You’ve probably experienced distorted images while playing fast-paced video games. This happens when yourmonitor’s refresh rateis not in sync with the GPU’s frame rate.
Now, that’s when VSync comes into play, as this technology ensures that your GPU only renders therefresh rate supported by your display. Thus, providing you with a smooth and flicker-free gaming experience.
However, turning on VSync isn’t always useful, as there are cases when yourframe rate drops significantly, or you may even face input lags. So, there are times when you need to disable the feature to enjoy the GPU’s maximum performance.
In this article, we will guide you on what Vsync is and when you should use it. Also, you’ll explore how to turn it on or off on various GPU control panels.
What is VSync and What Does it Do?
Sometimes, when playing fast-paced games, there’s a slight change in motion. And if your monitor isn’t capable of supporting the FPS, you’ll likely experiencescreen tearing and glitchy images.
Let’s say you have a144 Hz monitor, but your GPU is trying to run a video game at a higher frame rate than your monitor can handle. In such a case, your display can’t render the fast-moving images well, and you’ll noticemultiple frames shown at once.
Basically, VSync has been introduced to get rid of this exact problem of screen tearing. Once the feature is turned on,a frame rate cap is setthat doesn’t let the GPU exceed the monitor’s highest supported refresh rate.
So, the games will run at the best speed possible when both the GPU’s frame rate and the monitor’s refresh rate sync well. Most importantly, your screen won’t tear, and you won’t notice multiple frames trying to render simultaneously.
Pros and Cons of VSync
Well, there can be both advantages and disadvantages to using VSync. So, before turning it on or off, find out what this feature can and can’t do:
Is It Good to Turn VSync Off or On?
Turning VSync on or off completelydepends on the situationyou’re in. Although enabling the option shouldn’t harm your video games, there can still be a few disadvantages, which we have already discussed earlier.
Nonetheless, we have listed down a few ideas on when you should turn VSync on and when to turn it off.
When to Turn On
Turning on VSync is based on your preference. Basically, if you want to prioritize your monitor’s performance over the GPU, we suggest enabling it.
When to Turn Off
If you’re happy with how VSync is functioning, turning it off is unnecessary.
How Can I Turn Vsync On or Off?
Every GPU has dedicated software that lets you control several graphics-related settings, including Vertical Synchronization. In this section, we have included all the required steps to tweak it on NVIDIA, AMD, and INTEL graphics cards.
In NVIDIA Control Panel
Undoubtedly, NVIDIA produces one of the most popular consumer graphics cards. So, there’s definitely a dedicated setting for VSync in its control panel.
Before moving ahead, ensure the application is installed on your PC. Else, you may directlydownload the softwarefrom the Microsoft Store. Now, follow the below steps to turn this feature on or off on Windows 11:
In AMD Software
While NVIDIA is famous for its dedicated graphics card, AMD is equally popular among integrated GPU users. Like NVIDIA, AMD also has different programs to tweak various settings.
For demonstration purposes, we have used AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition to turn VSync on and off. So, we recommenddownloading it firstand then moving ahead with the below guide:
In INTEL Graphics Command Center
Unlike NVIDIA and AMD, INTEL manufactures both integrated and dedicated graphics cards. Moreover, they also have a dedicated software called Intel Graphics Command Center to change various display and video settings. Here’s how to turn off VSync or enable it using this application:
Note:Like INTEL Graphics Command Center, the INTEL UHD Graphics Control Panel also allows you to turn VSync on or off using similar steps. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work for DirectX* games or similar applications.
Alternatives to VSync
Although VSync is great for eradicating screen tearing, it still faces input lag issues. So, popular GPUs like NVIDIA and AMD have developed some alternative features. In this section, we will discuss those and learn how to enable them.
G-Sync
NVIDIA’s GSync has improved in terms of input lag and stuttering. So, instead of using VSync, some gamers preferenabling G-Syncdirectly from the NVIDIA Control Panel:
FreeSync
Like NVIDIA, AMD also offers a similar feature called the FreeSync. Basically, it works by offering dynamic refresh rates to solve a video game’s lagging issues. Here’s how you’re able to turn on FreeSync from the AMD Software:
Adaptive Sync
The adaptive sync technology offers the smoothest streams with lower latency. Well, the main disadvantage of VSync is that your refresh rate and frame rate both may go down due to input lagging. So, this feature was introduced to solve lagging and avoid screen tearing issues.
If you have an NVIDIA GT 600-series graphics card, you can take advantage of this VSync alternative. Here’s how you can enable Adaptive VSync on NVIDIA Control Panel:
Fast Sync
If you have a newer version of the NVIDIA graphics card, you may get the option to try out the FastSync option. Basically, the feature maintains the latency and tries to reduce input lag during games. Follow the below guide to enable this feature:
Enhanced Sync
Like the Adaptive and Fast Sync options on NVIDIA, AMD Radeon provides a feature to prevent FPS from dropping. However, the option is only available on the latest graphic cards. This is called the Enhanced Sync, and here are the steps involved in turning this feature on:
