G-Sync vs FreeSync for AMD GPUs: What Works

G-Sync and FreeSync at a glance

G-Sync and FreeSync are two variable refresh rate technologies that let a monitor adjust its refresh rate to the frame rate of the graphics card. They both aim to reduce screen tearing by updating the display only when the GPU delivers a new frame. Without VRR, a fixed refresh rate monitor may show a torn image when the GPU frame rate does not match the monitor refresh cycle.

G-Sync is NVIDIA's technology. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series page lists G-SYNC as a display technology, and the GeForce compare page confirms that every GeForce RTX series supports NVIDIA G-SYNC. G-Sync is designed to work with NVIDIA GeForce GPUs.

FreeSync is AMD's version of adaptive refresh rate. It uses the DisplayPort or HDMI connection to synchronize the monitor with an AMD Radeon GPU. FreeSync is implemented by monitor makers as a standard feature, so it is common on many gaming monitors. For a deeper look at how VRR works, see the variable refresh rate guide.

How adaptive refresh rate changes gaming

A fixed refresh rate monitor, for example one set to 144Hz, refreshes 144 times per second. If the GPU sends frames at a different pace, the monitor may show a torn image where two frames appear on screen at once. Adaptive refresh rate, whether G-Sync or FreeSync, synchronizes the monitor update to the GPU output so each frame appears completely. This eliminates tearing without the input lag penalty that traditional V-Sync can introduce.

For competitive play at high refresh rates, as covered in what is a good refresh rate, VRR keeps the image stable when frame times vary. For large single-player worlds, VRR helps when the load on the graphics card changes with the scene. VRR does not change the speed of the GPU; it changes how the monitor presents the frames. The result is a smoother visual experience across a wide range of frame rates.

FreeSync is the choice for AMD GPUs

If you have an AMD Radeon GPU, FreeSync is the variable refresh rate technology that pairs directly with it. FreeSync monitors are designed to communicate with the AMD GPU through the display connection, and the AMD driver enables the refresh rate adjustment. The setup is straightforward: connect a FreeSync monitor, enable VRR in the Radeon software, and the monitor will adapt to the GPU output.

G-Sync, on the other hand, is intended for NVIDIA GeForce GPUs. The NVIDIA GeForce compare page shows G-SYNC supported across the RTX series, and the technology relies on the NVIDIA GPU to control the monitor. Connecting an AMD GPU to a G-Sync monitor will not give you the adaptive refresh benefit. The monitor will still work as a standard display, but the variable refresh feature will remain inactive.

Some monitors are listed as 'G-Sync Compatible,' but that label still applies to NVIDIA GPUs. For an AMD GPU, look for the FreeSync label on the monitor specification sheet. Check the VRR requirements for a gaming PC to confirm your display setup is ready.

What a FreeSync monitor needs

To use FreeSync, the monitor must be FreeSync certified and the connection must carry the adjustment signal. DisplayPort is the most common way to get the full variable refresh range, while some monitors support FreeSync over HDMI. Check the monitor specification sheet for FreeSync support and the required cable. The monitor's refresh rate range is also important: a wider range, such as 48Hz to the maximum refresh rate, gives the GPU more room to work across different scenes.

For 1440p play, look at best 1440p gaming monitors. For 4K, best 4K gaming monitors will show the range you need. For high refresh rate competitive play, best 240Hz gaming monitors are a good match. The monitor you choose should list FreeSync support in its specifications.

Enabling VRR on your gaming PC

Once you have a FreeSync monitor and an AMD GPU, enable VRR in the display settings. The AMD Radeon software and Windows display settings both have options to turn on variable refresh rate. On Windows 11, display optimizations for windowed games can work with VRR, as noted in the Windows 11 Home vs Pro comparison. These optimizations reduce latency and increase frame rates for DirectX 11 and later games.

Set the monitor to its native refresh rate and use a DisplayPort or HDMI cable that supports the bandwidth. The exact steps vary by driver version, but the key is to select the correct refresh rate in Windows display settings and enable VRR in the graphics driver. Follow the G-Sync and FreeSync enablement guide for step-by-step detail. After enabling, you can verify the feature is active through the monitor's on-screen display or the driver's status indicator.

FreeSync tiers and features

FreeSync comes in three tiers: FreeSync, FreeSync Premium, and FreeSync Premium Pro. The base FreeSync provides variable refresh rate. FreeSync Premium adds low framerate compensation, which helps keep the refresh rate in sync when the frame rate drops below the monitor's minimum. This prevents stuttering and maintains smoothness even during demanding scenes. FreeSync Premium Pro adds HDR support and is aimed at high dynamic range gaming, ensuring that HDR content remains synchronized with the GPU output.

For competitive play, a FreeSync Premium monitor with a high refresh rate is a good match, as it keeps the image stable during fast action. For 4K HDR gaming, FreeSync Premium Pro is the tier to look for. The tier is listed on the monitor's specification sheet, so you can compare models directly. When shopping for a gaming PC, you can also consider prebuilt options that come with a FreeSync monitor, as listed in best prebuilt gaming PCs.

What to pick for your play

Questions

Does G-Sync work with AMD GPUs?

No. G-Sync is designed to work with NVIDIA GeForce GPUs. An AMD GPU will not receive the variable refresh benefits from a G-Sync monitor. Use FreeSync with an AMD GPU.

Can a FreeSync monitor work with an NVIDIA GPU?

Some FreeSync monitors are also certified as G-Sync Compatible, meaning they work with NVIDIA GPUs. However, for an AMD GPU, FreeSync is the direct fit. The monitor's specification sheet will list which technologies it supports.

What cable do I need for FreeSync?

FreeSync typically uses DisplayPort for the full variable refresh range, while some monitors support FreeSync over HDMI. Check the monitor's manual for the required connection and cable version.

Do I need a special monitor for AMD FreeSync?

You need a monitor that lists FreeSync support. Many monitors are FreeSync certified, and the certification tiers (FreeSync, FreeSync Premium, FreeSync Premium Pro) indicate features like low framerate compensation and HDR.

Is FreeSync better than G-Sync?

Neither is 'better' in absolute terms. They are two implementations of the same idea. For an AMD GPU, FreeSync is the technology that will provide the variable refresh benefit you are after.