G-SYNC 101: Control Panel


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.”



3285 Comments For “G-SYNC 101”

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Rezhyn
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Rezhyn

Hi jorimt. The article and replies are a plethora of helpful information that gamers will use for years to come. Appreciate it in advance.

I had a quick question about G-SYNC usage in specific games. I have a 12900k and 3080 with a G-SYNC verified 1440p 165hz Samsung monitor. I love the feeling of G-SYNC in certain games with your recommended setup like Tarkov and COD where my FPS can fluctuate and fall below my refresh rate. Tarkov seriously feels like an entirely different game with G-SYNC and i’m not even sure why.

For games that I do not want to use G-SYNC in for the lowest latency possible (Overwatch, League, Apex, and any other game I can get 300+ FPS always) what is the best method of ensuring G-SYNC is not muddling with anything? I understand G-SYNC will disengage past 165 FPS, and my setup would act exactly as if I had G-SYNC disabled in NVCP? Does the monitors Adaptive-sync option being left on affect anything, or is that a case by case basis?

For example: My global NVCP is set to default besides LLM: On, then for the games I wish to use G-SYNC with I go to their profiles and turn V-SYNC on, and in game set an FPS limit to 160/162. Any other game that always sits well above that 165 mark would then automatically have G-SYNC disengaged and would play like normal? Even while using “On + Boost” Reflex setting in game?

Just looking to have the cleanest setup to use G-SYNC in the games I choose, and completely clean in the games I do not need it in. Thank you!

Capt_Viewtiful98
Member
Capt_Viewtiful98

If you have G-sync + V-sync on and Low Latency mode set to Ultra do you still need to reduce your max frame rate?

Presto
Member
Presto

Hi may I ask does the NVCP V-SYNC override any V-SYNC related settings in-game or will there be issues if for example the game has V-SYNC on or Triple Buffering along with the NVCP V-SYNC

SeasonalFerret
Member
SeasonalFerret

Is it alright to set nvidia control panel to 142 max fps globally, but then set the fps limit to 141 if available in-game/config?
Or will NVI fps limit still introduce input lag?

Agitatio
Member
Agitatio

Hello jorimt! Just a quick question about LG CX and VRR. Is everything in this guide applicable to that display too or are there some differences? I have it paired with a 240Hz monitor with actual GSYNC module. Thank you in advance!

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