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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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ErkamCalik
Member
ErkamCalik

Hello jorimt,

Thanks for such an in-depth article! As much as it was informative to read it, it also has confused me a little as to which settings I should use 🙂 I have an RTX 2060 Super + Ryzen 5, both overclocked. And I also have a 144hz gaming monitor.

My question is about to which extent I should push my GPU usage and whether I should set up G-Synch at all. I’ll use ‘Rise of the Tomb Raider’ as my primary example.

When I disable G-Sync and V-Sync ‘OFF’ (NVCP), I basically uncap the fps limit in all games. In TR (also in-game V-Sync ‘disabled’), I get around 160-200fps; however, my GPU is at 97-99% load all the time. The max temp I get is 72 Celcius. And I don’t experience any ‘tearing effect’. Also in CS:GO, for example, I get up to 400fps (50% of GPU usage) and no tearing.

When I enable G-Sync and V-Sync ‘ON’ (NVCP), and when I disable in-game V-Sync (just like you suggested), then my GPU automatically locks the framerate to 139FPS. This time, in Tomb Raider, my GPU load goes down to 75-85% and around 68 Celcius. And of course, no tearing at all.

Which one is more logical in your opinion? Like does it harm the GPU to be almost under max load all the time? Or do you think I shouldn’t care about the extra 10-20 fps difference but go for G-Sync and V-Sync ‘ON’ (NVCP), and use less of the GPU, just for its longevity?

The only thing that looks different is when I enable G-Sync and V-Sync ‘ON’ (NVCP), also CS:GO locks the framerate to 139fps. This is a huge difference, going down from 400 to 139fps. I know that my screen is just a 144hz monitor, but somehow I think that 400fps looks smoother than 139fps. Or do you think it’s just my eyes deceiving me? 🙂

Thanks a lot! I hope I was able to explain it clearly. Waiting for your response and suggestions 🙂

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4 years 14 days ago
jorimt
Author
jorimt

I also have a 144hz gaming monitor

G-SYNC w/module or “G-SYNC Compatible” FreeSync? Because there can be differences.

When I disable G-Sync and V-Sync ‘OFF’ (NVCP), I basically uncap the fps limit in all games. In TR (also in-game V-Sync ‘disabled’), I get around 160-200fps; however, my GPU is at 97-99% load all the time. The max temp I get is 72 Celcius. And I don’t experience any ‘tearing effect’. Also in CS:GO, for example, I get up to 400fps (50% of GPU usage) and no tearing.

It sounds like either A) you aren’t sensitive to tearing artifacts (because in exclusive fullscreen mode with G-SYNC off and V-SYNC off both in the NVCP and in-game, there is tearing), or B) you’re running your games in borderless/windowed mode, at which point, even if you have G-SYNC and V-SYNC disabled, you’d still be getting the version of V-SYNC Windows enforces with borderless/windowed mode regardless.

Like does it harm the GPU to be almost under max load all the time?

No, so long as you’re GPU is within operational temps at that load level, it’s fine.

But max GPU usage brings up another point; if you want the lowest input lag at all times (regardless of G-SYNC/no G-SYNC, and V-SYNC/no V-SYNC), you want to keep your GPU usage below <99% via an appropriate FPS limit. If you let your GPU max out, the pre-rendered frames queue will experience a sustain increase (regardless of Low Latency Mode settings), and input lag will increase by a couple of frames.

Depends on how sensitive you are to input lag though.

The only thing that looks different is when I enable G-Sync and V-Sync ‘ON’ (NVCP), also CS:GO locks the framerate to 139fps. This is a huge difference, going down from 400 to 139fps. I know that my screen is just a 144hz monitor, but somehow I think that 400fps looks smoother than 139fps. Or do you think it’s just my eyes deceiving me?

Again, I need to know whether you truly have V-SYNC off in the non-G-SYNC scenario by confirming you aren’t using borderless/windowed mode first. Because unless you aren’t sensitive to tearing artifacts, and you have G-SYNC properly configured, there should be a discernible difference between the two scenarios (with G-SYNC being smoother/tear-free).

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4 years 14 days ago
ErkamCalik
Member
ErkamCalik

Hello again,

Thanks for your reply!

And yes I have a G-SYNC Compatible FreeSync monitor and I always run my games in Fullscreen or Exclusive Fullscreen mode. So in that case, you’re saying that I’m not noticing the tearing artifacts? I wish there was an easier way to test whether there is tearing or not 😀

For instance, I’ve installed Apex Legends, and I was getting around 250-300fps and definitely noticed tearing with G-sync disabled. For the rest of the games, however, I haven’t experienced obvious tearing artifacts.

The way I set up my G-sync is basically how you recommend it. I enable it for fullscreen mode in the control panel and then it automatically chooses ‘G-sync’ for monitor technology; ‘highest available’ for preferred refresh rate; and then I basically choose ‘On’ for the V-sync option instead of ‘Use the 3D application’. And I turn off in-game V-sync for all the games I play.

So actually I’m having tearing artifacts for Tomb Raider and for CS:GO when I uncap and disable everything but am not noticing these?

In that case, is it always a safe bet to enable G-sync + V-sync ‘On’ (NVCP) and turn off in-game V-sync for both a smoother feeling and for less GPU load? Because if I’m not noticing the tearing artifacts anyway, why bother forcing my GPU to run at max load all the time instead of just enabling G-sync? Or would you say for CS:GO, for example, going down from around 400fps to 139fps, really makes it seem less smooth?

My ‘low latency mode’ is set to Ultra in the NVCP btw, just fyi.

Thanks for your help 🙂

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4 years 14 days ago
jorimt
Author
jorimt

I enable it for fullscreen mode in the control panel and then it automatically chooses ‘G-sync’ for monitor technology; ‘highest available’ for preferred refresh rate; and then I basically choose ‘On’ for the V-sync option instead of ‘Use the 3D application’. And I turn off in-game V-sync for all the games I play.

As long as you’re setting a -3 FPS limit to ensure it stays within the G-SYNC range at all times, the rest is correct for a 100% tear-free G-SYNC experience.

So actually I’m having tearing artifacts for Tomb Raider and for CS:GO when I uncap and disable everything but am not noticing these?

Yes. This probably just means you’re not very sensitive to minor tearing artifacts, which technically isn’t a bad thing. And granted, in some games with uncapped standalone V-SYNC off, it can be very difficult to detect tearing in the say, the 300-400 FPS range @144Hz.

In that case, is it always a safe bet to enable G-sync + V-sync ‘On’ (NVCP) and turn off in-game V-sync for both a smoother feeling and for less GPU load? Because if I’m not noticing the tearing artifacts anyway, why bother forcing my GPU to run at max load all the time instead of just enabling G-sync? Or would you say for CS:GO, for example, going down from around 400fps to 139fps, really makes it seem less smooth?

Depending on how sensitive you are to input lag, It’s potentially preferential. If you want the absolute lowest input lag possible (we’re talking an, at best, 1-3ms reduction with V-SYNC off above the refresh rate vs G-SYNC + V-SYNC within the refresh rate @144hz), then use G-SYNC off + V-SYNC + an FPS limit that prevents your GPU from being maxed out.

If you want the most consistent, lowest input lag tear-free experience, then use G-SYNC + V-SYNC + -3 (of your given max refresh rate) OR whatever FPS limit it takes within the refresh rate to keep your GPU usage under max 99% of the time.

I personally use G-SYNC + V-SYNC + -3 FPS limit, and ignore games that dip under that and reach max GPU usage, as the increase in input lag isn’t dire to me, since most of said games are single player (I can usually reach my max refresh rate when using G-SYNC without maxing the GPU usage in most competitive games anyway).

My ‘low latency mode’ is set to Ultra in the NVCP btw, just fyi.

Low Latency Mode settings are only useful for GPU limited scenarios. So, ideally, you don’t even want that situation to kick in, which means keeping your FPS limited by a cap at all times.

For when it does dip, I typically recommend LLM “On” when using G-SYNC, as the only known difference between LLM “On” and LLM “Ultra” with G-SYNC, is that the latter sets an automatic FPS limiter (not ideal if you want to use RTSS or an in-game limiter instead).

For non-G-SYNC scenarios, LLM “Ultra” should be fine in most cases, but keep in mind LLM settings don’t work in DX12 or Vulkan games, as those APIs handle the pre-rendered frames queue at the engine-level instead. This also goes for some DX11 games (and no, no one has a list of which games LLM does and doesn’t work in, unfortunately).

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4 years 14 days ago
ErkamCalik
Member
ErkamCalik

Hi again. Thanks very much for your help! In light of your suggestions, I’ve tried different settings and was surprised by the results. Just wanted to share them here in case someone else wants to benefit from it.

1) I’ve disabled everything. G-sync + V-sync (NVCP) was ‘OFF’. And in-game V-sync was also OFF. Basically I’ve uncapped everything. And I got around 160-200fps in Tomb Raider with my GPU load being around 97-99% most of the time.

2) Still with the OFF settings, I’ve only used RTSS frame limiter and set it to 144fps. This time I literally have noticed all the tearing!!! It was so visible! But my GPU was around 75-80% load all the time.

3) Still with the OFF settings (I mean G-sync + V-sync ‘OFF’), I’ve this time changed the frame limiter setting to 141 fps, just like you suggested. My GPU load was also around 75-80%, but although there wasn’t a visible tearing, I think I’ve still experienced weird fluctuations on the screen (don’t know what they call it technically, flickering maybe?).

4) This time I totally went with your settings, that being, of course, G-sync enabled and V-sync (NVCP) ‘ON’. And as always my in-game v-sync was ‘off’. When I do it like this, just like I’ve mentioned before, my GPU automatically locks the frame limit to 138fps. Again, my GPU load was around 75-80% and my framerate was locked to 138 thanks to g-sync. This time, I don’t think I’ve experienced any tearing or even weird flickering on the screen.

What surprised me the most was basically number 1 vs 3. When I uncap everything and when my FPS goes up to 200fps in Tomb Raider, I don’t experience any tearing or flickering but my GPU is maxed most of the time. So in that case I think the most logical option would be number 4, the settings which I still have applied now. I mean I both get the benefit of G-sync and not max out my GPU all the time. What do you think?

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4 years 13 days ago
jorimt
Author
jorimt

Still with the OFF settings (I mean G-sync + V-sync ‘OFF’), I’ve this time changed the frame limiter setting to 141 fps, just like you suggested. My GPU load was also around 75-80%, but although there wasn’t a visible tearing, I think I’ve still experienced weird fluctuations on the screen (don’t know what they call it technically, flickering maybe?).

Tearing can sometimes give the impression of recurring stutter or microstutter at certain framerate/refresh rate ratios, as it’s only delivering parts of complete frames per refresh.

This time I totally went with your settings, that being, of course, G-sync enabled and V-sync (NVCP) ‘ON’. And as always my in-game v-sync was ‘off’. When I do it like this, just like I’ve mentioned before, my GPU automatically locks the frame limit to 138fps.

As I mentioned in my previous post, LLM “Ultra” auto caps the FPS slightly below you’re refresh rate when used with G-SYNC + V-SYNC. At 144Hz, it caps at around ~138. Are you using LLM “Ultra”? If so, that’s why.

I think the most logical option would be number 4, the settings which I still have applied now. I mean I both get the benefit of G-sync and not max out my GPU all the time. What do you think?

It’s going to be game-dependent. For Tomb Raider, you can reach your max refresh rate (minus the appropriate FPS limit to stay in range and prevent V-SYNC input lag) with G-SYNC, WHILE preventing max GPU usage.

Other, more demanding games may allow your FPS to reach your refresh rate, but will also start maxing out the GPU at a lower framerate due to the increase in performance demands.

As for what you should use, there is no one right answer, as it entirely depends on your personal preferences and priorities.

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4 years 13 days ago
ErkamCalik
Member
ErkamCalik

Yes the LLM has always been on ‘Ultra’. Thanks a lot for your help by the way! It really helped a lot to hear your insights. I’ll just keep experimenting with the settings and see which one I like the best 🙂

Like1Vote Down 
4 years 13 days ago
orkodrums
Member
orkodrums

Hello,

I have a little question about low latency mode, i tried it in CS:GO today with the ultra setting cause my fps are always above my refresh rate (144) and i experienced some “rollbacks” ingame do you know why ? Should i use it just with “on” and use fps_max 141 ?

Thank you

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4 years 16 days ago
jorimt
Author
jorimt

Those “rollbacks” could be caused by anything, and may or may not be related to the Low Latency Mode settings. Feel free to post a new thread in our forums if you want help troubleshooting further:
https://forums.blurbusters.com/index.php

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4 years 15 days ago
orkodrums
Member
orkodrums

Ok thank you !

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4 years 14 days ago
BlackStorm82
Member
BlackStorm82

HI
“fixed refresh rate”
Do you have information about?

Is it correct that G-Sync does not work when I use this?
In-game [frame limit release mode]
When it comes to monitor technology G-Sync, 100-600 FPS was also released.

[fixed refresh rate]
When I activated the League of Legends with this function, 300FPS was fixed.

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4 years 18 days ago
jorimt
Author
jorimt

Yes, the “Fixed Refresh” option under “Monitor Technology” in the NVCP prevents G-SYNC functionality, as G-SYNC is a “Variable Refresh Rate” (VRR) technology.

If you want to use G-SYNC, keep “Monitor Technology” set to “G-SYNC.”

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4 years 18 days ago
rocet
Member
rocet

Hi, maybe i’m misreading or misunderstanding the graphs/article but there is no downside to just using G-Sync ON + V-Sync OFF + No fps limit?

G-sync would activate when below 144fps and then ‘de-activate’ above 144? Causing no input lag?

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4 years 19 days ago
jorimt
Author
jorimt

Correct, the only “downside” is tearing in that scenario.

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4 years 18 days ago
Zehdah
Member
Zehdah

I know that for the lowest possible input lag, you want to find the highest framerate your system can achieve an average of 95-99% of the time without maxing your GPU usage and cap your framerate there with an in game limiter, but what do I do to achieve that in a game like Warzone where my FPS can be as low as 140 in big open areas or as high as 240 when inside a building or small area?

My CPU and GPU usage always seem to be very high at 85-97%. I have an i7 9700k and 1080ti, playing on a 240hz monitor. The game seems to be poorly optimized so I’m struggling to decide what to do.

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4 years 19 days ago
jorimt
Author
jorimt

For games like that, sometimes it can’t be helped.

For consistency and to prevent GPU input lag (so long as you’re using G-SYNC; you didn’t specify), you can lock it slightly below the lowest FPS you experience (like that 140 number you stated, so long as locking near that range would also prevent max GPU usage).

However, if the FPS limit required to prevent GPU-bound situations is too low for you, then keep it limited to -237 FPS, and let it fluctuate instead.

Upside is, 240Hz G-SYNC (again, assuming that’s what you’re using), even with max GPU usage, typically still has less input lag than, say 144Hz V-SYNC (or even G-SYNC) @141 FPS in non-bound GPU situations, so it’s all relative.

That, and remember, if you’re experiencing such performance issues, the majority of other players on your server are as well (many probably worse), so it should all even out.

Finally, for all online games, it’s also important to remember your ISP performance and the game’s netcode is often more responsible for your competitive advantage/disadvantage than your local input lag levels.

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4 years 19 days ago
Zehdah
Member
Zehdah

Thank you! I don’t use G-sync, does that change your advice at all? I appreciate your help.

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4 years 19 days ago
jorimt
Author
jorimt

Well, you are asking this in the comments section of a G-SYNC article, so, yes, potentially.

If you’re using standalone V-SYNC off though (G-SYNC off + V-SYNC off), then, no, it doesn’t change my advice much, other than the fact that you don’t need a -3 fps limit (e.g. 237 FPS @240Hz) to prevent V-SYNC input lag and stay inside the VRR (variable refresh rate) range, only one to prevent max GPU usage.

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4 years 19 days ago
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