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What gaming monitor sync technology do I need?

  1. Introduction
  2. Key differences
  3. Advantages of sync technologies
  4. Considerations when choosing FreeSync or G-Sync monitors
  5. Tips and common mistakes
  6. FAQs

What are FreeSync and G-Sync?

FreeSync and G-Sync are technologies designed to eliminate screen tearing and stuttering by synchronizing your monitor's refresh rate with your graphics card’s frame rate. They ensure smooth and fluid visuals during gaming.


Why are they important for gaming?

Without synchronization, mismatches between the frame rate of your GPU and the refresh rate of your monitor can cause visual artifacts, like screen tearing. Sync technologies enhance immersion and make gameplay feel seamless.

Did you know?

FreeSync and G-Sync can significantly improve your gaming experience in unpredictable frame rate scenarios? For instance, in a game like Cyberpunk 2077, where frame rates can fluctuate between demanding scenes, these technologies ensure smooth visuals by dynamically syncing your monitor’s refresh rate to your GPU’s output. This eliminates tearing and stuttering, even during intense firefights or fast-paced driving sequences.

Key differences between FreeSync and G-Sync

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FreeSync monitors

Affordable: Available on a wide range of monitors, often at no extra cost

Broad compatibility: Works with AMD GPUs and select NVIDIA GPUs (via G-Sync Compatible certification)

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G-Sync monitors

Premium performance: Offers advanced features like variable overdrive and ultra-low motion blur

Guaranteed quality: NVIDIA certifies G-Sync monitors for a consistent experience (but limited to NVIDIA GPUs)

Shop G-Sync monitors
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Benefits of sync technologies


  • ✓
    Eliminates screen tearing: Sync technologies ensure the monitor refreshes at the same rate as the GPU output, preventing visual splits
  • ✓
    Reduces input lag: By dynamically adjusting refresh rates, these technologies minimize input lag compared to traditional V-Sync
  • ✓
    Improves immersion: Smooth visuals make gaming more enjoyable, especially in fast-paced or graphically intense games
  • ✕
    Hardware dependency: FreeSync and G-Sync require compatible GPUs and monitors
  • ✕
    Added cost: G-Sync monitors can be significantly pricier than FreeSync models
  • ✕
    Compatibility concerns: Some FreeSync monitors may not fully support all features on NVIDIA GPUs

Considerations when choosing FreeSync or G-Sync monitors

1. What GPU do you have?

  • "If you have an AMD GPU, look for a FreeSync monitor. NVIDIA users should consider G-Sync or G-Sync Compatible monitors."


2. What is your budget?

  • "FreeSync monitors are generally more affordable. If you’re on a tight budget, they may be the better option."


3. How important is premium performance?

  • "For competitive gamers or those seeking the best experience, G-Sync offers additional features like variable overdrive."

Tips and common mistakes when choosing sync monitors


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    Match sync tech to your GPU: Choose FreeSync for AMD GPUs and G-Sync for NVIDIA GPUs to maximize compatibility and performance.
  • ✓
    Consider G-Sync Compatible options: Many FreeSync monitors are now certified to work with NVIDIA GPUs, offering a budget-friendly alternative to native G-Sync.
  • ✕
    Ignoring certification: Not all FreeSync monitors are G-Sync Compatible. Check for certification if you’re using an NVIDIA GPU.
  • ✕
    Overpaying for features: G-Sync monitors are great, but FreeSync can deliver a similar experience at a lower price.

Monitor sync technology FAQs?

Yes, but only if the monitor is G-Sync Compatible. Check for certification.

For gamers seeking premium features and guaranteed performance, G-Sync is worth it. Casual gamers may find FreeSync sufficient.

FreeSync is supported by some consoles, like the Xbox Series X and PS5. G-Sync is not compatible with consoles.

Yes, both FreeSync and G-Sync reduce input lag compared to traditional V-Sync.

Yes, FreeSync Premium Pro enhances HDR by ensuring better colour accuracy and tone mapping in HDR-enabled games.

Not inherently, but G-Sync-certified monitors go through rigorous testing, which may indicate higher build quality

Slightly, as the GPU and monitor dynamically adjust performance. However, the impact on power consumption is usually negligible.

Yes, both technologies can smooth out performance dips by syncing the monitor’s refresh rate to the GPU’s output, reducing stuttering.

Yes, but only the monitor displaying the primary game window will benefit from FreeSync or G-Sync.

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