What Is VSync in Games – Vertical Sync FPS Cap Explained

Have you ever played a game and seen the picture on the screen split in two? This ugly visual problem is called screen tearing. It can really ruin a fun gaming moment. Luckily, a special tool was made to fix this. This guide will explain what is VSync in games, how it works, and if you should use it.

For many gamers, the settings menu looks like a bunch of confusing words. Vertical Sync, or VSync, is one of those settings. In simple terms, it’s a tool that matches your game’s speed (frame rate) to your screen’s speed (refresh rate). This link between your graphics card (GPU) and your screen helps make games look smooth. But, this tool has good and bad sides that you should know about.

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What Exactly Is Screen Tearing and Why Does It Happen?

To understand VSync, we first need to look at the problem it solves: screen tearing.

Think of your graphics card as an artist drawing pictures for a flipbook. It draws as fast as it can. Your screen is like the person flipping the pages of the book at a set speed.

Why Does My Screen Look Split During Fast Movements?

Screen tearing happens when the artist (your GPU) gives a new picture to the flipper (your screen) before the last one is fully shown. What do you see? You see the top half of the old picture and the bottom half of the new one. This makes a clear line, or “tear,” across your screen. You see it most when you move the camera quickly in a game. 😵

This happens when your graphics card sends pictures faster than your screen can show them. Your screen’s speed is measured in Hertz (Hz). A 60Hz screen shows 60 pictures every second. If your GPU is making 100 pictures per second (or 100 FPS), it’s too fast for the screen. This causes tearing.

How Does VSync Work and What is VSync in Games’ Main Goal?

So, how does VSync fix this problem? The idea is very simple.

When you turn on VSync, you tell your graphics card to slow down. It doesn’t send a new picture right away. Instead, the GPU waits for the screen to finish showing the current picture. It makes the GPU match the screen’s speed.

This makes them work together. For a 60Hz screen, VSync locks the game at 60 FPS. For a 144Hz screen, it locks it at 144 FPS. This makes sure only whole pictures are sent to the screen. VSync gets rid of screen tearing completely. As a result, the game looks much smoother, just like the game makers wanted.

What is VSync in Games from a Technical Standpoint?

Let’s look at it another way. Your GPU uses memory to store finished pictures. Without VSync, the GPU pushes a new picture to be shown as soon as it’s ready. With VSync on, the graphics card holds onto a finished picture. It only shows it when the screen is ready for a new one. This is the main idea behind what is VSync in games.

Should I Turn VSync On or Off, and What is VSync in Games’ Impact?

This is a big question for many gamers. The answer is, “it depends.” Turning on VSync helps in one way but can cause other problems.

When Does Turning VSync ON Make Sense for What is VSync in Games? 👍

The main reason to turn on VSync is to stop screen tearing. If you play beautiful single-player games like The Witcher 3, how the game looks is very important. Tearing can take you out of the game’s world.

VSync can also help in other ways:

• Less Work for Your GPU: By limiting the frame rate, VSync stops your GPU from working too hard. If your screen is 60Hz, you don’t need 150 FPS. Locking it at 60 FPS can make your GPU cooler and quieter. It also uses less power.
• More Stable Speed: Sometimes, a game’s speed can jump up and down. This can feel jerky even with high FPS. VSync can make the game’s speed more steady, which feels smoother to some people.

Why Do Competitive Gamers Turn VSync OFF and Ignore What is VSync in Games? 👎

Even with its good points, pro gamers often turn VSync off. There is one big reason: input lag.

Input lag is the delay between when you do something (like click your mouse) and when you see it happen on screen. VSync makes the GPU wait for the screen. This naturally creates a small delay. It might only be a tiny fraction of a second. But in a fast game like Valorant, that delay can make you lose.

Another big problem is stuttering. What if your GPU can’t keep up with your screen’s speed? For instance, your FPS might drop from 60 to 55 on a 60Hz screen. With VSync on, the game might suddenly drop all the way to 30 FPS. This big drop feels like a major hiccup in the game. It feels much worse than a small dip to 55 FPS.

Are There Different Types of VSync?

Yes! GPU makers knew about the problems with normal VSync. So, they made better versions.

What is Adaptive VSync and How Does It Help?

NVIDIA made Adaptive VSync. It’s a smarter version of the original. It smartly turns VSync on when you need it and off when you don’t.

• When your game speed is above your screen’s speed, Adaptive VSync turns ON to stop tearing.
• When your game speed drops below your screen’s speed, it turns OFF.

This stops the big stutters when your FPS dips. It’s a good choice for many people.

How Does Fast Sync Reduce Input Lag?

Fast Sync is another tool from NVIDIA. It works differently. It lets the GPU make pictures as fast as it wants. This removes the input lag from waiting. But it only sends the newest finished picture to the screen. This stops tearing without limiting the FPS. It’s a good choice if your GPU is very powerful.

Is Enhanced Sync Just AMD’s Version of Fast Sync?

Pretty much, yes. Enhanced Sync is AMD’s answer to Fast Sync. It works in a very similar way. It shows the newest frame to reduce tearing but doesn’t cap the FPS. If the game speed drops, it turns off to reduce stutter and lag.

Beyond VSync: What Are G-Sync and FreeSync?

The best fix for the tearing and lag problem is a technology called Variable Refresh Rate, or VRR. The two big names here are NVIDIA’s G-Sync and AMD’s FreeSync.

How is VRR Technology a Better Solution?

Instead of making the GPU match the screen, VRR does the opposite. It makes your screen speed up or slow down to match your game‘s speed.

A G-Sync or FreeSync screen can change its speed in real time. If your game runs at 83 FPS, your screen will run at 83Hz. If it drops to 71 FPS, the screen will change to 71Hz.

This gives you the best of both worlds:

• No screen tearing because the screen and GPU are always matched.
• No input lag from VSync because the GPU does not have to wait.
• No stuttering from speed drops because there is no fake limit.

This is the best solution today. But you need the right screen and graphics card. G-Sync screens often cost more. FreeSync is an open standard, so those screens are usually cheaper. For more technical details, Stanford University has great info on computer graphics.

So, If I Have G-Sync or FreeSync, Should I Still Care About VSync?

This can be confusing. For the best results with G-Sync or FreeSync, experts suggest these settings:

1. Turn on G-Sync/FreeSync in your GPU control panel and on your screen.
2. Turn ON VSync in the GPU control panel.
3. Limit your frame rate to 3-4 FPS below your screen’s max speed. You can do this in the game or in the GPU control panel.

This sounds strange, but it works. The frame rate limit keeps VSync from turning on and adding lag. The VSync setting is just there as a safety net to prevent any possible tearing. This is the best setup for smooth, fast gaming.

How Do I Enable or Disable VSync?

You can usually find the VSync setting in two places.

How Can I Change Settings for What is VSync in Games in a Specific Game?

The easiest way is in the game’s settings. Almost every PC game has a “Graphics” or “Video” menu. Look for “VSync” or “Vertical Sync” and turn it on or off. This lets you choose for each game.

How Can I Change VSync Settings Globally for All Games?

You can also set VSync for all games in your GPU’s software.

• For NVIDIA GPUs: Right-click your desktop and open the “NVIDIA Control Panel.” Go to “Manage 3D Settings” to find the “Vertical sync” option.
• For AMD GPUs: Right-click your desktop and open “AMD Software.” Go to the “Gaming” tab, then “Global Graphics.” You will find the “Wait for Vertical Refresh” option.

It’s usually best to control this setting inside each game.

Final Verdict: Is VSync Right for You?

Let’s sum it all up. Your choice depends on your PC, the games you play, and what you care about most.

You should probably turn VSync ON if:

• You play slower single-player games where you care most about how the game looks.
• You really hate screen tearing.
• Your GPU is much faster than your screen’s refresh rate.
• You want your PC to run cooler and quieter.

You should probably turn VSync OFF if:

• You play fast, competitive online games.
• You can feel even the smallest delay and need fast reactions.
• Your PC has trouble keeping a steady frame rate, which causes stutters with VSync on.

The best way to know what is vsync in games and how it works for you is to try it yourself. 🧪 Play your favorite games with it on and then with it off. A true understanding of what is VSync in games comes from personal experience. See which you like better. Do you feel the lag? Does tearing bother you? The choice is yours, and now you know how to choose. Happy gaming!

FAQ – What Is VSync in Games