Freesync and g sync monitor: G-Sync vs FreeSync Explained — ViewSonic Library

10 мая, 2023

How to Enable Nvidia G-Sync on AMD FreeSync Monitors

At CES 2019, Nvidia announced its software-based version of G-Sync that extended VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) support for Nvidia GPUs on AMD FreeSync monitors. However, initial impressions were a tad bit underwhelming as the company validated only a handful of FreeSync panels that can run G-Sync to its full extent, without resorting to any major compatibility issues.

Now comes the question: is it possible to activate Nvidia’s Adaptive-Sync technology on a FreeSync display that hasn’t been certified as G-Sync Compatible? Let’s find out!

How Nvidia G-Sync Works on AMD FreeSync Monitors

To maintain exclusivity of its proprietary Adaptive-Sync solution, Nvidia’s G-Sync technology has been categorized across three different tiers: G-Sync, G-Sync Compatible, and G-Sync Ultimate. While both G-Sync and G-Sync Ultimate monitors feature a dedicated module to drive VRR, G-Sync Compatible monitors are essentially FreeSync panels that have been validated by Nvidia to run G-Sync through its rigorous testing methodology.

Trait

G-Sync Ultimate

G-Sync

G-Sync Compatible

Validated for Artifact-Free Experience

Yes

Yes

Yes

Certified with 300+ Image Quality Tests

Yes

Yes

No

Certified for «Likelike HDR» (~1000 nits Brightness with HDR)

Yes

No

No

Variable Overdrive Support

Yes

Yes

No

Ultra-Low Motion Blur & Overclocking Support

Yes

Yes

No

In case you’re wondering, Nvidia’s G-Sync Compatibility program, which was introduced back in 2019, aims to certify a wide range of FreeSync monitors based on specific parameters. For starters, every G-Sync Compatible monitor should be able to deliver a baseline VRR experience without incurring any visual artifacts such as pulsing, flickering, blanking, or ghosting.

Furthermore, the retroactive program also validates whether a FreeSync display can operate across a VRR range of at least 2.4:1. Such calculations are performed by dividing the maximum refresh rate of a monitor to its minimum refresh rate within the VRR range.

For instance, if your FreeSync monitor supports a wide VRR range of 48-144Hz, which is greater than Nvidia’s recommended value of 2.4, G-Sync functionality should be enabled right out-of-the-box. However, if the minimum VRR range went up to 75Hz, which does not comply with Nvidia’s VRR threshold, the display loses an official «G-Sync Compatible» certification.

As of November 2022, Nvidia has validated over 150 FreeSync monitors that can run G-Sync at an adequate VRR range. For more information, check out Nvidia’s official list of FreeSync monitors that have been certified as G-Sync Compatible.

Although official G-Sync Compatibility has its perks on quite a few occasions, it is possible to drive Nvidia’s Adaptive-Sync solution on most non-certified FreeSync monitors, provided that you possess the right set of hardware. Since both FreeSync and G-Sync technologies support VESA’s (Video Electronics Standards Association) Adaptive-Sync protocol, any limitations that you might face are based solely on the manufacturing standards.

Nvidia G-Sync on AMD FreeSync Monitors: Setup and Compatibility

Unlike AMD’s FreeSync implementation, which works on both HDMI and DisplayPort (over USB Type-C as well), Nvidia’s proprietary Adaptive-Sync solution seems somewhat limited in terms of connectivity. For G-Sync to work on a FreeSync display, ensure that your system meets the following requirements:

  • Connection Options: DisplayPort 1.2 (or higher) for AMD FreeSync monitors. HDMI 2.0/2.1 support for G-Sync Compatible TVs and BFGD (Big Format Gaming Displays).
  • Supported Graphics Cards: Nvidia GeForce GTX 10/16-Series and RTX 20/30/40-Series GPUs.
  • Driver Support: GeForce Game Ready Driver Version 417.71 (or newer).
  • Operating System: Windows 10/11 (64-bit)

To enable G-Sync functionality on a FreeSync monitor that lacks Nvidia’s official certification, follow the walkthrough below.

First, download and Install the latest GeForce Game Ready Drivers from Nvidia’s official Driver Downloads page. Alternatively, it is possible to update your GPU drivers by using Nvidia’s own software suite: GeForce Experience.

After installing the latest GPU drivers, restart your PC and check whether FreeSync (Basic or Extended) has been enabled from the monitor’s OSD (On-Screen Display).

For G-Sync Compatible monitors, G-Sync should be enabled by default when FreeSync has been activated from the monitor’s OSD. However, if you are using a non-certified FreeSync display, you might need to change additional settings inside the Nvidia Control Panel. Right-click on the desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel from the drop-down menu.

Inside the NVIDIA Control Panel, go to Manage 3D settings and look for Monitor Technology under the Global Settings tab. Set G-SYNC Compatible as the preferred option.

On an additional note, check whether Preferred refresh rate has been set to Highest available. Doing so allows your FreeSync monitor to take advantage of its maximum refresh rate.

For an optimal G-Sync experience, we recommend using V-Sync along with G-Sync to eliminate screen tearing when the frame rate goes above the VRR range. Under Global Settings, scroll down to the bottom of the list and set Vertical sync to On. Click on Apply to save your changes.

(Note: When playing a game, ensure that in-game V-Sync has been disabled. Doing so allows V-Sync to work in tandem with G-Sync at the driver level. )

After modifying these settings, click on Set up G-SYNC under the Display tab. In case you’re using multiple monitors, select your primary display and click on the checkbox, right next to Enable G-SYNC, G-SYNC Compatible.

Since most non-certified FreeSync monitors suffer from major flickering issues when running G-Sync in windowed mode, it is advisable to enable G-Sync functionality exclusively for full screen mode. When you’re done making these changes, click on the checkbox next to Enable settings for the selected display model and then on Apply to save your preferences.

That’s it! G-Sync should now be enabled on your FreeSync monitor.

To test whether G-Sync is working properly on your FreeSync display, download and install Nvidia’s G-SYNC Pendulum demo, a handy tool that can help demonstrate the benefits of Adaptive-Sync technology. Consider switching between No Vsync and G-SYNC to better understand the purpose of G-Sync in synchronizing your monitor’s refresh rate with the frame rate of your GPU.

Now, one of the major concerns for PC gamers when using V-Sync alongside G-Sync is the introduction of input lag. Not only does it contribute to additional system latency but also affects the overall experience by a significant margin.

To reduce any V-Sync level input lag while gaming on a FreeSync display, set the maximum frame rate to three frames below the monitor’s refresh rate. For a 144Hz monitor, an FPS cap of 141 should be good enough for consistent frame pacing across the board.

If your game doesn’t include an internal FPS limiter, try using an external frame rate limiter such as RTSS (Rivatuner Statistics Server) or Nvidia’s Max Frame Rate option inside the Control Panel.

Get a Smooth, Tear-Free Gaming Experience With Nvidia G-Sync

Despite Nvidia’s claims about a suboptimal gaming experience when running G-Sync on non-certified FreeSync panels, we found little to no difference between both variants. Besides exclusive features such as ULMB (Ultra Low Motion Blur) and Variable Overdrive support, Nvidia GPUs tend to provide a similar VRR experience as AMD GPUs on most FreeSync monitors.

Instead of going for a premium G-Sync monitor, you can save a large portion of your budget by opting for a FreeSync (Premium/Premium Pro) display that will deliver the best of both worlds.

What are Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync and which do I need?

There are many ways to compensate for the disconnect between screen updates and gameplay frame rate, ranging from the brute force method of simply capping your game’s frame rate to match your monitor’s refresh rate to the more intelligent realm of variable refresh rate. VRR enables the two to sync to prevent artifacts like tearing (where it looks like parts of different screens are mixed together) and stutter (where the screen updates at perceptibly irregular intervals). These efforts range from basic in-game frame rate control to pricey hardware-based implementations like Nvidia G-Sync Ultimate and AMD FreeSync Premium.

Which do you want?

When picking a monitor, which VRR system to look for comes down to which graphics card you own — especially now when you can’t really buy a new GPU — and which games you play, plus the monitor specs and choices available. G-Sync and G-Sync Ultimate and FreeSync Premium and Pro are mutually exclusive; you’ll rarely (if ever) see variations of the same monitor with options for both. In other words, every other decision you make pretty much determines which VRR scheme you get.

Basic VRR

Basic VRR enables games to use their own methods of syncing the two rates, which on the PC frequently means the game just caps the frame rate it will allow. One step up from that is generic adaptive refresh rate, which uses extended system-level technologies to vary the screen update rate based on the frame rate coming out of the game. This can deliver a better result than plain VRR as long as your frame rates aren’t all over the place within a short span of time.

G-Sync Compatible and FreeSync

In the bottom tier of Nvidia and AMD’s VRR technologies you’ll find improved versions of adaptive refresh, branded G-Sync Compatible and FreeSync. They use the GPU’s hardware to improve VRR performance, but they’re hardware technologies that are common to both Nvidia and AMD GPUs, which means you can use either supported by the monitor, provided one manufacturer’s graphics card driver allows you to enable it for the other manufacturer’s cards. Unlike FreeSync, though, G-Sync Compatible implies Nvidia has tested the monitor for an «approved» level of artifact reduction.

G-Sync and FreeSync Premium

The first serious levels of hardware-based adaptive refresh are G-Sync and FreeSync Premium. They both require manufacturer-specific hardware in the monitor that works in conjunction with their respective GPUs in order to apply more advanced algorithms, such as low-frame rate compensation (AMD) or variable overdrive (Nvidia) for better results with less performance overhead. They also have base thresholds for monitor specs that meet appropriate criteria. G-Sync still only works over a DisplayPort connection for monitors because it uses DisplayPort’s Adaptive Sync, however, which is frustrating because it does work over HDMI for some TVs.

At CES 2022, Nvidia launched its next-generation 1440p G-sync Esports standard with Reflex Latency Analyzer (Nvidia’s technology for minimizing lag of the combined keyboard, mouse and display)  and a 25-inch mode that can simulate that size display on a larger monitor. Normalizing high-quality 1440p 27-inch displays for esports is a great step up from 1080p and 25 inches. The initial monitors which will be supporting it (the ViewSonic Elite XG271QG, AOC Agon Pro AG274QGM, MSI MEG 271Q, all with a 300Hz refresh rate, and the Asus ROG Swift 360Hz PG27AQN) haven’t shipped yet.

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(Mini rant: This name scheme would make a monitor «G-Sync Compatible-compatible,» so you’ll see the base capability referred to as a «G-Sync Compatible monitor.» That’s seriously misleading, because that means you’re frequently called on to distinguish between uppercase and lowercase: G-Sync Compatible is not the same as G-Sync-compatible.)

G-Sync Ultimate and FreeSync Premium Pro

At the top of the VRR food chain are G-Sync Ultimate and FreeSync Premium Pro. They both require a complete ecosystem of support — game and monitor in addition to the GPU — and primarily add HDR optimization in addition to further VRR-based compensation algorithms.

The hardware-based options tend to add to the price of a monitor, and whether or not you need or want them really depends upon the games you play — if your games don’t support these technologies it’s kind of pointless to pay extra for them — how sensitive you are to artifacts and how bad the disconnect is between your display and the gameplay. 

Playing Nvidia G-Sync on an AMD FreeSync Monitor

How Nvidia G-Sync Works on AMD FreeSync Monitors

Categories: G-Sync, G-Sync Compatible and G-Sync Ultimate. While G-Sync and G-Sync Ultimate monitors feature a dedicated VRR control module, G-Sync compatible monitors are essentially FreeSync panels that have been validated by Nvidia to run G-Sync through a rigorous testing methodology. . In case you’re wondering, Nvidia’s G-Sync Compatibility program, which was introduced back in 2019year, aims to certify a wide range of FreeSync monitors based on certain parameters. First, every G-Sync compatible monitor must provide a base level of VRR without any visual artifacts such as ripple, flicker, blanking, or ghosting. In addition, the retroactive program also checks if the FreeSync display can operate in a VRR range of at least 2.4:1. Such calculations are made by dividing the monitor’s maximum refresh rate by its minimum refresh rate in the VRR range. For example, if your FreeSync monitor supports a wide VRR range of 48 to 144Hz, which exceeds Nvidia’s recommended value of 2.4, G-Sync should be enabled right after installation. However, if the minimum VRR range reaches 75Hz, which does not meet Nvidia’s VRR threshold, the display loses the official «G-Sync Compatible» certification. As of November 2022, Nvidia has tested over 150 FreeSync monitors that can run G-Sync in an adequate VRR range. For more information, check out the official list of Nvidia FreeSync monitors certified as G-Sync compatible. While there are benefits to official G-Sync compatibility in many cases, Nvidia’s Adaptive-Sync solution can be used on most non-FreeSync certified monitors, provided you have the right hardware set. Because FreeSync and G-Sync support the VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) Adaptive-Sync protocol, any limitations you may encounter are based solely on industry standards.

Nvidia G-Sync on AMD FreeSync Monitors: Setup and Compatibility

Unlike AMD’s FreeSync implementation, which works over both HDMI and DisplayPort (including USB Type-C), Nvidia’s proprietary solution Adaptive-Sync seems somewhat limited in terms of connectivity. For G-Sync to work on a FreeSync display, make sure your system meets the following requirements:

  • Connection options: DisplayPort 1.2 (or higher) for AMD FreeSync monitors. HDMI 2.0/2.1 support for G-Sync compatible TVs and BFGD (Large Format Gaming Displays).
  • Supported graphics cards: Nvidia GeForce GTX 10/16 series and RTX 20/30/40 series GPUs.
  • Driver support: GeForce Game Ready driver version 417.71 (or later).
  • Operating system: Windows 10/11 (64-bit)

Follow the step-by-step guide below to enable G-Sync on a FreeSync monitor that is not officially certified by Nvidia.

First, download and install the latest GeForce Game Ready drivers from the official Nvidia driver download page. Alternatively, you can update your GPU drivers using Nvidia’s own software suite: GeForce Experience. After installing the latest GPU drivers, restart your computer and check if FreeSync (Basic or Advanced) is enabled in the monitor’s OSD menu.

For G-Sync compatible monitors, G-Sync should be enabled by default when FreeSync is enabled from the monitor’s OSD menu. However, if you’re using a non-FreeSync certified display, you may need to change advanced settings in the Nvidia Control Panel. Right-click on the desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel from the drop-down menu. In the NVIDIA Control Panel, go to «Manage 3D Settings» and find «Monitor Technology» under the «Global Settings» tab. Set G-SYNC Compatible as your preferred option.

As a side note, check if the Preferred Refresh Rate is set to Highest Available. This allows your FreeSync monitor to use its maximum refresh rate.

For optimal G-Sync performance, we recommend using V-Sync in conjunction with G-Sync to eliminate screen tearing when the frame rate exceeds the VRR range. In the Global Settings section, scroll down to the bottom of the list and set Vertical Sync to On. Click «Apply» to save the changes.

(Note: Make sure the in-game V-Sync is disabled while playing. This will allow V-Sync to work in tandem with G-Sync at the driver level.)

After changing these settings, click «Configure G-SYNC» on the Display tab. If you’re using multiple monitors, select your primary display and check the box next to Enable G-SYNC, G-SYNC Compatible. Since most uncertified FreeSync monitors suffer from serious flickering issues when running G-Sync in windowed mode, it is recommended that you enable G-Sync for full screen mode only. When you’re done making these changes, check the box next to «Enable settings for the selected display model» and then «Apply» to save the settings.

That’s it! G-Sync should now be enabled on your FreeSync monitor.

To test if G-Sync is working properly on your FreeSync display, download and install Nvidia’s G-SYNC Pendulum Demo, a handy tool that can help demonstrate the benefits of Adaptive-Sync technology. Consider switching between No Vsync and G-SYNC to better understand the purpose of G-Sync in synchronizing your monitor’s refresh rate with your GPU’s frame rate.

Now one of the major issues for PC gamers when using V-Sync with G-Sync is the introduction of input lag. This not only contributes to additional system latency, but also greatly affects the overall experience. To reduce any V-Sync level input lag while playing on a FreeSync display, set the maximum frame rate to three frames below the monitor’s refresh rate. For a 144Hz monitor, an FPS cap of 141 should be enough for consistent frame rates across the board. If your game does not have an internal frame rate limiter, try using an external frame rate limiter such as RTSS (Rivatuner statistics server) or the Nvidia Max Frame Rate setting in the control panel.

Get smooth, tear-free gaming with Nvidia G-Sync

Despite Nvidia’s claims of suboptimal gaming experience when using G-Sync on non-Certified FreeSync panels, we found little to no difference between the two options. Aside from exclusive features such as ULMB (Ultra Low Motion Blur) and Variable Overdrive support, Nvidia GPUs tend to provide the same VRR functionality as AMD GPUs on most FreeSync monitors.

Instead of a premium G-Sync monitor, you can save a significant chunk of your budget by opting for a FreeSync (Premium/Premium Pro) display that provides the best of both worlds.

G-SYNC Compatible Monitors and BFGD Large Format Gaming Monitor Pre-Orders

G-SYNC monitor technology has been delivering superior gaming experiences since 2013. And now we’re kicking off 2019 with amazing G-SYNC announcements.

Meet G-SYNC Compatible Monitors

In 2013, we introduced G-SYNC, a revolutionary technology for monitors that enabled variable refresh rate gameplay without tearing or V-SYNC input lag. Prior to the advent of G-SYNC, gaming monitors were stuttering, using outdated technology and similarly outdated features. With the advent of G-SYNC, gaming monitors have grown rapidly and we accompany them along the way, providing full development, certification and testing. We strive to make sure every G-SYNC monitor delivers the best possible gaming experience by default.

The GeForce community appreciates G-SYNC technology and many gamers have been interested in supporting GeForce compatible VRR screens. However, given the wide variety of VRR ranges and in some cases the narrow range of VRR operation, the VRR function can only work at a certain frame rate in the game. This is not always possible, since the frame rate in the game is constantly changing.

In addition, not all monitors pass the official certification process, the quality of the screens varies, and there are many other reasons that prevent a noticeable improvement in the quality of the game.

However, there are quality monitors out there, so in an effort to bring them to GeForce players and expand the G-SYNC ecosystem, we’re introducing G-SYNC compatible monitors. We will test monitors that provide standard VRR capabilities on GeForce GTX 10 series and GeForce RTX 20 series graphics cards and automatically enable their VRR features. Thus, GeForce players will be able to purchase monitors with VRR that enhance the gaming experience.

G-SYNC Compatible certifies that the monitor is flicker-free, flicker-free and performs without tearing or other interference during VRR gaming. The tests also verify that the monitor can handle VRR at any frame rate, maintaining VRR levels of at least 2.4:1 (e.g. 60Hz-144Hz), and delivering smooth gaming experiences, including VRR by default.

Support for G-SYNC compatible monitors will be available in the first Game Ready Driver of 2019 later this month. Currently, there are 12 G-SYNC compatible monitors, and we will continue to test monitors and update the list of compatible monitors.

Owners of monitors with VRR functionality that do not yet have a G-SYNC Compatibility mark can try to enable the technology in the new NVIDIA Control Panel option: the technology may work, work partially, or not work at all. To ensure compatibility, please purchase monitors marked «G-SYNC Compatible» on our website.

For the best gaming experience, we recommend NVIDIA G-SYNC and G-SYNC Ultimate monitors. These G-SYNC monitors have passed over 300 compatibility and quality tests and offer a full refresh rate range from 1 Hz to maximum refresh rate plus other benefits such as Variable Overdrive and Ultra Low Motion Blur technologies, refresh rate acceleration leading to industry standard HDR with 1000 nits peak brightness, matrix backlighting and DCI-P3 color standard.

If you’re looking to purchase a monitor with basic VRR benefits, the G-SYNC Compatible program gives you the freedom to choose, as well as information on monitors that provide standard VRR capabilities with your GeForce graphics card.

BFGD Large Format Gaming Monitors provide an exceptional PC gaming experience with HDR and are available to order now. They feature 4K resolution, 1000 nits HDR peak brightness, 384-zone LED backlighting, and DCI-P3 color standard. In other words, these are the best technologies, brightness, colors and contrast.

In February, award-winning G-SYNC HDR technology will be available in BFGD 65″ G-SYNC HDR Large Format Gaming Monitors, perfect for the living room or luxury gaming space.

The first such OMEN X 65 monitor is released by HP. It has a screen refresh rate of 120Hz, HDR peak brightness of 1000 nits and other HDR benefits, and comes with built-in NVIDIA SHIELD TV streaming.

If you want to get the best G-SYNC HDR large format gaming display for PC, you can pre-order now. Please note that pre-orders with partners will only be available at the end of this quarter.

Stunning new G-SYNC Monitors

Last year, we launched our acclaimed 27″ G-SYNC HDR monitors, and later this quarter, ASUS will introduce 35″ curved G-SYNC HDR monitors with 3440×1440 resolution . Like the 27″ monitors, they feature 1000 nits peak brightness, 512-zone LED backlighting, superior color and contrast properties for the best HDR gaming experience.

LG just started shipping 34″ 34GK9 monitors50G at 3440X1440 resolution and 120Hz screen refresh rate. These are the first G-SYNC monitors to feature Nano IPS technology. LG: “In Nano IPS, nanometer particles are applied to the LED screen to absorb some of the excess light wavelengths. This greatly increases the intensity and purity of screen colors.” This increases the monitor’s color gamut by 35% compared to RGB (98% DCI-P3 color gamut), allowing more colors to be displayed. This absorbs unwanted shades of yellow and orange for perfectly accurate reproduction of shades of red.

In addition, Acer will launch a 27″ 144Hz 4K IPS monitor, and Lenovo will launch a 27″ 2560×1440 240Hz monitor for esports athletes and gamers frame rate.

The wide variety of monitors listed above, as well as models already available in 1920×1080 and 2560×1440 resolutions, means that every gamer can find a G-SYNC monitor for their needs. New monitors will continue to appear every quarter.

GeForce RTX laptops, select models with G-SYNC technology

The world’s fastest graphics cards, GeForce RTX is now in laptops, allowing gamers to play any game, anywhere, anytime.

More than 35 models in more than 100 configurations will be available on January 29th, some with G-SYNC technology. Read more in the article dedicated to GeForce RTX laptops and on the manufacturer’s website.

Many new monitors in the G-SYNC ecosystem

If you want a 65″ gaming giant equipped with the latest technology, the best gaming experience with HDR on PC, a G-SYNC laptop, a high-quality PC gaming display with a high refresh rate screen or a standard monitor with VRR, in any case, you can choose the right G-SYNC monitor.

Check out the list of G-SYNC compatible monitors on this page, as well as the release of the Game Ready driver for G-SYNC compatible monitors on GeForce.