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”

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Sort by:   newest | oldest | most liked
olly44444
Member
olly44444

Hi there, I upgraded to the pg27AQN 360hz monitor today with build in gsync processor.
I have been trying to figure out the pros and cons of using adaptive sync (amd GPU) vs ULMB. I don’t consistently get 360fps so was thinking maybe ULMB might not be the best. Until till I get my GPU upgrade, potentially adaptive sync is the best solution?

My main question is I have the gsync mode on, and adaptive sync on in my amd software. I “feel” like its working but am unsure how to confirm. Additionally, when I set v-sync on in game it doesn’t seem to cap my fps to 360, which leads me to believe maybe it’s not working correctly? Intel presentmon shows a sync interval of 1 which suggests it should be. Only unsure due to v-sync not capping the fps (normally cap ingame was just testing.)

The light on my monitor is red which according to the user manual means the gsync mode is on **

ccorvo10
Member
ccorvo10

What if i want to cap my games framerate to ex: 80FPS? will that be fine? I have 165hz monitor and I want cyberpunk 2077 to have stable framerate and to maintain good temperatures

dbullarddpm
Member
dbullarddpm

Hello, I’ve been pretty torn as of late

Just asking advice regarding system latency

Playing BO6

All “optimizers” recommend uncapped FPS with reflex on

I am GPU bound and feel that the game ‘slows down’ and occasionally stutters

I’ve played around with setting 150fps cap at 1440p(360hz monitor) (in game) with NVCP v sync on (off in game) and g sync on

This keeps my GPU usage around 90%

Is the 100% gpu usage I get with uncapped fps with reflex on (v/g sync off) likely contributing to these late game stutters/slow downs?

olly44444
Member
olly44444

Hi there,

I thought I’d add something I have found just now. When using intel presentmon’s overlay “sync interval” I have found even with AMD adrenaline “always on” per application, all three games I have tested so far (r6, fortnite, overwatch) have all had a value of 0 (v-sync off). It is not until I turn it on in game that the value changes. This leads me to believe the AMD v-sync option is in fact NOT working

Raywin120
Member
Raywin120

so i have a 240hz Lg monitor but when i turn on vysnc on + gysnc it capps my fps to 225 automatically and the other method that people tell me is to turn ultra low latency to on also doesnt work . can some one help me on this

wpDiscuz