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

FreeSync or G-SYNC VRR is usually the best V-Sync alternative when your GPU and display support it. Learn how to enable it and handle frame rates beyond the VRR range.
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Use variable refresh rate (VRR)—AMD FreeSync or NVIDIA G-SYNC—if both your graphics card and display support it. VRR lets the display adjust its refresh rate to the game’s frame rate, reducing tearing without relying on conventional V-Sync. If your frame rate rises above the display’s refresh rate or the VRR range, a frame-rate cap or a suitable V-Sync setting may still be needed.

Why look for an alternative to V-Sync?

Screen tearing happens when a display shows parts of different frames at once. Conventional V-Sync can prevent that, but it may add input delay. NVIDIA explains both effects in its guide to why high FPS matters for esports.

VRR is the most direct alternative when your system supports it. Rather than making the game wait for a fixed refresh cycle, VRR synchronizes the display’s refresh rate with the graphics card’s frame rate. AMD describes FreeSync as reducing or eliminating artifacts including tearing, stuttering, and input latency; that is the vendor’s feature description, not an independent comparison proving identical results on every setup.

Choose the option that fits your setup

Option When it fits What to know
FreeSync or G-SYNC VRR Your display and GPU support a compatible VRR mode. Enable VRR in the display’s on-screen settings and the graphics software. Check the display’s usable VRR range.
Frame-rate cap Your FPS regularly exceeds the display’s refresh rate or VRR range. Pick a cap for the specific display and game; there is no universal cap established here.
V-Sync with G-SYNC and Reflex or Ultra Low Latency Mode You use NVIDIA’s G-SYNC guidance and prioritize avoiding tearing. NVIDIA notes a slight latency trade-off compared with uncapped Reflex. Follow the guide and account for the game’s behavior.
AMD Enhanced Sync You have a supported Radeon system and frame rates above display refresh. It is AMD-specific, with API and hardware constraints; check AMD’s compatibility details.
NVIDIA Adaptive VSync You have a supported GeForce setup and frame rate crosses the display’s refresh cap. The driver dynamically toggles V-Sync to address the stutter/tearing trade-off around that cap.

Set up FreeSync or G-SYNC

FreeSync

FreeSync requires a compatible display and graphics setup. AMD’s recommended setup calls for enabling the feature both in the display’s on-screen menu and in AMD graphics software. If the option is missing or the display does not report VRR as active, check the monitor’s manual and AMD’s FreeSync setup and compatibility guidance.

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G-SYNC

NVIDIA says G-SYNC requires a G-SYNC or G-SYNC Compatible display. Confirm that your monitor model and graphics setup meet NVIDIA’s G-SYNC requirements before changing settings.

What to do when FPS exceeds the VRR range

VRR is not a reason to ignore frame rate limits. AMD recommends enabling V-Sync or capping frame rate when FPS regularly exceeds the display’s refresh rate. A cap can keep the game from repeatedly running beyond the display’s usable range; choose it for your own monitor and game rather than assuming one number fits all.

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For NVIDIA users seeking to avoid tearing, the company’s system latency guide discusses G-SYNC with V-Sync and Reflex or Ultra Low Latency Mode. NVIDIA notes that this can add slightly more latency than uncapped Reflex. That makes the choice a trade-off: prioritize tear-free presentation, or accept possible tearing in exchange for the lower latency of uncapped rendering.

When the vendor-specific sync modes make sense

AMD Enhanced Sync

Enhanced Sync is an AMD option for supported Radeon hardware when frame rates exceed display refresh. AMD lists API and hardware constraints, so verify that your game and system qualify in the Enhanced Sync compatibility details. It is not a general replacement setting for every GPU.

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NVIDIA Adaptive VSync

Adaptive VSync is a GeForce driver option that dynamically switches V-Sync as frame rate moves above or below the refresh cap. NVIDIA presents it as a way to manage the stutter-versus-tearing trade-off around that threshold. See the Adaptive VSync explanation for the vendor’s description.

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Should you buy a different monitor?

Only consider a purchase if your current display lacks usable VRR and your GPU can drive a compatible display. Before buying, verify graphics-card compatibility, connection requirements, and the monitor’s VRR range. If you already have a compatible display, you may only need to enable the correct settings; a new monitor is not automatically necessary.

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