G-Sync vs. FreeSync: Which is Better for Your Gaming?

 

Before the development of Adaptive-Sync technologies like Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync, gamers looking for better performance were limited to increasing their monitor’s resolution or refresh rate. Higher refresh rates (like 120Hz or 144Hz) helped make games smoother, but they didn’t completely solve issues like screen tearing and stuttering.

Although higher refresh rates reduced tearing and stuttering, synchronizing the frame rate output from the graphics card with the monitor’s refresh rate remained challenging. G-Sync and FreeSync changed the game by dynamically adjusting the monitor’s refresh rate to match the graphics card’s frame rate. This real-time adjustment significantly reduced screen tearing and stuttering, offering a smoother and more responsive gaming experience.

In this article, We’ll look into how each technology functions, their compatibility with different hardware, and how they can impact your gaming experience. Whether you’re choosing between a G-Sync or FreeSync monitor, or simply looking to optimize your current setup, our detailed comparison will provide the insights you need to make an informed decision.

 

Why Adaptive-Sync Matters?

For those unfamiliar, Adaptive-Sync technology synchronizes a monitor’s refresh rate with the frame rate of the connected PC’s graphics card, even if that frame rate changes. Since games render frames sequentially and the rendering speed can vary with scene complexity, a fixed monitor refresh rate updates the screen at a set rate—such as 60 times per second for a 60 Hz display. If a new frame is ready before the next scheduled update, there are a few outcomes.

One possibility is that both the GPU and monitor wait to display the new frame, which can increase system latency and make the game feel less responsive. Alternatively, the GPU might send the new frame immediately to the monitor, causing it to start drawing the frame at once, resulting in screen tearing as shown in the image below.

G-Sync (for Nvidia GPUs) and FreeSync (for AMD GPUs) are designed to address these issues by providing optimal performance with minimal latency and eliminating tearing. These technologies work by having the GPU send a "frame ready" signal to the monitor, which then displays the new frame and waits for the next signal, thus avoiding tearing artifacts.

 

 

What Is V-Sync? 

In the past, before the development of G-Sync and Freesync, monitor manufacturers depended on V-Sync to ensure their displays worked smoothly with high-performance computers. So before we dive into a detailed comparison of G-Sync and FreeSync, let's first revisit V-Sync.

V-Sync, or vertical synchronization, was initially developed to address screen tearing, which happens when a monitor's refresh rate can't keep up with the graphics card's frame output, causing visible disruptions or misalignment in the image. V-Sync helps by capping the frame rate of the graphics card to match the monitor's refresh rate, which prevents tearing.

This technology can be useful in gaming, as many games run at 60 FPS (Frames Per Second), with high-end games reaching 120 FPS or more, so it requires the monitors with refresh rates between 120Hz and 165Hz. When used with monitors having lower refresh rates, performance issues arise. If a game runs at 120 FPS but the monitor refresh rate is only 60Hz, V-Sync will limit the frame rate to 60 FPS to align with the monitor’s refresh rate.

However, while V-Sync effectively reduces tearing, it can introduce problems such as screen stuttering and input lag. Stuttering occurs when the timing between frames becomes inconsistent, resulting in choppy visuals. Input lag refers to the delay between a user's input and the on-screen response, which can impact gameplay.

The limitations of V-Sync led to the development of newer technologies like G-Sync and FreeSync. These advancements address display performance issues by dynamically adjusting the monitor's refresh rate to match the varying frame rates of the graphics card.

 

What is G-Sync?

Released in 2013, G-Sync is a technology developed by NVIDIA designed to eliminate screen tearing and minimize stuttering during gaming by synchronizing the refresh rate of your monitor with the frame rate of your graphics card. For instance, if a modern graphics card is pushing 120 FPS, a G-Sync monitor with a range of 48 Hz to 240 Hz would adjust its refresh rate to 120 Hz to match. If the FPS drops to 90, the monitor would then sync to 90 Hz. G-Sync technology typically operates within a range from 30 Hz to the monitor's maximum refresh rate, ensuring smooth performance across a wide spectrum of frame rates. Here’s a quick breakdown of how G-Sync works:

• Synchronization G-Sync allows the monitor to adjust its refresh rate dynamically to match the frame rate output of the GPU. This ensures that each frame is displayed as soon as it’s ready, without causing tearing or stuttering.

• Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) The technology provides a variable refresh rate, meaning the monitor’s refresh rate can vary from as low as 30Hz up to its maximum, rather than being locked at a fixed rate (like 60Hz, 120Hz, etc.).

• Reduced Input Lag By synchronizing the refresh rate with the GPU’s frame rate, G-Sync also helps reduce input lag, making the gaming experience more responsive.

G-Sync monitors are specifically designed to support this technology and often include a dedicated G-Sync module. For the best results, it’s ideal to use a G-Sync monitor with an NVIDIA graphics card that supports G-Sync.

 

What is Freesync?

Released in 2015, FreeSync is a technology developed by AMD that also aims to reduce screen tearing and stuttering in games by synchronizing the refresh rate of the monitor with the frame rate of the graphics card. Like NVIDIA's G-Sync, FreeSync helps provide a smoother and more fluid gaming experience by addressing the issue of frame rate and refresh rate mismatches. Here’s a breakdown of how FreeSync works:

• Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) FreeSync allows a monitor to dynamically adjust its refresh rate to match the frame rate output of the graphics card. This eliminates screen tearing (when parts of multiple frames are displayed together) and reduces stuttering (when the frame rate fluctuates).

• Adaptive Sync Standard FreeSync is based on the Adaptive Sync standard developed by VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association). This means it works over DisplayPort 1.2a and later versions, in some cases, HDMI connections (such as HDMI 2.0 and later) , depending on the monitor and GPU.

• Reduced Input Lag By synchronizing the refresh rate with the GPU’s frame rate, FreeSync helps to minimize input lag, which can make games feel more responsive.

• Cost-Effective One of the advantages of FreeSync is that it doesn't require proprietary hardware like NVIDIA’s G-Sync. Instead, it uses the Adaptive Sync feature built into the DisplayPort and HDMI standards (like stated above), which can result in a broader range of monitors and potentially lower prices.

FreeSync-compatible monitors are designed to support this technology and work best with AMD graphics cards. However, some FreeSync monitors also support NVIDIA's G-Sync technology in certain modes, making them versatile for use with both AMD and NVIDIA GPUs.

 

G-Sync vs. FreeSync: Which is Better for Your Gaming?

All two technologies aim to provide a smoother and more fluid gaming experience by synchronizing the frame rate with the monitor’s refresh rate to avoid screen tearing. This is a table about their key differences：

 

 

When comparing FreeSync and G-Sync, both technologies offer improved gaming experiences by eliminating screen tearing and stuttering. However, FreeSync stands out as the more affordable and widely compatible option, making it a popular choice for most users.

While G-Sync may offer a slight advantage in visual quality and consistency, particularly for those investing in high-end hardware, FreeSync provides nearly identical performance at a lower cost. Ultimately, your decision between FreeSync and G-Sync should consider factors like budget, GPU compatibility, and personal preferences. Both technologies promise to enhance your gaming experience significantly.

Aside from considering monitors and graphics cards for sync technologies, the peripherals that support them remain consistent. As more individuals own multiple devices, such as a work laptop and a gaming desktop, the inconvenience of repeatedly unplugging and plugging into the monitor can be exhausting. Therefore, choosing a KVM switch that supports both G-Sync and FreeSync can solve these issues. This solution eliminates the need for constant cable swapping, providing a seamless transition between devices and enhancing overall user convenience.

 

G-sync and Freesync Compatible TESmart KVM Switches  

TESmart recently released 8K KVM switches with sorts of connection ports, which all support VRR (Variable Refresh Rate). That means our KVM switches ensures compatibility with industry-leading technologies like G-Sync and FreeSync. This allows our switches to deliver seamless, tear-free gaming and multimedia experiences, regardless of whether you're using NVIDIA GPUs with G-Sync or AMD graphics cards with FreeSync. Here, we’d like to make some recommendations if you are considering enhancing your gaming or multimedia setup with our VRR-supported KVM switches.

2-Port 8K60 USB-C KVM Switch Gaming Dock w/ ADI Chip, EDID, 4K144Hz for Gaming, 2 Laptops 1 Monitor

Elevate your gaming experience to new heights with TESmart's CKS201-M23 USB-C KVM and docking station, designed to deliver true 8K@60Hz visuals enhanced by our advanced EDID emulation technology in HDMI 2.1. This innovative KVM switch is equipped to optimize gaming performance with support for Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) technologies like G-Sync and FreeSync. Whether you're diving into intense 4K/144Hz gaming sessions or tackling demanding 8K/4K editing tasks, the CKS201-M23 ensures smooth, tear-free visuals and precise color accuracy.

It’s ideal for setups involving multiple laptops and monitors. These KVM switches offer seamless input switching through various methods, including keyboard hotkeys and mouse control, ensuring effortless transitions between devices. With USB 3.2 Gen 1 support for high-speed data transfer and comprehensive keyboard compatibility, including gaming keyboards, they cater to the diverse needs of professionals and enthusiasts alike. Whether you're in the office, at home, or in an educational environment, these switches guarantee reliable performance and exceptional clarity across different operating systems, from Windows to MacOS and Linux-based setups.

Designed for versatility and performance, TESmart's USB-C KVM switches redefine connectivity and convenience, making them essential tools for anyone seeking to optimize their gaming and multimedia setup with the latest in visual technology and seamless device management.

 

DP 1.4 Dual 8K@60Hz KVM Switch Gaming Dock for 2 PCs 2 Monitors, w/ EDID, G-Sync FreeSync

Upgrade your gaming experience with TESmart's latest innovation, DKS202-M24 dual-monitor KVM with docking station, featuring dual 8K@60 vision enhanced by our pioneering EDID emulation technology in DP 1.4. As a leader in display technology, TESmart introduces a powerhouse solution tailored for gaming and multimedia enthusiasts. DKS202-M24 supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) technologies like G-Sync and FreeSync, ensuring smooth, tear-free visuals during intense gaming sessions. Whether you're editing in dual 8K or enjoying dual 4K gaming at up to 144Hz/165Hz with FEC and DSC enhancements, this KVM switch delivers exceptional performance and precision.

TESmart's commitment to gaming excellence extends to the DKS202-M24's compatibility with Nvidia and AMD graphics cards, guaranteeing stable and ghost-free visuals across dual 4K monitors. With support for high-resolution outputs up to 8K(4320p)@60Hz and seamless backward compatibility with 4K(2160p) at varying refresh rates, it meets the demands of both professional creators and hardcore gamers. The switch's intuitive design allows for flexible input switching via keyboard hotkeys, mouse wheel, front panel buttons, or IR signals, ensuring effortless transitions between gaming setups.

It’s equipped with USB 3.2 Gen 1 for rapid data transfer and wide compatibility across Unix, Windows, MacOS, and Linux-based systems. This KVM switch with docking station sets a new standard for immersive gaming and multimedia experiences, delivering unmatched clarity and performance in every scenario.