Of course, it is very annoying visually and also impacts your performance.
In this article, you will learn about these adaptive technologies differences.
Why Do You Need Sync?
Why FreeSync & G-Sync?
You need synchronization technology, as this feature guarantees a fluid gaming experience byeliminating screen tearingandstuttering.
It is most effective in games where your rig encounters difficulty rendering the game at a higher frame rate.
Vertical synchronization, also known as V-Sync, is a display technology initially designed to help prevent screen tearing.
With V-Sync, the GPU identifies the monitors refresh rates and adapts the image processing speeds accordingly.
However, this tech is helpful for a 60Hz monitor with low-end devices.
Moreover, V-Sync adds noticeable input lag in competitive games.
Thats why manufacturers began to release high refresh rates monitors of 144Hz, 240Hz, and even 360Hz.
But there are some divergences that I will describe in this article.
So V-Sync was a temporary workaround.
Today, we have 240Hz monitors & higher, and 4K monitors are also becoming mainstream.
Also, newer-genAda LovelaceandRDNA 3graphics cards with upscaling features can potentially double framerates, even at 4K.
So, gamers use G-Sync or FreeSync, to getmax performance,minimal latency, andno tearing.
But which is the best sync option to use?
Does one offer more significant benefits to the others?
Can I have both FreeSync and G-Sync?
Here I will discuss some factors that will clarify your questions about AMD and NVIDIAs sync tech.
Implementation
Both FreeSync and G-Sync features are more ideal than the traditional V-Sync methods for their effectiveness and implementation.
NVIDIA first introduced the NVIDIA G-SYNC module as a unique hardware solution to eliminate screen tearing.
That particular module replaces standard display scalers and is exclusively compatible with NVIDIA graphics cards.
Thats whyG-Sync costs more than FreeSync.
On the other hand, later, AMD joined the party with FreeSync.
But this time, the technology doesnt require expensive proprietary hardware.
For this reason, manufacturers can easily incorporate FreeSync into existing designs without increasing costs.
Connectivity
G-Sync monitors are NVIDIA proprietary and, depending on generation, only 1 or 2 input slots support.
Monitors that come with HDMI 1.4 can be bandwidth constrained at higher refresh rates or resolutions.
In contrast, FreeSync monitors dont have that connectivity limitation.
Manufacturers can include a variety of input connections, even ports like DVI.
But with DVI, you cant use FreeSync.
Sodoes FreeSync work with HDMIor DP?
Yes, FreeSync works with HDMI or DisplayPort cable.
FreeSync over HDMI requires an AMD graphics card, though.
Besides connectivity, G-Sync has a very low input lag for using hardware-implemented technology focused on gaming.
FreeSync monitors are in the same boat as standard monitors.
But it doesnt mean they have an insanely high input lag.
Thats why verifyingG2G response timeandinput lagbefore investing in a gaming monitor is a good idea.
With AMD GPUs, you might also use HDMI to use FreeSync.
In addition, AMD APUs also support this variable refresh tech.
That brings a question,can FreeSync be used with NVIDIA?
In January 2019, withGeForce driver417.71, NVIDIA added support forDisplayPort Adaptive Sync.
NVIDIA labeled these particular monitors asG-SYNC Compatible.
This expands the option of using the G-Sync feature for NVIDIA users.
Another G-Sync monitor feature to reduce motion blur isVariable Overdrive.
Regarding premium features, AMD and NVIDIA have premium versions of FreeSync and G-SYNC, respectively.
The premium version costs a bit higher than the standard version for its specific functionality advantages.
FreeSync monitors are also widely available for their affordable price than G-Sync monitors.
Lets break it down and reveal the choice for you.
So, what is the role of HDR in FreeSync Premium Pro and G-sync Ultimate?
Both games and monitors need to support the HDR feature to gain the advantage of HDR.
FreeSync Premium Pro, also known as FreeSync 2 and G-sync Ultimate, supports HDR features.
Also, both premium versions support LFC (Low Framerate Compensation).
FreeSync 2 tried to bring the technology up to the G-sync level.
But G-Sync Ultimate is more reliable and expensive.
Moreover, the feature is dedicated to the hardware rather than being software-enabled like FreeSync.
In a word, both the G-Sync andFreeSync are worth itfor the best gaming visual experience possible.
FAQs
Should I cap FPS to use G-Sync?
G-Sync works within the monitor refresh rate & synchronizes the GPU frames with it.
So, you must limit the frame rates to the monitor Hz to gain the G-Sync benefits.
Does FreeSync improve fps?
AMD FreeSync is a sync tech that eliminates screen tearing and frame stuttering when enabled with compatible hardware.
The sync feature will work when the FPS is within the monitor refresh rate.
So, you must cap the FPS to match the frame rates with the monitor Hz.
Hence, FreeSync doesnt improve FPS.
When shouldnt I use FreeSync or G-Sync?
The sync tech requires to cap FPS, which greatly adds latency.
The sync techs adjust the monitors refresh rate to that of the GPU to avoid screen tearing.
AMD FreeSync monitors are considerably cheaper and widely available than native G-Sync monitors.
They also work with different graphics cards with variations in input lag, which I discussed in this article.
I am sure this article helped you to understand the differences between the FreeSync & G-Sync features.
