The monitors have had some issues with image tearing and smoothness, etc. And not only that, the refresh rate has been limited by the FPS the GPU could generate, since poor synchronization between the two could cause other image problems.
However, technologies have recently emerged that can overcome these drawbacks and allow monitors to continue increasing their refresh rate without causing problems, even if it doesn't match the GPU's FPS. This is all thanks to technologies like AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-Sync.
But… which of these technologies is the best? Let's find out in this FreeSync vs G-Sync article :
What is AMD FreeSync?
AMD FreeSync is the variable refresh rate technology offered by this company for monitors that support it and Radeon GPUs. It first appeared in 2014 to help reduce screen tearing that would occur when the monitor's refresh rate was not synchronized with the GPU's frame rate.
As you know, a monitor's refresh rate is measured in hertz (Hz) and indicates how many times the screen updates per second. A monitor with 90 Hz means it will update 90 times in a single second. On the other hand, we have the GPU, which also has its output frequency measured in FPS (Frames Per Second) , that is, frames per second.
If the screen refresh rate is 90 Hz and the GPU refresh rate is 90 FPS, they will operate in sync without tearing. However, when either of these figures is misaligned, those annoying tearing problems occur . To prevent this, regardless of the refresh rate achieved by the screen and GPU, FreeSync was created. It allows the refresh rate to be variable and controlled by the GPU so that both are synchronized at all times.
Obviously, the monitor's refresh rate will be the maximum limit. For example, a monitor that reaches 90 Hz won't be able to go beyond that, even though the GPU could achieve more than 90 FPS at any resolution.
To use FreeSync, you'll first need a compatible AMD Radeon graphics card , such as the newer generations. Alternatively, an APU with integrated GPU will also work. You'll also need a display or monitor that supports adaptive sync. Each panel will undergo a series of tests to obtain certification for its compatibility.
Once you have a monitor and GPU that support FreeSync, you'll also need to use a cable that supports this technology. This means using a DisplayPort 1.2 or HDMI 2.1 interface . Otherwise, it won't work.
FreeSync Premium Pro
There is an improved version of the entry-level FreeSync, called FreeSync Premium Pro , which delivers better results. It's AMD's answer to NVIDIA's G-Sync Ultimate.
What is G-Sync?
V-Sync was the first adaptive sync technology to reach the monitor market, helping the GPU avoid image tearing. NVIDIA, for its part, designed G-Sync to be used with V-Sync; however, it soon evolved to work independently.
Similar to AMD's technology, G-Sync updates the screen precisely when a frame is completed and can be output by the GPU. Therefore, in this case, the screen's refresh rate will match the maximum FPS the GPU can achieve at a given resolution. The result is a smoother, tear-free experience.
Of course, just like with FreeSync, even if the GPU can send more FPS than the monitor's maximum refresh rate, it won't be able to exceed that limit if this technology is active. And vice versa, even if the monitor supports a higher refresh rate than the FPS provided by the GPU, it won't go beyond that either to ensure smooth gameplay.
Additionally, it's worth noting that G-Sync also brings very low input lag, ultra-low motion blur (ULMB), and color calibration.
As for what you need to run this technology, just like with AMD's, you'll need a monitor with G-Sync support and an NVIDIA GeForce GPU that also supports this technology. However, in the case of G-Sync, the effectiveness won't vary slightly between monitor models, as it does with FreeSync; it will be the same for all of them.
Note: Whether you're using AMD FreeSync or NVIDIA G-Sync, you'll need to make sure you have the latest version of your graphics card drivers installed. This will ensure everything works properly. An outdated version may cause issues.
G Sync Ultimate
G-Sync Ultimate is NVIDIA's latest G-Sync variant. This enhanced technology adds HDR support . In addition, G-Sync Ultimate also enables 4K resolutions, at least 1000 cd/m² of brightness, 384 dynamic backlight zones, DCI-P3 color gamut support, and ultra-low latency.
Conclusions
Although G-Sync and FreeSync are essentially the same technology, they are implemented differently by each company. These technologies simply synchronize the monitor with the GPU output to prevent the annoying screen tearing that occurs in some videos and games. In other words, instead of a fixed refresh rate, as was the case previously, they now have a dynamic refresh rate. However, there are differences between the two technologies that you should be aware of:
- Your monitor doesn't need HDR for FreeSync, while G-Sync does to work.
- FreeSync is an open standard, making it easy for any monitor company to integrate it into their products. While G-Sync is a proprietary and closed technology owned by NVIDIA, no brand can use it without NVIDIA's permission.
- The maximum supported refresh rate for FreeSync Premium Pro is 120Hz or higher, and for G-Sync Ultimate, it's 144Hz or higher. The minimum refresh rate is 60Hz for FreeSync and only 30Hz for G-Sync.
- FreeSync monitors don't require any proprietary hardware components. G-Sync does require proprietary hardware to support the technology.
- While FreeSync can also work on an APU with an integrated GPU, G-Sync cannot work with an iGPU.
Although there's no visual difference between FreeSync and G-Sync, G-Sync technology is technically superior . This is because NVIDIA has incorporated additional features, going beyond just adaptive synchronization. However, FreeSync is significantly more affordable, both in terms of monitors and graphics cards.