Is g-sync worth it?
When buying a new monitor in todays market you will find yourself bombarded with advertisements for G-Sync monitors and may be wondering what the technology is and whether G-Sync is worth the extra cost. A G-Sync monitor may offer
To figure out whether NVIDIA G-Sync is worth it you must first take some time to understand exactly what G-Sync is. Luckily, this boring process has been done for you by the MWBIS team.
What is a G-Sync monitor?
G-Sync is a hardware-based monitor-syncing technology developed by NVIDIA that aims to reduce the screen tearing, input lag and stuttering that occurs when a monitor’s refresh rate is out of sync with a graphics card’s frame rate capacity. It is used in some gaming laptops, PC monitors and TV’s and is an effective way to run fast-paced and high-intensity video games much more smoothly.
As your monitor refreshes at a certain rate per second your graphics card stores frames in a buffer to be displayed one at a time in sync with the monitor refresh rate. When this connection becomes out of sync the screen can be split horizontally into two sections, a process known as screen tearing which can ruin your gaming experience.
How does G-Sync work?
G-Sync uses a dynamic refresh rate to constantly adjust the refresh rate of a monitor. It is similar to AMD Freesync and works to reduce input lag and screen tear by allowing your G-Sync monitor to adapt its refresh rate to sync with the frame rates emitted by the Nvidia graphics card or an AMD graphics card.
To enable G-Sync, you must enter the NVIDIA control panel whereby you can access the settings.
G-Sync compatible monitors and AMD GPU freesync monitors basically work to produce frames in a much more efficient way and are categorised as adaptive sync technologies.
it is only available when using a G-Sync compatible monitor and must be used with a NVIDIA card that supports G-Sync technology otherwise it will not work and you’ll be stuck using a fixed refresh rate. NVIDIA graphics cards are the only type that can use NVIDIA’s G-Sync.
Types of G-Sync monitors?
There are many types of G-Sync monitors as it has quickly, alongside Freesync monitor, become the most popular way of combating the issue of screen tear.
You’ll find G-Sync monitors expensive due to the unique NVIDIA GPUs needed to run the proprietary module. Select Freesync monitors are often significantly cheaper than those using G-Sync chips and thus are great alternatives.
FAQ
What is adaptive sync?
Adaptive sync refers to a software based solution as well as a hardware based solution that aims to reduce screen tearing by syncing the monitors refresh rate to the frame rate of the graphic card. Usually, monitors use a hardware based technology that ensures the refresh rate acts as a fixed rate.
it is similar to G-Sync technology but is more of a generalised term than a specific piece of technology.
G-Sync and Freesync
While similar, AMD Freesync is not G-Sync. It also aims to reduce screen tearing by using a variable frequency when creating frames but uses the VESA developed open-source code which allows freesync monitors to offer this technology without the extra cost.
AMD Freesync is one such proprietary technology that uses the VESA open source code to sync a monitors refresh rates with the frame rate of the graphics card. A freesync monitor requires an AMD GPU
What is a variable refresh rate?
A variable refresh rate simply refers to technology which matches a devices refresh rate with a connected devices frame rate, usually a graphics card or gaming console. It works to ensure the vertical sync of both the monitor and its graphics card runs smoothly so gamers don’t notice screen tearing.
What is V-Sync?
V-Sync refers to the first technology designed to combat screen tearing that was developed by a monitor manufacturer in 2010 for GPUS, monitors and TV’s. It works by limiting the frame rate produced by a graphics card to the refresh rate of the monitor. A monitor requires V-Sync to provide a smooth and clear viewing experience.
It remains an effective method in combating screen tearing for monitors with low-medium refresh rates such as 60hz. However, for monitors with higher refresh rates it is less suitable as its use of a fixed variable rate can lead to significant drops in game performance.
In recent years, with the invention of G-Sync and other adaptive sync technologies, V-Sync has become slightly outdated but it is still a standard feature within the majority of monitors and TVs so won’t be going away anytime soon. Especially when G-Sync requires NVIDIA GPU compatible monitors.
Final verdict:
So, is NVIDIA G-Sync worth your money? Is a GSync monitor better than a V-Sync monitor?
Answer: Yes!
We highly recommend you check out monitor manufacturers who include G-Sync in their monitors. It is a highly effective tool in combating screen tearing from its G-Sync scaler it ensures each and every next frame appears smoothly and seamlessly.
The only negative is that in order to run NVIDIA’s G-Sync, you must ensure you have a NVIDIA GPU that is compatible. Only certain adaptive sync monitors can match G-Sync’s performance to smoothly produce frames, reduce input lag and ensure the monitor’s refresh rate is in sync.
Ultimately, a G-Sync monitor is a great investment for any person wishing to play video games…