AMD FreeSync is AMD’s technology that aims to eliminate screen tearing and stuttering while gaming. It does this by synchronizing the refresh rate of the monitor with the frame rate output by the graphics card.
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Types of AMD FreeSync
According to AMD, FreeSync monitors go through a certification process that tests it’s refresh rates, latency, HDR color, luminescence accuracy, and other factors to help ensure a great user experience.. There are different tiers of AMD FreeSync, that include different features.
FreeSync can be used with AMD Radeon, NVIDIA GeForce, and Intel ARC graphics card.
AMD FreeSync
The baseline tier is basic AMD FreeSync. It provides a solid tear free and flicker free gaming experience that works over both HDMI and DisplayPort connections.
AMD FreeSync Premium
FreeSync Premium adds some features to the basic FreeSync technology to enable an even smoother tear free gameplay experience. It works at up 200Hz for monitors under 3440 Horizontal resolution, and up to 120Hz for monitors of 3440 horizontal resolution or greater.
AMD FreeSync Premium Pro
FreeSync Premium Pro is the highest tier of FreeSync that uses all the same features of the above but also enables FreeSync to be used when playing HDR games for the most exceptional user experience.
How Does AMD FreeSync Work?
AMD FreeSync works by matching the refresh rate of the display with the framerate of your graphics card. By synchronizing these two, you get a smoother gaming experience that is free of annoying visual artifacts like screen tearing, input latency, and stuttering during gaming. It works over both HDMI and DisplayPort. Furthermore, it works with AMD Radeon, NVIDIA GeForce, and Intel ARC graphics cards.
Frequently Asked Questions About AMD FreeSync
How is AMD FreeSync different from NVIDIA G-Sync?
Both are adaptive synchronization techniques. G-Sync is NVIDIA’s technology that synchronizes the refresh rate of your monitor with the frame rate of your GeForce graphics card. G-Sync is exclusive to NVIDIA graphics cards, and monitors must be either certified G-Sync compatible or have special NVIDIA G-Sync processor.
FreeSync on the other hand, is AMD’s technology solution for adjusting your monitor’s refresh rate to match your GPU’s fluctuating framerate. Unlike G-Sync, Freesync is more widely compatible and works with Radeon, GeForce, and Intel ARC graphics cards. It is based on an open standard and does not require a specialized chip in the monitor to work, so usually FreeSync monitors are more affordable than their G-Sync counterparts.
Should I enable FreeSync if my monitor supports it?
For a majority of gamers, there is really no reason not to enable FreeSync for the best visual experience when playing your games. With FreeSync enabled, V-Sync on, and FPS caps in place, you will have zero screen tearing and your game will be smooth.
If you are a competitive gamer or have a GPU that can keep the same amount of frames as your monitors refresh rate consistently (for example 144 FPS on a 144 Hz monitor), playing without FreeSync, VSync, and no FPS cap will give you the lowest possible input lag, at the cost of some minor screen tearing.
Do I need an AMD Radeon graphics card for FreeSync?
The only thing you need to use FreeSync is a monitor that has FreeSync. It supports all graphics cards – AMD Radeon, NVIDIA GeForce (10 series or newer), and Intel ARC.
What are the benefits of using AMD FreeSync?
AMD FreeSync is all about smoothing out your gameplay experience. As a result of the way FreeSync works, any time your FPS drops below the refresh rate of your monitor, FreeSync works to synchronize the refresh rate with the frame rate, removing screen tearing and stuttering. It gives you the best possible experience when you are playing a game that you can’t hit the max refresh rate of your monitor.
Is FreeSync the same as VRR?
FreeSync is AMD’s technology that implements VESA’s VRR standard (Variable Refresh Rate) and the terms can be used interchangeably. VRR is the shorthand for the name of the adaptive sync technology behind synchronization techniques like FreeSync and G-Sync.