What Is Nvidia G-Sync and How Does It Affect Your Games?

Introduced in 2013, Nvidia’s G-Sync technology combats screen tearing and any stuttering issues it may cause.

This results in a smoother gaming experience visually and in terms of input lag.

monitor with nvidia g sync image

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Screen tearing happens when the game’s refresh rate doesn’t match your monitor’s.

Different Types of G-Sync Explained

Since its release, G-Sync has seen several updates and improvements.

The technology has branched out into three main categories.

screen tearing in csgo

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Finally, native G-Sync and G-Sync Ultimate monitors can also work with AMD GPUs.

This gives you more GPU options if you’re looking for a switch or upgrade down the line.

Laptops need a GTX 980M, 970M, 965M, or better GPU over the same DisplayPort 1.2 connection.

Valorant game running on an OLED monitor mounted on a desk with keyboard and mouse below

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G-Sync compatible monitors also require Nvidia’s R340.52 driver or higher running on Windows 10.

You’ll also need the R396 GA2 driver or higher running on Windows 10.

While both G-Sync and FreeSync do the same thing, they use different approaches.

Nvidia

However, FreeSync monitors also tend to suffer screen ghosting more often.

Should You Buy G-Sync-Compatible Hardware?

If you could afford it, absolutely.

A powerful enough PC will easily be able to push high frames per second in a game.

G-Sync isn’t all for visual appeal, either.

However, don’t expect your gaming performance to skyrocket just because you bought a G-Sync monitor.

Your game will almost certainly look better and feel faster, but that isn’t a replacement for skill.