VRR or variable refresh rate is a feature that tells the rate at which images on displays are refreshed. For displaying pictures in sync, the GPUs frame refresh rate should be in sync with the monitor’s refresh rate.
VRR makes sure these two ranges are in sync to eliminate any picture tearing and stuttering.
What is FreeSync?
FreeSync is AMD’s implementation of VRR. It is a successor of its prior technology Display Port Adaptive Sync standard. Freesync has more added features like LFC low framerate compensation and supports different hardware like HDMI, DisplayPort etc.
What is G-Sync?
Just like AMD has FreeSync, NVIDIA has G-Sync. However, for using the G-Sync technology, you need to have a G-Sync enabled monitor, G-Sync enabled GPU, and NVIDIA enabled drivers.
This brings us to the question: Can Freesync work with Nvidia graphic card? Before 2019, the answer would be different. But with the recent update in 2019, Nvidia graphics cards are made compatible with any display. Nvidia only supported G-Sync monitors and did not work with FreeSync monitors. In 2019, Nvidia launched its ‘Nvidia Freesync’ initiative, according to which Nvidia is made compatible with Freesync.
This means Nvidia graphics card or AMD graphics card can work with FreeSync monitors and G-Sync monitors.
But the real question is, if FreeSync works with Nvidia, will it prevent screen tearing? The answer, in this case, is complicated. In some monitors, it has worked very well, while in others it didn’t work at all. It most importantly depends on the monitor and GPU combination at large.
How to connect the Freesync monitor with Nvidia?
Step 1: Connect the monitor
You need a Freesync compatible monitor and DisplayPort to establish the connection. An HDMI or other cable won’t work.
Step 2: Update Windows
You should make sure the monitor has the latest Windows installed. Update it, if necessary, with the help of Settings.
Step 3: Update Nvidia Drivers
If you have just performed the Windows update, chances are Nvidia drivers are updated. But you may still need to download the Nvidia drivers from Nvidia’s official website. For downloading the right drivers, know your GPU model and search on the website for its drivers.
Before installing them, first, delete the existing drivers by using Display Driver Uninstaller. Before starting the uninstallation, disconnect the internet until new drivers are installed.
Restart your Pc.
Step 4: Enable FreeSync
You can enable FreeSync, right-click on the desktop and select AMD Radeon Software. Now click on Gear icon> Display. Set the AMD Freesync option to Enabled, if not. Close the Radeon software.
Step 5: turn on G-Sync
To turn on G-Sync, follow:
- right-click on the desktop to open Nvidia Control Panel
- Go to Display> change Resolution
- Choose FreeSync monitor and set the resolution to the highest option.
- Click on setup G-Sync from the left menu found under Display
- Check box Enable G-Sync, G-Sync compatible option
- Click on Apply
That’s it; your Freesync monitor works with Nvidia GPU now.
Q&A
freesync vs g-sync
G-Sync from Nvidia works through a chip that is built into the monitor. FreeSync uses the video card’s functionality to manage the monitor’s refresh rate using the Adaptive-Sync standard built into the DisplayPort standard. This makes a difference in performance.
Is FreeSync better than G-Sync?
There is no clear winner between the two technologies because it depends on your needs and preferences. Most of the time, the best choice is to use the technology that works with your computer: G-SYNC if you have a graphics card from NVIDIA and FreeSync if you have a graphics card from AMD.
Is it OK to use FreeSync with Nvidia?
Can you use an Nvidia card with a FreeSync monitor? Yes, you can use an Nvidia graphics card with any screen, and the image you see will be the same as on any other screen. A few years ago, Nvidia only worked with its own G-Sync monitors and made it impossible to use any other. Also, only the open FreeSync standard was supported by AMD.
Is FreeSync good for gaming?
If you find a monitor that matches what you want in these respects, whether the monitor is G-Sync, G-Sync Compatible, or FreeSync shouldn’t matter too much providing your graphics card is compatible – all will provide high quality, tear-free gaming experience with minimal input delay once configured properly.
Should I use G-Sync for gaming?
If you are playing fast-paced games such as FPS games or racing games then yes, G-Sync might be worth your time. … If your GPU is producing 200fps on Fortnite, but your monitor is only a 144hz monitor, then G-Sync isn’t going to stop all the tearing because your frame rate is above your monitors refresh rate.
How do I turn on FreeSync with Nvidia GPU?
Ensure the ‘Enable G-Sync, G-Sync Compatible’ checkbox is checked in the Nvidia Control Panel under the ‘Set up G-Sync’ tab. The selected display will be the one with the Nvidia eye logo on it. Now check the ‘Enable settings for the selected display model’ button under the ‘FreeSync’ window.
Does FreeSync give more FPS?
It is a great technology that can help you cut down on screen tearing, screen stuttering, and screen lagging issues. It’s fundamentally better than VSync because it’s dynamic, and via VRR, it can adapt to the FPS of your game. It also reduces input delay, so playing online competitively is made plausible with FreeSync.