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What to Use Instead of V-Sync to Reduce Screen Tearing

FreeSync or G-SYNC VRR is the most direct V-Sync alternative when your monitor and GPU support it. Learn when to use a frame cap or a vendor-specific sync setting.
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If your monitor and graphics card support it, variable refresh rate (VRR)—through AMD FreeSync or NVIDIA G-SYNC—is the most direct alternative to conventional V-Sync for reducing screen tearing. VRR adjusts the display’s refresh timing to the GPU’s frame rate, which can reduce tearing without relying on conventional V-Sync’s fixed refresh synchronization. If your frame rate regularly exceeds your monitor’s refresh rate or VRR range, a frame-rate cap or a suitable V-Sync setting may still be needed.

Why look beyond conventional V-Sync?

Screen tearing happens when the display shows parts of different frames at the same time. Conventional V-Sync can prevent tearing by synchronizing frame presentation with the display, but it may add input delay. That trade-off matters most when responsive controls are a priority. NVIDIA’s explanation of tearing and frame rate describes the issue and the latency trade-off.

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Use VRR first if your display and GPU support it

Variable refresh rate lets the display adjust its refresh rate in relation to the GPU’s frame rate. AMD FreeSync works with compatible displays and graphics setups; NVIDIA G-SYNC requires a G-SYNC or G-SYNC Compatible display. Compatibility depends on the particular display and graphics hardware, so confirm that both ends support the mode you intend to use.

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Enable VRR on the display and in graphics software

  1. Open the monitor’s on-screen display and enable its FreeSync, Adaptive-Sync, or other applicable VRR setting. The label varies by monitor.
  2. Enable the corresponding feature in the graphics software for your GPU. AMD’s recommended FreeSync setup calls for enabling it both on the display and in AMD software.
  3. Check the monitor’s published VRR range and test the game you play. VRR behavior can change when the frame rate falls outside that range.

AMD describes FreeSync as synchronizing a compatible display’s refresh rate with a compatible graphics card’s frame rate, reducing or eliminating artifacts including tearing and stuttering. See AMD FreeSync technology and NVIDIA G-SYNC compatibility information.

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Choose what to do when the frame rate exceeds the display’s limit

VRR does not make the display’s refresh limit irrelevant. AMD recommends enabling V-Sync or capping the frame rate when FPS regularly exceeds the display’s refresh rate. A frame cap can keep performance within a suitable range, but there is no universal cap value: choose one based on your display, its VRR range, and the game. If you use NVIDIA hardware and want to avoid tearing, NVIDIA’s G-SYNC guidance discusses pairing G-SYNC with V-Sync and Reflex or Ultra Low Latency Mode; that configuration can add slightly more latency than uncapped Reflex.

For the NVIDIA configuration, follow the NVIDIA system-latency guide and account for the game’s own settings. The right choice depends on whether avoiding tearing or minimizing latency matters more for that game.

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Vendor-specific alternatives

AMD Enhanced Sync

Enhanced Sync is an AMD option aimed at situations where frame rates exceed display refresh. AMD lists specific supported hardware and APIs, so it is not a universal replacement for V-Sync across graphics platforms or games. Check the current AMD Enhanced Sync feature and compatibility details before relying on it.

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NVIDIA Adaptive VSync

Adaptive VSync dynamically toggles V-Sync as the frame rate moves above or below the display’s refresh-rate threshold. NVIDIA presents it as a way to address the stutter-versus-tearing trade-off around that threshold. It is a GeForce driver option, not a cross-platform setting. See NVIDIA Adaptive VSync.

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Compare the options by your setup and priority

Option Best fit Requirement or trade-off
FreeSync or G-SYNC VRR A compatible monitor and GPU Enable the feature on the display and in graphics software; check the display’s VRR range.
Frame-rate cap Frame rates that regularly exceed refresh rate or VRR range Set a cap suited to the specific display and game; no single cap is right for every setup.
V-Sync with G-SYNC and Reflex or Ultra Low Latency Mode NVIDIA users prioritizing tear-free output NVIDIA says it can add slightly more latency than uncapped Reflex; follow its guidance and account for game-specific behavior.
AMD Enhanced Sync Supported Radeon systems when frame rate exceeds refresh Hardware and API support apply; it is not a universal cross-platform setting.
NVIDIA Adaptive VSync Supported GeForce systems where frame rate crosses the refresh threshold A vendor driver setting that dynamically toggles V-Sync.
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Do you need a new monitor?

Not necessarily. If your current display supports usable VRR and your GPU is compatible, enabling the relevant settings may be enough. If it does not, a compatible FreeSync or G-SYNC Compatible gaming monitor is one possible upgrade—but check GPU support, connection compatibility, and the monitor’s VRR range before buying.

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