, while the low-end system suffered significant frame time spikes and stuttering at the highest polling rate, drastically reducing playability. These results suggest that for CPU-intensive games, especially on less powerful hardware, using extremely high polling rates can be detrimental rather than beneficial.
The key takeaway is that while high polling rates may offer smoother input for competitive shooters or aim trainers, they can negatively impact performance in CPU-demanding games like Star Citizen. For high-end systems, the effect is minimal, but mid- and low-end systems should avoid very high polling rates to prevent unnecessary CPU strain and frame drops. Ultimately, the presenter advises sticking to a 1,000 Hz polling rate for Star Citizen and similar games, as higher rates offer little practical benefit and can harm overall gameplay experience.