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G-SYNC 101: Control Panel

Published Jun 20, 2017 by in: G-SYNC

G-SYNC Module

The G-SYNC module is a small chip that replaces the display’s standard internal scaler, and contains enough onboard memory to hold and process a single frame at a time.

The module exploits the vertical blanking interval (the span between the previous and next frame scan) to manipulate the display’s internal timings; performing G2G (gray to gray) overdrive calculations to prevent ghosting, and synchronizing the display’s refresh rate to the GPU’s render rate to eliminate tearing, along with the delayed frame delivery and adjoining stutter caused by traditional syncing methods.

G-SYNC Demo

The below Blur Busters Test UFO motion test pattern uses motion interpolation techniques to simulate the seamless framerate transitions G-SYNC provides within the refresh rate, when directly compared to standalone V-SYNC.

G-SYNC Activation

“Enable for full screen mode” (exclusive fullscreen functionality only) will automatically engage when a supported display is connected to the GPU. If G-SYNC behavior is suspect or non-functioning, untick the “Enable G-SYNC, G-SYNC Compatible” box, apply, re-tick, and apply.

Blur Buster's G-SYNC 101: Control Panel

G-SYNC Windowed Mode

“Enable for windowed and full screen mode” allows G-SYNC support for windowed and borderless windowed mode. This option was introduced in a 2015 driver update, and by manipulating the DWM (Desktop Windows Manager) framebuffer, enables G-SYNC’s VRR (variable refresh rate) to synchronize to the focused window’s render rate; unfocused windows remain at the desktop’s fixed refresh rate until focused on.

G-SYNC only functions on one window at a time, and thus any unfocused window that contains moving content will appear to stutter or slow down, a reason why a variety of non-gaming applications (popular web browsers among them) include predefined Nvidia profiles that disable G-SYNC support.

Note: this setting may require a game or system restart after application; the “G-SYNC Indicator” (Nvidia Control Panel > Display > G-SYNC Indicator) can be enabled to verify it is working as intended.

G-SYNC Preferred Refresh Rate

“Highest available” automatically engages when G-SYNC is enabled, and overrides the in-game refresh rate selector (if present), defaulting to the highest supported refresh rate of the display. This is useful for games that don’t include a selector, and ensures the display’s native refresh rate is utilized.

“Application-controlled” adheres to the desktop’s current refresh rate, or defers control to games that contain a refresh rate selector.

Note: this setting only applies to games being run in exclusive fullscreen mode. For games being run in borderless or windowed mode, the desktop dictates the refresh rate.

G-SYNC & V-SYNC

G-SYNC (GPU Synchronization) works on the same principle as double buffer V-SYNC; buffer A begins to render frame A, and upon completion, scans it to the display. Meanwhile, as buffer A finishes scanning its first frame, buffer B begins to render frame B, and upon completion, scans it to the display, repeat.

The primary difference between G-SYNC and V-SYNC is the method in which rendered frames are synchronized. With V-SYNC, the GPU’s render rate is synchronized to the fixed refresh rate of the display. With G-SYNC, the display’s VRR (variable refresh rate) is synchronized to the GPU’s render rate.

Upon its release, G-SYNC’s ability to fall back on fixed refresh rate V-SYNC behavior when exceeding the maximum refresh rate of the display was built-in and non-optional. A 2015 driver update later exposed the option.

This update led to recurring confusion, creating a misconception that G-SYNC and V-SYNC are entirely separate options. However, with G-SYNC enabled, the “Vertical sync” option in the control panel no longer acts as V-SYNC, and actually dictates whether, one, the G-SYNC module compensates for frametime variances output by the system (which prevents tearing at all times. G-SYNC + V-SYNC “Off” disables this behavior; see G-SYNC 101: Range), and two, whether G-SYNC falls back on fixed refresh rate V-SYNC behavior; if V-SYNC is “On,” G-SYNC will revert to V-SYNC behavior above its range, if V-SYNC is “Off,” G-SYNC will disable above its range, and tearing will begin display wide.

Within its range, G-SYNC is the only syncing method active, no matter the V-SYNC “On” or “Off” setting.

Currently, when G-SYNC is enabled, the control panel’s “Vertical sync” entry is automatically engaged to “Use the 3D application setting,” which defers V-SYNC fallback behavior and frametime compensation control to the in-game V-SYNC option. This can be manually overridden by changing the “Vertical sync” entry in the control panel to “Off,” “On,” or “Fast.”

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Joselaba97
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Joselaba97

Hey, I have the quite the unique scenario for current “next-gen” gsync displays, particularly the one’s marketed as part of the “gsync esports” program. I recently have purchased the Viewsonic Elite XG271QG, it’s a 240Hz 1440p “Gsync” monitor equipped with the actual gsync module and the reflex low latency analyzer. There is unfortunately very little information about this monitor specification, and whether or not it is equipped with the actual next gen module rated to utilize the upcoming mini-LED HDR gsync displays. However, I have reason to believe it utilizes the next-gen module. For starters, it comes pre-equipped with the reflex low-latency analyzer (has all of the current settings available but doesn’t do any measuring since geforce experience isn’t installed on my PC), contains a “gsync esports” mode which disables the OD settings and what I can only assume activates the variable OD parameter (This setting was seen on MSI’s latest livestream in which the monitor they were advertising contained the same toggle option, “Gysnc Esports”). It does not look like ULMB sync since I am very sensitive to that feature, and I would’ve noticed the black frame insertion if this were the case.

Now Nvidia claims that these monitors are configured out of the box to utilize this feature-set, and the only thing required for latency measuring is the overlay activation through the Geforce Experience software itself. However, this setting toggle is not the only thing available on the monitor itself. It contains the three main options for the overdrive setting, a ULMB toggle that only becomes available when activating it through the NVCP, and additional sRGB setting that disables the contrast slider itself, gamma & color temps, gamma clamp, the whole nine yards. This quite possibly is one of the most feature packed monitors on the market today, regardless of the lack of local dimming for HDR and the “ultimate” certification.

So that leads to the conclusion, and concerns, of this brief analysis. Is it possible that the fully-fledged gsync esports feature can be optimally utilized with geforce experience only? It activates fully with the base nvidia driver (NVCP), the most current one, but activating something like reduced buffering will automatically max utilization to 99% when the fps cap is disabled. This is vastly different than my previous gsync compatible display that actually utilized RB to its fullest potential and kept my utilization around 70% with the same in-game settings and varying the fps respectively to match that low utilization. (as reported by Afterburner, Gears 5 In-game vysnc utilized, fps cap vs off, reduced buffering utilized for the fps cap disabled). Thus, the aforementioned latency/fps measurements lead me to believe that this instantaneous maxing of gpu utilization is either a driver issue, or geforce experience needs to be installed to fully-utilize the frame pace/fluctuation that nvidia provides through gysnc. Because it certainly used to fully utilize reduced buffering before with my gsync compatible monitor.

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3 years 9 months ago
jorimt
Author
jorimt

I recently have purchased the Viewsonic Elite XG271QG, it’s a 240Hz 1440p “Gsync” monitor equipped with the actual gsync module and the reflex low latency analyzer.

My ASUS PG279QM has the same specs and capabilities as well, so I’m familiar with the features.

There is unfortunately very little information about this monitor specification, and whether or not it is equipped with the actual next gen module rated to utilize the upcoming mini-LED HDR gsync displays. However, I have reason to believe it utilizes the next-gen module.

It is using a newer version of the G-SYNC module, but It will not affect base G-SYNC functionality, only secondary support for aspects such as the Reflex Analyzer, HDR, sRGB clamping, etc.

it comes pre-equipped with the reflex low-latency analyzer (has all of the current settings available but doesn’t do any measuring since geforce experience isn’t installed on my PC)

You should be able to plug the monitor into your PC via USB, and then your mouse into the monitor, and activate the analyzer/picture mode on you monitor without utilizing Geforce Experience, which I believe is only required in this respect for supplemental latency readouts.

a “gsync esports” mode which disables the OD settings and what I can only assume activates the variable OD parameter (This setting was seen on MSI’s latest livestream in which the monitor they were advertising contained the same toggle option, “Gysnc Esports”).

Variable overdrive is engaged in G-SYNC mode on G-SYNC displays w/modules regardless of the set picture or OD presets.

It does not look like ULMB sync since I am very sensitive to that feature, and I would’ve noticed the black frame insertion if this were the case.

ULMB is featured on your model, but it can only be activated when G-SYNC is disabled.

Is it possible that the fully-fledged gsync esports feature can be optimally utilized with geforce experience only?

Not that I know of.

It activates fully with the base nvidia driver (NVCP), the most current one, but activating something like reduced buffering will automatically max utilization to 99% when the fps cap is disabled. This is vastly different than my previous gsync compatible display that actually utilized RB to its fullest potential and kept my utilization around 70% with the same in-game settings and varying the fps respectively to match that low utilization. (as reported by Afterburner, Gears 5 In-game vysnc utilized, fps cap vs off, reduced buffering utilized for the fps cap disabled).

This sounds game-specific potentially? When you refer to “RB” or “Reduced Buffering,” is that for a particular game, or?

Nvidia offers “Reflex” (separate from the Reflex Latency Analyzer) in specific games, which prevents maximum GPU utilization in order to reduce render queue latency.

Thus, the aforementioned latency/fps measurements lead me to believe that this instantaneous maxing of gpu utilization is either a driver issue, or geforce experience needs to be installed to fully-utilize the frame pace/fluctuation that nvidia provides through gysnc.

Again, Geforce Experience shouldn’t need to be installed for fundamental G-SYNC behavior or Reflex to fully function.

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3 years 9 months ago
Joselaba97
Member
Joselaba97

Sweet that does clarify things for me, thank you so much. It’s honestly convenient to not have the ability to mess with OD features on the esports mode, but still awesome it’ll let me go back to base monitor functionality if I want to.

As for “Reduced Buffering”, it’s for “Gears 5”. It functioned perfectly with in-game vsync, RB, and no fps caps. Almost like the game knew to keep my fps below the maximum refresh rate. Additionally, it always kept my utilization under 80 or so despite having absolutely max gfx settings. The caveat here, however, was that this was on a 1080p 240Hz Gsync Compatible monitor (range was legit kept between 60-80 utilization @ 180-220fps, 3080Ti/12900KF). The hardware and gfx parameters are the same, so I’m unsure as to why it doesn’t drop the fps to the range of 150-160 given the new increase in resolution. But I agree that it’s mostly a game/driver related issue at this point, since capping it to 144 will keep it down to 80% utilization max regardless. This is what I generally like doing since it will keep things extremely consistent for me, while utilizing the scan out speed of my monitor. (Thanks for that article too btw)

Thanks for the help regardless, I’ll see if there’s any improvements in additional monitor functionality with the usb cable.

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3 years 9 months ago
jorimt
Author
jorimt

You’re welcome.

I’ll see if there’s any improvements in additional monitor functionality with the usb cable.

The purpose of the USB cable is to allow the monitor and mouse attached to it, to communicate with the PC in order to get end-to-end latency readings from mouse clicks when the Reflex Latency Analyzer is enabled in the monitor OSD.

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3 years 9 months ago
maxfury
Member
maxfury

Hi, thanks for the good guide!

I have a question. Is there any relationship between low latency mode and 1% & 0.1% low frame rate? Because I found significant improvement in 1% & 0.1% low when I set low latency to “ultra” and turned off “Nvidia reflex” in games. (Ex. 1% low 180 >> 225 , 0.1% low 90 >> 140 in Overwatch 1440P)

I don’t know why but frame drops if turning on “Nvidia reflex” or setting low latency mode to “on”.

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3 years 9 months ago
jorimt
Author
jorimt

While your question isn’t directly G-SYNC-related, yes, any setting that manipulates the render queue can affect 1% and 0.1% lows. How and why varies heavily by the scenario, and the system/game combo in said scenario.

As for what you’re seeing in Overwatch between LLM “Ultra” and Reflex, I don’t know all the specifics of your configuration, or what you’re monitoring with (I assume something like Afterburner), but part of it could be Ultra is doing less than Reflex.

Reflex sets a dynamic FPS limit, so it’s possible it could overcompensate it’s limit whenever there is a larger frametime variance or spike, causing the framerate to drop lower than it would with it off, but then again, settings like Reflex and LLM are only intended for GPU-bound scenarios, so if your GPU usage isn’t maxed, you don’t technically need those settings to reduce latency further.

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3 years 9 months ago
maxfury
Member
maxfury

Thank you for your kind reply.

I’m really happy now with my computer’s game performances and there’s no more severe frame drops especially, 1% low and 0.1% low. They were unstable when I didn’t use Vsync with Gsync together even my compter spec is far higher than recommended one (5950X RTX3090) because of my prejudice… Vsync leads to Input lag. But I was wrong. Can’t see much difference while playing FPS games. Also silky smooth!

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3 years 9 months ago
jorimt
Author
jorimt

Sure, no worries.

It’s an unfortunate logistical naming issue that the V-SYNC “option,” when paired with G-SYNC, is still called “V-SYNC,” because in reality, it’s actually an original native tearing-prevention component of G-SYNC when used inside the G-SYNC range.

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3 years 9 months ago
maxfury
Member
maxfury

I understand.

By the way, I have another question. Comparing with two options, one is NULL setting (G-SYNC, V-SYNC on and Ultra) with no FPS limit and the other is NULL with FPS limit (below 3~4 than monitor), Do they have same input delays?

My monitor is 240hz and the NULL setting makes it 225 frame rate (maximum) in games. However, some ppl said I need to cap FPS manually so make it below 224 to reduce more latency.

My GPU usage hardly ever goes up 99%. Ususally around 40~70% during games. In this situation, should I have to cap the FPS (below 224) for sure?

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3 years 9 months ago
jorimt
Author
jorimt

My monitor is 240hz and the NULL setting makes it 225 frame rate (maximum) in games. However, some ppl said I need to cap FPS manually so make it below 224 to reduce more latency.

The NULL auto limit uses the Nvidia Max Frame Rate solution, so, no, if you set a manual limit below NULL’s auto limit with either Max Frame Rate or RTSS, the latency will be the same.

It can only be lower in that particular scenario if you set an in-game limit below the NULL auto limit, since in-game limiters, unlike external limiters, are at the engine-level, and can thus achieve slightly lower latency (typically around 1/2 to 1 frame reduction) over external limiters.

But at that point, if you now have a manual limit to keep G-SYNC in range, and your GPU usage isn’t maxed, why use NULL at all?

My GPU usage hardly ever goes up 99%. Ususally around 40~70% during games. In this situation, should I have to cap the FPS (below 224) for sure?

You don’t need NULL if your GPU never reaches 99% usage. As I said in a previous reply, settings like LLM and Reflex only reduce render queue latency whenever the GPU is maxed.

Basically, you don’t want to “need” to use LLM in the first place. If you need LLM, then it means your system can’t maintain a constant framerate and the GPU is now the limit, not the FPS limiter.

If you can maintain a constant framerate at your set limit without maxing your GPU, then G-SYNC + V-SYNC + a minimum -3 FPS limit is the lowest tear-free latency you’re going to achieve, with or without settings like LLM and Reflex engaged on top of that.

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3 years 9 months ago
pm1221
Member
pm1221

Hello,

first I wanted to thank you for that well written guide! Since I updated my new setup new pc and display (gsync comptible) it looks like nothing works, no vsync no gsync, not when set up ingame and also not in the control panel. I tried different windows versions 10/11 it also looks like that my old gsync Monitor with Build in gsync has now also screen tearing on my new pc. If I limit ingame my fps I have the feeling that it gets even worse (if I read correctly in the article than because I capped myself)
I also set the refreshrate in the windows display settings to 144

Im not sure since I updated from an 11 year old pc, and now reaching 170-250 frames in games. So this behavior is normal? On my old setup I had never encountered any screen tearing with just gsync on in Nvidia control panel (vsync everywhere off)

I tried so many things and nothing seems to work, I run stress tests and benchmarks and I can achieve great scores with the gpu, so I’m not sure if the gpu can still be broken.

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3 years 9 months ago
jorimt
Author
jorimt

To start, what driver version do you currently have installed? Some users have reported G-SYNC Compatible issues with 511.65.

It was hotfixed with 511.72. Latest 511.79 driver should also be fixed in this respect.

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3 years 9 months ago
pm1221
Member
pm1221

Im using the new one from 14 Feb so 511.79

I tested again and I think like in the article suggested with gsync on and vsync in the Nvidia Control Panel my fps is automatically capped on games to 144 and I think there is no screen tearing anymore, maybe it’s just in my mind but I have that feeling I’m seeing the 3D objects light flickering when I’m moving the camera in games fast around.

Only gsync and game Settings limiting fps to 144 / 141 still screen tearing. But again as suggested the input lag should be fine with vsync enabled in the control panel while gsync is also enabled.

I was just wondering because vsync is per default switched off. On my old machine with 1070 and 1440p I barley reached above 100 fps and gsync only enabled was totaly fine.

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3 years 9 months ago
jorimt
Author
jorimt

G-SYNC on + V-SYNC on is actually “full” G-SYNC with framerates within the refresh rate, whereas G-SYNC on + V-SYNC off removes a tearing prevention component of G-SYNC, which means it can still tear within the G-SYNC range, so what you were seeing in that scenario is expect.

That said, you still need to set a minimum -3 FPS limit of the max refresh rate (141 FPS or lower at 144Hz in your case) as to keep framerates within the refresh rate to keep G-SYNC active and prevent it from reverting to standalone V-SYNC behavior with G-SYNC + V-SYNC.

Also make sure G-SYNC is actually engaged in the given game. Because if you have G-SYNC + V-SYNC on and G-SYNC isn’t actually engaged for any reason, you won’t get any tearing, but you’ll effectively be using regular V-SYNC.

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3 years 9 months ago
pm1221
Member
pm1221

Thanks a lot for the reply, yes that makes totaly sense. Since I was barley above 100 fps before there wasn’t so much „fine tuning“ to get gsync correctly to work. But with so many power and high frame rates that is the only way now I guess (setting also vsync in Nvidia control Panel) and cap the Game to 141 fps/ ingame Settings or with other Software so you don’t Risk to just run with regular vsync. I wasn’t clear about all that. So a 240hz Monitor would have been way better or less powerful graphics card.

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3 years 9 months ago
jorimt
Author
jorimt

So a 240hz Monitor would have been way better or less powerful graphics card.

Yes and no; as long as you keep the framerate within the G-SYNC range, you have the lowest latency tear-free frame delivery possible at the given max refresh rate of the monitor.

141 FPS G-SYNC at 144Hz has much lower latency than 200 FPS standard V-SYNC at 144Hz in the same game on the same system, for instance.

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3 years 9 months ago
smoothnobody
Member
smoothnobody

you wrote this article 5 years ago and you are still responding to this comment section. respect.

my QN90A tv supports VRR, but not g-sync. i can’t seem to figure out how to turn on VRR. i’ve tried game mode, PC mode, VRR always says off. i do not see VRR in nvidia control panel, but i do see g-sync when in game mode even though g-sync is not supported. even with g-sync enabled, my tv says VRR is off. what am i not understanding?

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3 years 9 months ago
jorimt
Author
jorimt

VRR, Adaptive Sync, FreeSync, and G-SYNC have all the same fundamental functionality under different naming. The main difference between them is usually dependent on what GPU brand you’re running, driver and display implementation, etc.

Your issues are likely display-specific. According to the RTINGS review, that model is G-SYNC compatible (even if not officially certified), and should be working on the latest firmware:
https://www.rtings.com/tv/reviews/samsung/qn90a-qled

Have you updated your TV firmware and Nvidia driver version to the latest?

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3 years 9 months ago
18koko
Member
18koko

For competitive valorant with 240hz. Would you recommend to enable g sync, v sync, and llm for?

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3 years 10 months ago
jorimt
Author
jorimt

I would recommend you try both no sync and G-SYNC in that game, and see what you prefer, because at 240Hz, the difference in raw average latency between the two is small, with the bigger difference between the two being more how each deliver frames, which can create a different “feel” overall.

My recommended G-SYNC settings can be found here:
https://blurbusters.com/gsync/gsync101-input-lag-tests-and-settings/14/

As for LLM, Valorant has Reflex, which replaces it entirely. If your GPU usage is maxed in that game at any point, use Reflex instead of LLM. If it isn’t, neither LLM nor Reflex will do much if anything to reduce latency further.

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3 years 9 months ago
wpDiscuz

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