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.
Jhet Borja/MakeUseOf
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.
Hamlin Rozario/MakeUseOf
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.
Hamlin Rozario/MakeUseOf
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.
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.