We play in a new way. G-sync and FreeSync - features and differences

Most monitors run at a fixed refresh rate - 60, 120, or 144Hz, for example. When you start a 3D game, the frame rate (Frames per Second, FPS) will “float” in a certain range, depending on how much the PC can handle the load. By default, the graphics card sends frames to the monitor as soon as they have been processed, regardless of whether the display is ready to display the next frame. Therefore, at a frame rate that exceeds the screen refresh rate, “tears” in the image may appear due to the lack of frequency synchronization and the specifics of updating the image in LCD displays - from top to bottom. If the PC does not provide consistently high FPS, sometimes a new frame overlaps the old one before it disappears from the screen. A barely noticeable effect of “breaking” the image into two parts appears (it is called screen tearing from the English word to tear - to tear). The problem is especially noticeable when moving in a horizontal plane (for example, when making sharp turns to the right and left in shooters). At the same time, tears can appear even on gaming monitors with a frequency of 120 or even 144 Hz - they are just less noticeable.

A good example of the screen tearing effect

For many years, the problem could be partially solved by enabling vertical sync (Vsync), which causes the graphics adapter to “hold” a frame until the monitor is ready to display it. In this case, the maximum number of frames is limited by the screen refresh rate. So when tearing is eliminated, the display delay increases, which can be felt when the frequency drops below the supported refresh rate. In addition, some frames will be processed more slowly by the graphics adapter, so that the monitor even has to wait for new frames, so old frames are displayed, it seems that the display "stutters". Not only that, in heavy gaming scenes, when the graphics card needs to work harder, frame rate drops are noticeable, which can also ruin the gaming experience.

G-Sync and FreeSync - differences and features

To get rid of the limitations caused by vertical synchronization, the main manufacturers of graphics adapters NVIDIA and AMD presented their solutions in this area - G-Sync and FreeSync, respectively. The first appeared in the middle of 2014, and the second in the spring of 2015. Both technologies work with the DisplayPort 1.2 interface, both from the graphics card side and from the monitor side. AMD is already working on the possibility of integrating the technology into the HDMI interface. Regardless of the manufacturer and implementation features of G-Sync and FreeSync, both technologies are based on the principle of changing the screen refresh rate. Moreover, it is performed in such a way that the monitor can dynamically adjust the refresh rate of its screen to the frame rate of the graphics card. At the same time, the frequencies are perfectly synchronized, so that the user is free from image tearing and visual bugs associated with Vsync or visible without using it.

Despite the fact that these technologies are based on the same idea, the implementation is different. So, for G-Sync to work, a separate proprietary module is required, which is installed in the monitor. Since it is expensive, monitors with G-Sync are several hundred dollars more expensive. In addition, G-Sync modules support a motion blur reduction mode called Ultra Low Motion Blur (ULMB). This allows the user to select the display backlight mode to minimize motion blur (a property of LCDs). According to reviews, the benefits are most felt in strategies. However the two technologies do not yet work simultaneously, since ULMB requires a constant screen refresh rate. And, of course, G-Sync is only compatible with certain NVIDIA graphics cards. Here is the list (as of summer 2015): TITAN Black and X, GeForce GTX 980, 970, 780 Ti, 780, 770, 760, 750 Ti, 750, 660, 680, 670, 690, 660 Ti and 650 Ti BOOST.

AMD FreeSync is shareware for monitor manufacturers, because, thanks to VESA, the Adaptive-Sync specification, which AMD uses, has already been implemented in the DisplayPort interface. Most monitor manufacturers already had the right components, but they lacked the right software to unlock the full potential of the technology. All done without licensing, proprietary components and price increases. All for the sake of consumers? Almost. After all, you can’t do without buying a modern AMD graphics card: Radeon R9 Fury X, R9 300 series, R9 295X2, 290X, R9 290, R9 285, R7 260X or R7 260. Old series of Radeon HD 7000, HD 8000 and other R7 and R9, as well as some hybrid processors (APUs), support for the technology is not complete - in video, but not in games. That is, in fact, gamers will not feel the benefit.

Module that is installed in monitors with G-Sync support

Therefore, the features of this technology are slightly different. Due to the absence of a separate module, monitor manufacturers are not limited to just DisplayPort, you can also install HDMI, DVI, D-Sub for a variety of connections, even though FreeSync only works with DisplayPort. On the downside, there's no blur reduction feature, so it's up to monitor manufacturers to add it or not. In addition, FreeSync is compatible with a small number of AMD graphics cards and does not work with NVIDIA and Intel graphics.

First monitors with G-Sync : Acer XB270HU, XB280HK, XB270HA, XB240HAbpr, Asus PG278Q, BenQ XL2420G, AOC G2460PG.

First monitors with FreeSync: Acer XG270HU and XR341CK, AOC G2460PF and G2770PF, Asus MG279Q and MG278Q, BenQ XL2730Z, LG 29UM67.

System requirements are not just about hardware. Windows 7 or newer must be installed on the PC, as well as the latest version of the drivers for the graphics adapter. Also, for these technologies to work, you need to activate the function in the NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Catalyst Control Centre. Actually, there are no restrictions on games - in most projects with 3D graphics, the benefits will be noticeable.

First Impressions

As for real operating conditions, both technologies have proven themselves only on the positive side. This impression is formed by reviews of the first monitors compatible with G-Sync or FreeSync. Perhaps the benefits are not always noticeable (not in all games, not on all graphics settings, etc.), however, in general, reviewers positively assess the effect of G-Sync and FreeSync in shooters, role-playing games, car simulators and games of other genres.

G-Sync shows the best results at FPS in the range of 45-60 fps, and for FreeSync this figure is 40-75 fps. That is, in the conditions under which ordinary people play, and not e-sportsmen. However, for FreeSync technology, you can even enable Vsync if the system is powerful enough to go beyond the capabilities of a supported monitor. However, when approaching a frequency of 144 Hz, the benefits of technology are not so tangible, although they are still noticeable. Tests show that system performance with FreeSync enabled is a fraction of a percent better than without it. On the other hand, G-Sync reduces FPS by a couple of frames, which is hardly noticeable in games. So do not worry that the additional load on the system when these technologies are activated will greatly affect its performance in games.

Summary

A simple answer to the question "Which is better - G-Sync or FreeSync?" no. It all comes down to the choice of manufacturer - NVIDIA or AMD. Given that there is no single standard, then you need to adapt to the existing system or assemble a new one. AMD technology is substantially cheaper and much easier for monitor manufacturers to implement, although that doesn't mean that FreeSync-enabled displays will fill the market. The thing is that about 3 out of 4 discrete video cards sold (excluding graphics built into processors) have an NVIDIA processor. So monitor manufacturers will definitely not bypass G-Sync, even despite the increase in the cost of the final product. Let's not forget the bonus of ULMB technology, which reduces motion blur on the screen, which in many cases is also useful, as is the adaptive refresh rate. Although monitors with G-Sync or FreeSync are still expensive and few of them, however, in the near future these technologies may become widespread and, perhaps, a universal technology will appear based on them - for all video cards and monitors. In the meantime, the most demanding gamers can see the effect of new developments right now ... and, judging by the reviews of eyewitnesses, many of them will no longer want to return to games “the old way”.