AMD Freesync is a technology that allows compatible monitors to synchronize their refresh rates with the graphics cards, resulting in smoother and tear-free gaming experience. Freesync eliminates the need for V-Sync, which can introduce input lag and stuttering.
Freesync works with any AMD Radeon graphics card that supports DisplayPort Adaptive-Sync or HDMI Variable Refresh Rate.
Freesync is also compatible with some Nvidia graphics cards through the G-Sync Compatible mode.
What is FreeSync?
AMD FreeSync is a technology that allows a compatible monitor and graphics card to work together to eliminate screen tearing, stuttering, and other visual artifacts.
It does this by allowing the monitor to refresh its display at a variable rate, matching the frame rate of the graphics card.
This can help to improve the overall smoothness and clarity of the image on the screen.
What are the benefits?
Some of the main benefits of AMD FreeSync include:
Improved image quality: By eliminating screen tearing and other visual artifacts, AMD FreeSync can help to improve the overall clarity and quality of the image on the screen.
Enhanced gaming experience: FreeSync can help to reduce input lag and improve the overall responsiveness of the display, making games feel smoother and more immersive.
Cost savings: Because AMD FreeSync is an open standard, it is supported by many monitors and graphics cards, which can help to save money compared to proprietary technologies that may require purchasing specialized hardware.
Energy efficiency: By allowing the display to refresh at a variable rate, AMD FreeSync can help to reduce power consumption, which can be beneficial for both the environment and your electricity bill.
FreeSync vs G-Sync
AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-Sync are both technologies that help to synchronize the refresh rate of a display with the frame rate of a graphics card to reduce screen tearing and stuttering.
In terms of performance, both technologies are similar and can provide a smooth gaming experience.
However, there are some differences between the two:
Compatibility: FreeSync is based on the open Adaptive Sync standard, which means it can be implemented on any display with an HDMI or DisplayPort input.
G-Sync, on the other hand, requires the use of a proprietary module in the display, which limits its compatibility to certain monitors that have been certified by NVIDIA.
Cost: FreeSync monitors are less expensive than G-Sync monitors, as the proprietary G-Sync module adds to the cost of the display.
Input lag: Some users have reported that FreeSync can introduce slightly more input lag compared to G-Sync. However, this can vary depending on the specific monitor and graphics card being used.
Overall, both technologies can provide a good gaming experience, and the choice between them may come down to personal preference and budget.
What are the FreeSync tiers?
AMD FreeSync technology is available in three tiers:
FreeSync: This is the basic tier of AMD FreeSync technology, and it is available on a wide range of monitors.
FreeSync monitors are designed to reduce screen tearing and stuttering caused by mismatched refresh rates between the monitor and the graphics card.
FreeSync Premium: This tier adds additional features to the FreeSync technology, including a higher refresh rate range, low framerate compensation (LFC), and support for HDR content. FreeSync Premium monitors are designed to provide a more fluid and responsive gaming experience.
FreeSync Premium Pro: This is the highest tier of AMD FreeSync technology, and it adds even more features to the FreeSync Premium tier.
FreeSync Premium Pro monitors are designed to deliver the ultimate gaming experience, with support for high refresh rates, low framerate compensation, and HDR content.
It's worth noting that AMD FreeSync technology is only compatible with certain AMD graphics cards and APUs. You'll need to check the specifications of your graphics card and monitor to see if they are compatible with FreeSync.
To enable AMD FreeSync, you will need to have a compatible monitor and graphics card. Both the monitor and the graphics card should have FreeSync support, and the monitor should be connected to the graphics card using a DisplayPort cable.
Once you have confirmed that your hardware is compatible with AMD FreeSync, you can follow these steps to enable the feature:
Total Time: 10 minutes
Start the settings app
Open the AMD Radeon settings app by right-clicking on your desktop and selecting "AMD Radeon Settings" from the menu.
Display tab
In the AMD Radeon settings app, click on the "Display" tab.
Toggle AMD FreeSync
In the "Display" tab, you should see a section called "AMD FreeSync" with a toggle switch. Click on the toggle switch to enable AMD FreeSync.
Select Refresh Rate
If your monitor has multiple refresh rate options, you may need to select the appropriate refresh rate in the "Display" tab to ensure that AMD FreeSync is active.
Finish off the settings
Once you have enabled AMD FreeSync, you can close the AMD Radeon settings app and begin using your monitor with the feature enabled.
Last step
Note that you may need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect. Additionally, some monitors may require you to enable FreeSync from the monitor's on-screen display (OSD) menu, so be sure to check your monitor's user manual for specific instructions on how to enable the feature.