What is VSync? How to turn off and on VSync?

VSync was the first synchronization technology for graphics cards, games and monitors. Despite new options like G-Sync or FreeSync, VSync remains an indispensable option for most gamers. But, what is VSync, what does it do?

What is VSync?

Vertical Sync, short for Vertical Sync, is a graphics technology that synchronizes the frame rate of a game with the refresh rate of the gaming monitor. This technology, which was first developed by video card manufacturers, was another way to get rid of screen tearing. Screen tearing is a problem that happens when the monitor’s refresh rate is out of sync with the frame rate per second.

Screen tearing can happen at any time, but it’s more common during fast motion, especially when the player is running at a higher frame rate than the monitor can handle, or when the frame rate changes dramatically, and the monitor can’t keep up. Especially noticeable in fast-paced games with vertical visual elements. When this is the problem, you can clearly see that the lines are not lined up correctly; A good game looks awful. VSync does a few things to mitigate this.

First, it limits the output frame rate of the video card to the refresh rate of the monitor; prevents the monitor from outputting higher frame rates than it can handle. It does this by preventing the graphics processing unit from doing anything to the display memory until the monitor has completed its current refresh cycle. You should not see screen tearing when VSync is turned on.

What is Adaptive Sync?

NVIDIA Adaptive Sync is only available to users with an NVIDIA GT 600 series or newer graphics card. Adaptive Sync technology works similarly to VSync by limiting the FPS output to match your monitor’s refresh capacity, but works harder to eliminate the performance lag caused by lower refresh rates. Adaptive Sync does a better job of streamlining visual performance without any stuttering or tearing.

What is FastSync?

Fast Sync is one of NVIDIA’s newer technologies that is only compatible with GTX 900 series graphics card, 10 series graphics card or newer. Fast Sync does a great job at eliminating screen tearing and input lag while keeping lag to an absolute minimum. It performs more impressively and consistently than VSync. One of the main reasons gamers choose to turn off VSync is because the latency level skyrockets. When Fast Sync is turned on, latency is significantly reduced.

What is Enhanced Sync?

Enhanced Sync is AMD’s advanced VSync solution. Enhanced Sync works in harmony with VSync technology. They work together to reduce stuttering and input lag when the FPS drops below the monitor refresh rate. Enhanced Sync doesn’t completely fix VSync-related issues, but it does make huge improvements in performance and consistency. Enhanced Sync is only available with AMD Radeon graphics cards.

What is SmoothSync?

Smooth Sync is designed to reduce stuttering when VSync is turned on and SLI (Scalable Link Interface) is active. SLI is a parallel processing algorithm for graphics cards designed to increase processing power. Smooth Sync locks the game you are playing to the most sustainable framerate and reduces stuttering by increasing FPS only if the game performance is sustainably overclocking the monitor speed. Smooth Sync effectively lowers the game’s average frame rate while improving the overall visual experience.

Does VSync work?

VSync solves screen tearing by limiting FPS when needed. If your monitor can’t keep up with the FPS of a particular game, VSync can make a big difference. However, VSync cannot improve resolution, colors or brightness level like HDR. It is a preventive technology that focuses on stopping a particular problem rather than making improvements. It also has a negative impact on performance. If you really want to get the most out of your PC’s gaming capabilities, maxing out the settings is important.

VSync is a great option for gamers dealing with incompatible frame rates and refresh rates. VSync fine-tunes the graphics processing unit (GPU) and forces your monitor to work in harmony. This synchronization effectively eliminates screen tearing and allows you to play the game more fluently. VSync is great for gamers who like to play old games on their computers via emulators, as well as being a great companion for new games. High frame rates force the video card to overclock, the temperature rises. If VSync is turned on, FPS limits the monitor’s maximum refresh rate and reduces the overload on the graphics card.

One of the most common issues gamers have with VSync is input lag. In games that require quick reflexes and timing, there is a delay in key presses and differential clicks. During peak graphics, if the frame rate drops below your monitor’s refresh rate, VSync tries to synchronize this sudden change. Instead of providing seamless transitions, it provides a large reduction in frame rate, resulting in higher visual and performance lag.

Should Vsync be turned on?

Should Vsync be on or off? The answer to this question depends on preferences and specific circumstances. When should VSync be turned on? If your video card is rendering more frames than your monitor can display, it’s wise to have VSync turned on. However, if the frame rate of the game you are playing is lower than the maximum refresh rate of your monitor, VSync does not need to be turned on. When should VSync be turned off? When your game reaches the graphically striking point, if the frame rate drops below the refresh rate of your monitor, VSync will automatically try to adapt to this sudden change and you will face bad visuals and loss of performance.

How to turn on Vsync?

Vsync will work on most monitors and displays as long as you have a video card that supports the feature. You can enable it through the respective drivers from AMD and NVIDIA or turn it on from the graphics settings of the game.

Turning on VSync for NVIDIA graphics cards:

1. Click the start button and type NVIDIA control panel.
2. In the NVIIDA control panel, click Manage 3D Settings on the left.
3. On the Global Settings tab, you will see Vertical Sync.
4. Select “On” from the drop-down menu.

Turning on VSync for AMD graphics cards:

1. Open the AMD Radeon software.
2. Click on Gaming.
3. Click the drop-down button next to Wait for Vertical Refresh.
4. Set it to ten.

Vsync off

1. Open the NVIDIA control panel.
2. Click Manage 3D Settings.
3. Click the drop-down button next to the vertical sync option.
4. Select “Off”.

If you play high graphics heavy games and use graphics software on the computer, you may have encountered VSync in NVIDIA and AMD Radeon settings. What does VSync mean in this guide, does it really work to be on, how to turn it off? we mentioned these.