Monitor Sync Technologies: A South African Buyer’s Guide
Choosing the right sync technology can make games smoother, reduce input lag, and eliminate screen tearing. This guide explains the major options available in South Africa, how they work, and which one fits different budgets and GPUs.
What does sync actually do?
Screen tearing happens when your graphics card renders frames at a rate that does not match your monitor’s refresh rate. Sync technologies align these two so that each refresh shows a complete frame. The result is smoother motion and fewer artifacts during fast action in games and videos.
Example: if your GPU is delivering 30 frames per second on a 60 Hz monitor, the mismatch can cause a split image. Sync systems coordinate timing so the panel updates only when a full frame is ready.
Sync types at a glance
- V-Sync
- NVIDIA Fast Sync and AMD Enhanced Sync
- NVIDIA G-Sync and G-Sync Compatible
- AMD FreeSync (including Premium and Premium Pro tiers)
- Adaptive Sync (VESA standard behind most modern VRR)
V-Sync
V-Sync is the classic option found in most games and monitors. It caps the GPU output to match the monitor refresh rate. This reduces tearing but can add input lag if the GPU cannot keep up. When frame rate drops below the refresh rate, you may notice judder because the GPU must wait for the next refresh cycle. V-Sync works best when your frame rate stays at or above the monitor’s refresh target.
NVIDIA Fast Sync and AMD Enhanced Sync
These are modern takes on tear reduction for high frame rate scenarios. By using buffering strategies, they present the most recent fully rendered frame to the monitor, which cuts tearing while keeping latency lower than traditional V-Sync. They shine in esports titles where frame rates are often much higher than the monitor refresh rate. Use them when your FPS is well above your panel’s Hz.
NVIDIA G-Sync and G-Sync Compatible
G-Sync uses variable refresh to match the monitor refresh rate to the GPU frame rate in real time. Full G-Sync displays use certified hardware for consistent results, minimal stutter, and very low input lag. G-Sync Compatible monitors do not have the hardware module but support variable refresh over standards like Adaptive Sync, delivering similar core benefits when paired with supported NVIDIA GPUs.
Tip: Check that your monitor’s variable refresh window (for example, 48 to 144 Hz) covers the frame rates you typically see in your games.
AMD FreeSync
FreeSync implements variable refresh using open standards and is widely available from budget to premium monitors. It aligns the panel refresh with GPU output to reduce tearing and stutter with little added latency. Many FreeSync monitors also work with recent NVIDIA GPUs in G-Sync Compatible mode, adding flexibility if you change graphics cards later.
- FreeSync: Core VRR support.
- FreeSync Premium: Requires higher refresh (often 120 Hz or more) and Low Framerate Compensation for smoother low FPS moments.
- FreeSync Premium Pro: Adds HDR handling and stricter performance criteria.
Adaptive Sync (VESA VRR standard)
Adaptive Sync is the underlying open standard that enables variable refresh on many modern displays. FreeSync builds on this standard, and G-Sync Compatible relies on it as well. If you see Adaptive Sync in the spec sheet, the monitor can vary its refresh rate to follow the GPU, reducing tearing and stutter across a range of frame rates.
Which sync should you choose?
| Sync Type | Works With | Main Benefits | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|---|
| V-Sync | Any GPU and monitor | Simple tear reduction | Added input lag and judder if FPS dips |
| Fast Sync or Enhanced Sync | NVIDIA or AMD GPUs | Lower latency than V-Sync, reduces tearing at very high FPS | Works best when FPS is far above refresh rate |
| G-Sync | NVIDIA GPU plus G-Sync monitor | Excellent smoothness, very low lag across VRR range | Usually higher monitor price |
| G-Sync Compatible | NVIDIA GPU plus Adaptive Sync monitor | VRR benefits without the module cost | Quality can vary by model and VRR range |
| FreeSync | AMD GPUs and many recent NVIDIA GPUs | Wide availability, strong value for money | VRR range and performance vary across monitors |
| Adaptive Sync | Any GPU that supports the standard | Open standard VRR across many displays | Implementation quality differs by panel and scaler |
Advice for South African buyers
- Match your GPU: AMD cards pair naturally with FreeSync. NVIDIA users should look for G-Sync or G-Sync Compatible support.
- Stretch your budget wisely: FreeSync and G-Sync Compatible monitors often deliver the best value in SA. Reserve full G-Sync for premium builds where the lowest latency is essential.
- Mind the VRR window: A wider VRR range, for example 30 to 144 Hz, helps keep gameplay smooth when frame rates dip.
- Use the right cable: DisplayPort usually offers the most reliable VRR on PCs. HDMI 2.1 enables VRR on newer GPUs and consoles.
- Think long term: If you may switch between AMD and NVIDIA, choose a monitor that supports both FreeSync and G-Sync Compatible modes.
Quick FAQ
Is V-Sync still worth using?
Yes, if you are sensitive to tearing and can keep FPS at or above your monitor refresh. For competitive play, consider Fast Sync, Enhanced Sync, or a VRR monitor to reduce latency.
Do I need a special monitor for G-Sync?
For full G-Sync, yes. For G-Sync Compatible, you can use many Adaptive Sync or FreeSync monitors with supported NVIDIA GPUs.
Will FreeSync work with NVIDIA?
Many modern NVIDIA GPUs support G-Sync Compatible mode on select FreeSync or Adaptive Sync monitors. Check the monitor’s specs and compatibility lists for best results.
Does VRR help outside of gaming?
Yes. Variable refresh can smooth motion in video playback and desktop use when frame delivery is uneven.