40Hz screen? Is changing to 60Hz okay?

[Tiago P]

So I bought my dad a refurbished laptop for a good price, I immediately noticed it didn't seem as smooth and thought maybe it was still loading stuff on startup. I waited and then checked to see, and yes it's a 40Hz monitor.

I assume the monitor was replaced, is changing to 60Hz a good idea? Does it affect performance?

 

[iceblitzed]

It wouldnt be a good idea.

 

[Lumia925]

It doesn't affect performance, but using a refresh rate higher than the highest supported by the display, will probably shorten the operational life of the display. Is it a CRT display? Or an LCD?
By 40Hz you do mean the screen refresh rate don't you?
I have a computer from 2001, and even that supports 60Hz!

 

[Tiago P]

If it wasn't supported why would it have a 60Hz option and work at 60Hz?