Adaptive sync technology — G-Sync from Nvidia and FreeSync from AMD — does the same thing: synchronizes the monitor's refresh rate to the GPU's output frame rate, eliminating screen tearing without adding input latency. The question of which is better comes down to your GPU brand and how much you want to pay.
How Adaptive Sync Works
Without adaptive sync, the monitor refreshes at a fixed interval. If the GPU delivers a frame early it waits; if the GPU is slow and misses the interval, you see a partial frame (screen tear) or a repeated frame (VSync stutter).
With adaptive sync, the monitor waits for the GPU to deliver a frame, then refreshes immediately. No tearing. No VSync stutter.
G-Sync: Nvidia's Standard
G-Sync hardware modules — Nvidia's proprietary hardware built into the monitor. Guarantees low-latency adaptive sync with no compatibility issues. Adds $100–200 to monitor cost.
G-Sync Compatible — Nvidia's certification for FreeSync monitors that pass Nvidia's validation tests. No hardware module required. Works with the same FreeSync hardware in the monitor. Most modern gaming monitors qualify.
G-Sync Ultimate — High-end hardware with HDR capabilities. Found in premium monitors like the Asus ROG Swift PG32UQ.
FreeSync: AMD's Standard
FreeSync — AMD's baseline. Variable refresh up to monitor maximum.
FreeSync Premium — Requires at least 120Hz at 1080p, Low Framerate Compensation (LFC), and low brightness flicker compliance.
FreeSync Premium Pro — Adds HDR certification requirements.
Which is Better in Practice?
Nvidia GPU: Use G-Sync Compatible mode with any FreeSync monitor. The experience is nearly identical to a native G-Sync panel. The main advantage of a hardware module is the extended VRR range (down to 1 FPS vs 30–48 FPS minimum for FreeSync), which rarely matters in gaming.
AMD GPU: Use FreeSync. Universally compatible with AMD GPUs, full certified range with no workarounds.
Intel Arc GPU: FreeSync/Adaptive Sync (the VESA standard). Supported natively.
What to Look For
- VRR range — 48–144Hz or wider. If FPS drops below the minimum, adaptive sync disengages
- LFC (Low Framerate Compensation) — Doubles the refresh rate when frame rate drops below the VRR minimum
- Flicker-free certification — Some monitors have brightness flicker at the low end of the VRR range
Setup
Enable adaptive sync in the monitor OSD, then in your GPU driver:
- Nvidia: Nvidia Control Panel > Manage 3D Settings > Monitor Technology > G-Sync Compatible
- AMD: AMD Radeon Software > Display > AMD FreeSync > Enabled
Community Presets
For OSD settings on specific G-Sync and FreeSync monitors, BestSettingsFor.com has community presets with adaptive sync configuration notes by model.
