FreeSync is a technology developed by AMD that aims to eliminate screen tearing and stuttering in gaming and video playback. It does this by synchronizing the refresh rate of a monitor with the frame rate of the graphics card, ensuring that the graphics are displayed smoothly and without any artefacts.
In order to take advantage of FreeSync, a monitor and a graphics card that both support the technology must be used. FreeSync monitors are available from a variety of manufacturers and are compatible with any graphics card that supports the FreeSync standard.
What is FreeSync?
AMD developed FreeSync and launched it in 2014 to compete with Nvidia’s proprietary G-Sync. FreeSync is an adaptive synchronization technology for liquid-crystal displays that supports a variable refresh rate to minimize tearing and stuttering induced by frame rate misalignment.
Operating system: Microsoft Windows, Linux, Xbox One. Playstation has opted not to release an update to FreeSync on PS & Pro PS4.
How Does FreeSync Work?
For AMD FreeSync, the monitor’s refresh rate is adjusted to suit the player’s gaming, so the display never refreshes in the middle of a frame and never has screen tearing.
It enables AMD video cards to explicitly and dynamically adjust the refresh rate of a connected monitor.
FreeSync also works by using a feature called Adaptive Sync, which is built into the DisplayPort 1.2a standard. Adaptive Sync allows the monitor to adjust its refresh rate to match the frame rate of the graphics card, eliminating screen tearing and stuttering.
When the frame rate of the graphics card falls below the minimum refresh rate of the monitor, FreeSync will reduce the refresh rate of the monitor to match the frame rate of the graphics card. This ensures that the graphics are displayed smoothly and without any artefacts.
When the frame rate of the graphics card exceeds the maximum refresh rate of the monitor, FreeSync will increase the refresh rate of the monitor to match the frame rate of the graphics card. This ensures that the graphics are displayed smoothly and without any artefacts.
Benefits of FreeSync
The basic advantage of Radeon™ FreeSync technology is the dynamic refresh rate (“DRR”), which enables a compatible Radeon™ graphics card to synchronize the frame rate of a 1:1 monitor display.
FreeSync technology offers a number of benefits for gamers and video enthusiasts. Some of the most notable benefits include:
- Elimination of screen tearing and stuttering: By synchronizing the refresh rate of the monitor with the frame rate of the graphics card, FreeSync eliminates the distracting visual artefacts that can occur during gaming and video playback.
- Improved gaming experience: With smooth and artefact-free graphics, FreeSync technology can enhance the gaming experience and make it more immersive.
- Reduced input lag: FreeSync can help to reduce input lag, which can improve the responsiveness of games and make them feel more responsive.
- Compatibility: FreeSync monitors are compatible with any graphics card that supports the FreeSync standard, making it easy to take advantage of the technology.
How to Set up FreeSync
Setting up FreeSync is a simple process that can be done in a few easy steps. In order to set up FreeSync, you will need a monitor and a graphics card that both support the technology.
Step 1: Check for Compatibility
The first step in setting up FreeSync is to check that your monitor and graphics card are both compatible with the technology. You can check the specifications of your monitor and graphics card to see if they support FreeSync. Most monitors and graphics cards that support FreeSync will have the technology listed in their specifications.
Step 2: Connect the Monitor and Graphics Card
Once you have confirmed that your monitor and graphics card are both compatible with FreeSync, you can connect them. Connect the monitor to the graphics card using a DisplayPort cable. Make sure that the cable is securely connected to both the monitor and the graphics card.
Step 3: Enable FreeSync
After connecting the monitor and graphics card, you will need to enable FreeSync. This can typically be done through the settings menu of your monitor. Look for a menu option labelled “FreeSync” or “AdaptiveSync” and enable it.
Step 4: Test FreeSync
Once FreeSync is enabled, you can test it by running a game or video that has a variable frame rate. You should notice that the graphics are displayed smoothly and without any artefacts. If you do not notice any improvement, make sure that the frame rate of your game or video is within the FreeSync range of your monitor.
Is FreeSync better than G-Sync?
A significant difference between AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync is how graphics cards are handled.
FreeSync (with Vsync switched off) allows a higher frame rate to be created by the graphics card, while G-Sync locks frame rates to control the top cap.
For FreeSync to work, no special hardware must be added to displays. You won’t enjoy adaptive sync using FreeSync with an Nvidia graphics card. It is intended only for AMD’s graphics cards and is available only when connected to Display Port.
Are FreeSync monitors worth it?
A FreeSync-monitor would be worth it if you had an AMD GPU or a high-end Gaming PC with an AMD GPU in it.
Nvidia GPUs support FreeSync monitors.
Furthermore, the Nvidia Control Panel also has the option to allow adaptive sync on any FreeSync display, irrespective of whether it is certified or not.
FreeSync vs. Vsync
In Vsync, the AMD FreeSync system ticks the other way around to change the frequency at which frame rates are passed to displays.
AMD Radeon FreeSync™ 2 HDR Technology²
AMD Radeon FreeSync™ 2 HDR raises the bar for gaming displays to the next level, allowing outstanding user experiences in playing HDR games, movies and other content:
Find out more by visiting the Manufacturer’s Website.
Note: FreeSync is an open standard and therefore not limited to AMD graphics cards. It can also be used with NVIDIA GPUs with the help of third-party software.
Advancements in FreeSync Technology
As technology advances, so does FreeSync. The latest version of FreeSync, FreeSync 2, offers even more benefits for gamers and video enthusiasts. Some of the key advancements in FreeSync 2 include:
HDR Support
FreeSync 2 supports High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology, which allows for a wider colour gamut and higher contrast ratio. This results in more vibrant and lifelike images, with more detail in the shadows and highlights.
Low Framerate Compensation
FreeSync 2 includes a feature called Low Framerate Compensation (LFC), which helps to eliminate stuttering and tearing even when the frame rate of the graphics card falls below the minimum refresh rate of the monitor. This is especially useful for gamers who are playing on older or less powerful hardware.
Improved Color Accuracy
FreeSync 2 monitors have been certified to meet strict standards for colour accuracy, ensuring that the images displayed are true to life and consistent across different monitors.
Conclusion
FreeSync is a technology developed by AMD that eliminates screen tearing and stuttering in gaming and video playback. It works by synchronizing the refresh rate of a monitor with the frame rate of the graphics card, ensuring that the graphics are displayed smoothly and without any artefacts.
With FreeSync, you can enjoy a more immersive gaming experience, with smoother graphics and reduced input lag.
