What Is AMD FreeSync? FreeSync, FreeSync Premium and FreeSync Premium Pro Explained
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FreeSync off vs. FreeSync on (Image credit: AMD)
AMD FreeSync is a technology found on specific gaming monitors, gaming laptops and TVs to help fight screen tearing, stuttering and input latency (the time between when you move your best gaming mouse and when the cursor actually moves) during fast-paced games and video.
Introduced in 2015, FreeSync is AMD’s alternative to Nvidia G-Sync and requires an AMD (including third-party branded) graphics card. There are over 2,000 FreeSync-certified displays as of June 2022. The feature comes in three tiers: FreeSync, FreeSync Premium and FreeSync Premium Pro.
FreeSync vs. FreeSync Premium vs. FreeSync Premium Pro
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There are three types of FreeSync: FreeSync, FreeSync Premium (announced in January 2020) and FreeSync Premium Pro (renamed from FreeSync 2 HDR in January 2020).
Swipe to scroll horizontally
| FreeSync | FreeSync Premium | FreeSync Premium Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Tear-free | At least 120Hz at FHD resolution | HDR support |
| Low flicker | Low framerate compensation (LFC) | At least 120Hz at FHD resolution |
| Low latency | Tear-free | Low framerate compensation (LFC) |
| Row 3 – Cell 0 | Low flicker | Tear-free |
| Row 4 – Cell 0 | Low latency in SDR | Low flicker |
| Row 5 – Cell 0 | Row 5 – Cell 1 | Low latency in SDR and HDR |
You can find a list of every FreeSync monitor here.
How Does FreeSync Work?
FreeSync fights screen tearing. (Image credit: AMD)
Screen tearing is an unwelcome effect (see photo above) that makes the on-screen image look disjointed. It’s the result of the game’s frame rate (the rate at which the game displays frames) failing to match the display’s refresh rate (the frequency at which the display redraws the screen). FreeSync displays have a dynamic refresh rate (also known as a variable refresh rate or VRR), allowing it to sync its minimum and maximum refresh rates with the frame rate of the system’s AMD Radeon graphics card. That refresh rate range, known as the FreeSync range, can go as high as the monitor’s maximum refresh rate. However, if you seek max frame rates that are greater than your monitor’s refresh rate, you may still see some tearing.
All versions of FreeSync are based on VESA’s Adaptive-Sync protocol, so it works over DisplayPort (which also works over USB Type-C) and HDMI ports. For a display to be FreeSync-certified, it must pass AMD’s testing process, which looks at its Adaptive-Sync support range, brightness, color range and more.
The best gaming monitors typically come with either a flavor of FreeSync or G-Sync. Some general use and professional monitors also use one of these types of Adaptive-Sync, as well as certain laptops and TVs (more on these below).
FreeSync vs. G-Sync
FreeSync is AMD’s take on Adaptive-Sync, similar to Nvidia’s G-Sync. Just like you need an AMD GPU to use FreeSync, you need an Nvidia GPU (it could also be third-party branded) to use G-Sync.
One key difference is that in addition to DisplayPort (which also works over USB-C), FreeSync works with HDMI. G-Sync only works with DisplayPort, with the exception of LG’s G-Sync Compatible TVs, which work over an HDMI connection to a supported PC. For a look at which port is better for gaming, see our DisplayPort vs. HDMI analysis.
Performance-wise, we’ve found negligible discrepancies between standard FreeSync and G-Sync. For a detailed exploration of the performance differences, see our FreeSync vs. G-Sync article.
FreeSync is built on an open standard, and display makers don’t have to pay AMD a licensing fee or for hardware modules to incorporate it. Contrastingly, to use G-Sync, monitor makers have to pay for Nvidia’s proprietary chip, which replaces the scaler they’d typically buy. As a result, FreeSync monitors are usually cheaper than G-Sync ones. However, Nvidia is fighting back with G-Sync Compatible monitors, which are certified to run G-Sync despite lacking the hardware as a standard G-Sync display. Many G-Sync Compatible displays are also FreeSync-certified, and we’ve found that numerous FreeSync monitors can also run G-Sync Compatibility even though they’re not certified to do so. To learn how, check out our instructions for how to run G-Sync on a FreeSync monitor.
FreeSync Premium
While all types of FreeSync fight against screen tearing, flickering and low latency, FreeSync Premium kicks things a notch up by requiring a 120Hz refresh rate or greater when operating at FHD, aka 1080p (1920 x 1080), resolution.
It also adds low frame rate compensation (LFC). With LFC, if your game’s frame rate drops below the monitor’s lowest supported refresh rate, frames automatically display multiple times. This means you’ll stay in your monitor’s supported refresh rate range and, therefore, maintain smooth gameplay.
There are currently more than 300 FreeSync Premium monitors, according to AMD.
FreeSync Premium Pro
FreeSync Premium Pro, known as FreeSync 2 HDR until January, targets those with HDR content (for HDR recommendations, see our article on choosing the best HDR monitor).
A FreeSync Premium Pro display should differ from a non-FreeSync HDR monitor by offering lower input latency by having games tone map directly to the display, circumnavigating large in-between steps. It also promises over 400 nits brightness with HDR.
And like FreeSync Premium, FreeSync Premium Pro automatically activates LFC if the game’s frame rate dips below the monitor’s refresh rate.
Gamers should note that not all games support FreeSync Premium Pro. Here’s every game that works with FreeSync Premium Pro.
What You Need to Run FreeSync
To use any form of FreeSync, you need a FreeSync-certified display and a PC with an AMD graphics card or APU. Alternatively, you can pair a FreeSync display with an Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S (no PlayStations).
For PC gamers, your system will need a DisplayPort, (which also works over USB-C) or HDMI connection, plus the compatible Radeon Software graphics driver. Supported graphics are all AMD GPUs, including third-party branded ones, from 2012 (Radeon HD 7000) and on and any AMD Ryzen-series APU.
To use a PC monitor’s FreeSync, you have to turn it on in AMD Radeon Settings software.
To use FreeSync, you have to turn it on via software. (Image credit: AMD)
For FreeSync TVs, you have to turn on its Game Mode by entering the Settings menu.
FreeSync Laptops
Some laptops running AMD graphics have FreeSync built into the display.
They’ll say so on their spec sheet.
In addition, any laptop with an RX 500-series or newer GPU supports external FreeSync monitors.
Here’s a list of every FreeSync laptop.
FreeSync TVs
Samsung has dozens of TVs with FreeSync. Of course, you could pair these displays with a gaming PC, but they primarily target those with an Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S, which both also support FreeSync (sorry, PlayStation fans).
You turn on a TV’s FreeSync function by activating the Game Mode in its Settings menu.
Here is every FreeSync TV currently available.
This article is part of the Tom’s Hardware Glossary.
Further reading:
- AMD FreeSync vs. Nvidia G-Sync
- Best Gaming Monitors
- Best 4K Gaming Monitors
- PC Monitor Buying Guide
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Scharon Harding has a special affinity for gaming peripherals (especially monitors), laptops and virtual reality. Previously, she covered business technology, including hardware, software, cyber security, cloud and other IT happenings, at Channelnomics, with bylines at CRN UK.
The Best FreeSync Gaming Monitors of 2023
Top gaming displays for AMD GPUs.
By Kevin Lee, Danielle Abraham
Updated: Jul 5, 2023 6:45 pm
Posted: Apr 26, 2023 6:11 pm
If you have an AMD graphics card made in the last couple of years, even a modest one, and you don’t have a FreeSync gaming monitor, it’s time to upgrade that display. That goes double if you’ve nabbed one of the newest Big Navi graphics cards, like the AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT, which can pump out 4K visuals and spit out high frame rates at 1080p and 1440p.
Once you experience the smoothness and responsiveness of a variable refresh rate monitor paired with a powerful graphics card, there’s just no going back.
Gamers with a beefy AMD graphics card in their gaming PCs owe it to themselves to upgrade to a FreeSync gaming display—the difference is truly striking. And, it’s one of the best ways to avoid screen tearing, a problem that can plague even powerful setups. These are our picks for the best FreeSync monitor at every price range, size, and resolution – and click here to find them in the UK.
TL;DR – These are the Best FreeSync Gaming Monitors:
- Asus TUF Gaming VG27AQL1A
- HP OMEN 27q
- LG UltraGear 27GN950-B
- Asus ROG Swift PG329Q
- Alienware 25 Gaming Monitor
- Samsung Odyssey G7
- LG UltraGear 34GP950G-B
- Samsung 65″ Class QN90C Smart QLED 4K TV
- LG UltraGear 48GQ900
Asus TUF Gaming VG27AQL1A
Best FreeSync Gaming Monitor
Asus TUF Gaming VG27AQL1A
Sharpness, speed, HDR, and rich color, along with G-Sync and FreeSync compatibility, are all on offer with this affordable 1440p monitor.
Screen size: 27″ | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 2,560 x ,1440 | Panel type: IPS FreeSync, G-Sync Compatible | Brightness: 470cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 170Hz | Response time: 1ms | Inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort 1.2
The Asus TUF Gaming VG27AQL1A is a great example of what FreeSync is good for. This is an incredibly compelling gaming monitor, delivering a sharp 1440p resolution on a 27-inch display (a sweet spot we can’t get enough of). You’ll find a rich color palette thanks to a 10-bit IPS panel, and there’s even some room for HDR on account of the 470-nit peak brightness the display can hit.
All of those details make this a good monitor in general, but Asus loads up on the gaming chops with a 170Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time. This monitor is ready to cruise through games. And since this display is both FreeSync enabled and G-Sync Compatible, you can play with the latest Nvidia GPUs running G-Sync over DisplayPort or take advantage of FreeSync on the new consoles over HDMI 2.
0.
HP OMEN 27q
Best Budget FreeSync Gaming Monitor
HP OMEN 27q
For budget-minded buyers in search of a crisp, vibrant 1440p monitor with a high refresh rate and gaming features.
Screen size: 27″ | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 2,560 x 1,440 | Panel type: IPS FreeSync Premium | Brightness: 400cd/m2| Refresh rate: 165Hz | Response time: 1ms | Inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4
Not every gaming rig will be a rip-roaring speed demon that can spit out 360fps all day, every day. For tamer machines, grab the HP OMEN 27q with its 1440p display that delivers a 165Hz refresh rate. Clearly, it’s no slouch, so hopefully, you’ve got a graphics card that can keep up. Of course, FreeSync Premium is baked in to combat screen tearing, while a 1ms response time ensures optimal motion fidelity.
The HP OMEN 27q delivers a crisp, clean 1440p picture that pairs perfectly with the 27-inch screen.
It handles reflections like a champ and gets decently bright, even offering basic HDR. However, similar to other IPS panels, the contrast ratio isn’t the best, but for the sub $300 price, those flaws can be forgiven like any budget gaming monitor.
LG UltraGear 27GN950-B
Best 4K FreeSync Gaming Monitor
LG UltraGear 27GN950-B
- See it on LG
Screen size: 27″ | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160 | Panel type: IPS FreeSync Premium Pro, G-Sync Compatible | HDR compatibility: HDR10,DisplayHDR 600 | Brightness: 600cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 144Hz | Response time: 1ms | Inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4
When it comes to 4K gaming monitors, the LG UltraGear 27GN950-B is our favorite, and it just so happens to come with FreeSync support. It’s not just any FreeSync either, but FreeSync Premium Pro, ensuring you’re guarded against tearing, stutters, and latency while gaming in HDR.
This monitor is good to go on the HDR front as well. It’s using an IPS panel that can cover 98% of the DCI-P3 color space and achieve high brightness levels to make the most of HDR10 content or games.
When you’re gaming, you’ll get some serious sharpness on account of the 4K resolution packed into the 27-inch panel, but LG doesn’t make you trade speed for resolution. This panel can run at up to 144Hz, letting you go all-in for speed as well. You may not always hit that full speed at 4K, but that’s where FreeSync is ready to back you up.
Asus ROG Swift PG329Q
Best 1440p FreeSync Monitor
Asus ROG Swift PG329Q
Screen size: 31.9″ | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 2,560 x 1,440 | Panel type: IPS G-Sync Compatible | HDR Compatibility: HDR10, DisplayHDR 600 | Brightness: 600cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 175Hz | Response time: 1ms | Inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.
0, 1 x DisplayPort 1.2
If you’re making the move to 1440p, you may as well get some of the other big features that are making the latest gaming monitors all the more impressive. The Asus ROG Swift PG329Q balances its features nicely, so you’ll get a monitor that can deliver in just about every respect.
Here are the basics. The Asus ROG Swift PG329Q puts up a 32-inch panel with a 1440p resolution, and instead of stopping at 144Hz like many monitors, it speeds up to 175Hz. And, it’s got adaptive sync capabilities to keep your visuals looking great. For color, you’re getting an IPS panel that supports a 10-bit color depth and achieves 98% coverage of the DCI-P3 color space. Tack on a little bit of HDR in the form of DisplayHDR 600, and you’ve got a great picture on your hands.
Alienware 25 Gaming Monitor (AW2521HF)
Best 1080p FreeSync Monitor
Alienware AW2521HF
Screen size: 24.5″ | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080 | Panel type: IPS FreeSync Premium, G-Sync Compatible | Brightness: 400cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 240Hz | Response time: 1ms | Inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.
0, 1 x DisplayPort 1.2
Alienware has you covered for a great FreeSync experience at 1080p. Now, maybe you’re think you don’t need FreeSync too much on a 1080p monitor because you’ll have an easy time hitting the max refresh rate and can just cap your frame rate in games. Think again. The Alienware 25 Gaming Monitor (AW2521HF) cruises with a 240Hz refresh rate that will take a lot of muscle in your gaming computer to max out.
You’ll actually get to combine that speed with improved clarity by way of a 400-nit peak brightness that will make it easy to see what’s on the screen. And, thanks to an IPS panel, you don’t have to worry about poor viewing angles. The Alienware 25 Gaming Monitor will also let you take advantage of the variable refresh rate support offered by the latest consoles, since it has two HDMI 2.0 ports in addition to its DisplayPort connection.
Samsung Odyssey G7
Best Curved FreeSync Gaming Monitor
Samsung Odyssey G7
FreeSync Premium Pro and 240Hz refresh rate keep the action smooth on this stunning, curved 1440p monitor that offers HDR.
Screen size: 27″ 1000R | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 2,560 x 1,440 | Panel type: VA QLED FreeSync Premium Pro | Brightness: 600cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 240Hz | Response time: 1ms | Inputs: 1 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x DisplayPort 1.4
Curved gaming monitors try to immerse you by bending the display around your field of vision, and the Samsung Odyssey G7 goes further than many of the monitors you’ve likely seen before. That’s thanks to a tight curvature with a 1000R radius. Of course, that wouldn’t be worth much if the display panel wasn’t also a winner. Fortunately, the Odyssey G7 delivers a QLED panel with 10-bit color and a 600-nit peak brightness that can bring some solid HDR performance.
Your games will look especially great on this curved monitor with the combination of colorful and vivid visuals matched with a 1440p resolution and high contrast ratio.
And, let’s not forget that this monitor can cruise at a 240Hz refresh rate with FreeSync Premium Pro to smooth it all out.
LG UltraGear 34GP950G-B
Best Ultra Wide FreeSync Monitor
LG UltraGear 34GP950G
This massive 1440p screen with a 21:9 aspect ratio and an overclockable 144Hz refresh rate keeps you immersed in the action.
Screen size: 34″ 3800R | Aspect ratio: 21:9 | Resolution: 3,440 x 1,440 | Panel type: Nano IPS Nvidia G-Sync Ultimate, FreeSync | HDR compatibility: DisplayHDR 600 | Brightness: 600cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 144Hz (180Hz OC) | Response time: 1ms | Inputs: 1 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4
Going with an ultra-wide gaming monitor can give you a cinematic experience that tops what you’d get from a 16:9 monitor. But, you still don’t want screen tearing to rain on your parade. The LG UltraGear 34GP950G will make sure you get that immersive 21:9 aspect ratio at a sharp 3,440 x 1,440 resolution with all the consistency FreeSync can offer.
If you’re using multiple devices, you can also use the display’s G-Sync Ultimate capabilities.
LG goes well beyond just resolution and VRR with this display. It’s big and colorful while providing exceptional brightness levels. It almost completely covers the DCI-P3 color space, which is no small feat. You’ll get a peak brightness of 600-nits to make that colorful HDR content pop. The panel is also a high-speed IPS type with a low pixel response time and a high 144Hz refresh rate. Finally, rounding out the experience, LG has built an RGB light ring into the back of the monitor to provide some stylish bias lighting.
Samsung 65″ Class QN90C Smart QLED 4K TV
Best FreeSync Gaming Television
Samsung
QN65QN90C
A brilliant 4K TV that uses Neo QLED technology for incredible contrast, HDR, and color performance, while four HDMIs support a 120Hz refresh rate alongside VRR and ALLM for gaming.
Screen size: 65″ | Resolution: 4K | Panel Type: Neo QLED | HDR Compatibility: HDR10+, HLG | Refresh Rate: 120Hz | Inputs: 4 x HDMI 2.
1, 1 x RF
Maybe you want a bigger screen to see more details, or you’d like to kick it on the couch while you game. Going for a big gaming TV like the 65-inch Samung QN90C doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on a proper FreeSync experience or any other gaming features you love. This display offers four HDMI 2.1 ports that support a 120Hz refresh rate in 4K, along with ALLM and FreeSync Premium Pro for some butter-smooth action.
Similar to the Samsung QN90B, this updated model uses Neo QLED technology for a staggering number of local dimming zones that dial up the contrast ratio. You’re in for incredible highlights and deep blacks while its color performance is next level. Some impressive HDR brings even more brightness and realism to what’s on-screen, so you can make the most of this display whether you’re gaming or streaming your favorite movies and TV shows. See out guide to gaming tvs vs. monitors for to help you decide.
LG UltraGear 48GQ900
Best HDMI 2.
1 Gaming Monitor With FreeSync
LG UltraGear 48GQ900
VRR, a 0.1ms response, a 120Hz/4K refresh rate, and ample connectivity make this large OLED monitor with vivid colors and deep blacks shine in console gaming.
Screen size: 47.5″ | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160 | Panel type: OLED FreeSync Premium, G-Sync Compatible | HDR: HDR 10 | Brightness: 150cd/m2 (typ) | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Response time: 0.1ms | Inputs: 3 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4
If you’re looking for a gaming monitor that can support your PC over DisplayPort but still keep you covered for the latest features on consoles over HDMI 2.1, you’ll want the LG UltraGear 48GQ900. This massive monitor packs in three HDMI 2.1 ports, so you’ll be good to connect your Xbox Series X and PS5 to take advantage of VRR technology and a 120Hz refresh rate that can be overclocked to 138Hz.
Your worry over torn frames or stutter will be a thing of the past, and if you’ve got AMD or Nvidia graphics, FreeSync Premium Pro and G-Sync support are welcome additions. To top off the monitor’s gaming credentials is a 0.1ms response time, so ghosting and input lag will be a thing of the past.
The LG UltraGear 48GQ900 totes a massive 47.5” OLED display with a 4K resolution. That OLED panel means you’re in for some insane contrast and deep blacks. Colors will also be vibrant thanks to the monitor covering 99% of the DCI-P3 color space and support of 10-bit color for HDR content. The only place where you might find the display lacking is brightness. Given the size of this monitor, it will take up a good deal of desk space, so you’ll just want to make sure you’ve got room. If you’re just after a big display for gaming, there are plenty of great gaming TVs with HDMI 2.1 to consider as well.
What to look for in a FreeSync gaming monitor
FreeSync is AMD’s branding for its variable refresh rate (VRR) monitor technology.
It’s built on top of the open VESA Adaptive-Sync protocol as part of the DisplayPort 1.2a spec. If you have a FreeSync monitor, you’ll get variable refresh rates with just about any modern AMD graphics card.
If you’re running an Nvidia graphics card or using another video source (like a game console via an HDMI input), a FreeSync monitor will act just like a normal monitor.
What is VRR?
Basically, a standard monitor is locked to a single refresh rate—that’s the number of times per second that it changes the color and brightness of the pixels on the screen. Your graphics card draws a frame and then waits until the monitor’s next refresh to display it.
This has the effect of making your game jump frame rate between even multiples of the display’s refresh: with a 60Hz monitor, your game will run at 60fps, 30fps, 20fps, 15fps, or 12fps, for example. Disabling vsync will also allow your graphics card to run as fast as possible on any monitor, but it produces an ugly visual artifact called tearing, where the monitor displays partially-drawn frames on top of the previous frame.
With VRR technology, the monitor refreshes whenever the graphics card is done drawing the next frame.
With VRR technology (G-Sync or FreeSync), the monitor refreshes whenever the graphics card is done drawing the next frame. So your monitor might max out at 60Hz and your game at 60fps, but if your game is running at 52fps the monitor will refresh at 52Hz, drawing the frame immediately instead of waiting for the next 60Hz cycle. So you’ll see the frame rate your graphics card is capable of, not an unnecessary downgrade to 30fps. This also eliminates screen tearing caused by the GPU sending multiple frames to the monitor when it’s still rendering a previous frame.
There are two VRR technologies gamers should know about: G-Sync and FreeSync. G-Sync is Nvidia proprietary technology and only works with Nvidia graphics cards. FreeSync is AMD’s brand for a VRR technology and only works with AMD GPUs. G-Sync requires extra hardware in the monitor, driving monitors costs up but maintains consistently high quality.
FreeSync has no licensing fee and requires no proprietary hardware, and thus monitors are typically cheaper, but quality control is a little less consistent in our opinion.
Where to Get the Best FreeSync Monitors in the UK
Best FreeSync Gaming Monitor
Asus TUF Gaming VG27AQL1A
Best 4K FreeSync Gaming Monitor
LG UltraGear 27GN950-B
Best 1440p FreeSync Monitor
Asus ROG Swift PG329Q
Best 1080p FreeSync Monitor
Alienware 25 Gaming Monitor
Best Curved FreeSync Gaming Monitor
Samsung Odyssey G7
Best HDMI 2.1 Gaming Monitor With FreeSync
Gigabyte Aorus FV43U
Kevin Lee is IGN’s Hardware and Roundups Editor. Follow him on Twitter @baggingspam
Danielle Abraham is a freelance writer and unpaid music historian.
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Playing Nvidia G-Sync on an AMD FreeSync
Monitor How Nvidia G-Sync Works on AMD FreeSync Monitors
To maintain the exclusivity of its own Adaptive-Sync solution, Nvidia G-Sync technology has been divided into three 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 own Adaptive-Sync solution 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)
2 (or higher) for AMD FreeSync monitors. HDMI 2.0/2.1 support for G-Sync compatible TVs and BFGD (Large Format Gaming Displays). 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” in 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.:strip_icc()/i.s3.glbimg.com/v1/AUTH_08fbf48bc0524877943fe86e43087e7a/internal_photos/bs/2021/A/9/tqQKY9T2C6sIotbzQfWg/2017-01-03-amd-freesync.png)
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.
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3DNews Technologies and IT market. Video card news AMD FreeSync technology can be used… The most interesting in the reviews
08/28/2018 [13:55], Andrey Sozinov Despite the fact that NVIDIA has already introduced GeForce RTX graphics cards and will start selling them very soon, their Pascal generation predecessors still show interesting features that were previously unknown. For example, it turned out that GeForce GTX 10-series graphics cards support AMD FreeSync frame rate synchronization technology.
Of course, GeForce cards themselves only support NVIDIA G-Sync synchronization technology. However, Reddit users have figured out how to get “green” video cards to work with competitor technology. To do this, in addition to the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 10-series graphics card itself, you will need a FreeSync-enabled monitor, as well as an AMD graphics processor.
And then everything is relatively simple. You must connect the monitor to a Radeon graphics card or motherboard if using an APU, and in the BIOS, in the graphics settings, select the AMD graphics processor as the main GPU. Next, you need to launch FreeSync through Radeon Software Adrenalin Edition, and then go to the NVIDIA control panel and “force” the game or application to use the GeForce graphics card by default. And the next time you start the game, it should use the NVIDIA graphics card, but the FreeSync technology should ensure that the picture output is smooth. In essence, this approach assumes that the NVIDIA graphics card is responsible for processing all the graphics, and the AMD graphics processor is responsible for the FreeSync function.
Our western colleagues have already checked this trick, and they note that despite the use of the GeForce video card “through” the Radeon video card for FreeSync operation, this does not significantly affect the performance in games. Although there are occasional compatibility issues, such as Unigine’s Valley and Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, FreeSync “works great” in “a number of other games.” This feature will be of interest not only to owners of AMD hybrid processors using NVIDIA discrete graphics, but also to many other users. After all, NVIDIA itself positions its G-Sync technology as a premium feature, and monitors with its support are by no means the most affordable. In turn, FreeSync is a derivative of the VESA Adaptive-Sync standard, which is part of the specifications for video transmission connectors, such as DisplayPort 1.2 and others. So AMD FreeSync support is found even in very budget monitor models. Therefore, this method, which allows you to use FreeSync on NVIDIA video cards, opens up good prospects for mainstream NVIDIA video card users who cannot afford a monitor with G-Sync. |
Moreover, it can be either a separate video card or a graphics processor built into the APU. For example, the creator of the guide relied on the integrated Vega GPU of the Ryzen 3 2200G APU. 
