Freesync/Gsync Vs. No Sync? (Input lag)

CirnoBakaHD · 3 Nov 2015 at 19:02

I ordered a XG270HU yesterday when it was on sale for £300, and saw that it has the freesync option. I will be getting an AMD R9390 when i can afford it so i will be able to use Freesync. But after much searching online, i have yet to come across a simple answer to my question: What's the best for the lowest input lag? No sync or Freesync?

Of course, as freesync has variable refresh rate, different framerates will have to be taken into account.

For example:
CS:GO - 200-300FPS (way above the 144hz max refresh rate): I'm assuming nosync will be best for this as it's higher than the max refresh rate? Correct?

Most other modern games - 60-90~: What will be the best at framerates lower than 144? Will freesync lower the input lag? Or is it better to keep using no sync?

maonayze · 3 Nov 2015 at 21:27

I dont know if I am going to be answering your question correctly here as I dont play CS. However after recently buying into the Freesync club I would suggest you either cap your framerate at 144hz or you can get the card to switch to Vsync off if it goes above the 144hz.

As for other games running between 60-90hz then just go with Freesync. In fact I'd go with Freesync on all the time anyway.....it's just so damn gorgeously smooth.

I do know they use BenQ XL2720 and 30Z monitors for CS in the e-sports arena though (but whether they use the 30Z's freesync I do not know). I wouldnt know the science or the numbers for input lag for say someone who plays CS professionally or what numbers would make a difference if that was the case...someone else on here might though.

JamesMay · 3 Nov 2015 at 21:40

CirnoBakaHD said:
I ordered a XG270HU yesterday when it was on sale for £300, and saw that it has the freesync option. I will be getting an AMD R9390 when i can afford it so i will be able to use Freesync. But after much searching online, i have yet to come across a simple answer to my question: What's the best for the lowest input lag? No sync or Freesync?

Of course, as freesync has variable refresh rate, different framerates will have to be taken into account.

For example:
CS:GO - 200-300FPS (way above the 144hz max refresh rate): I'm assuming nosync will be best for this as it's higher than the max refresh rate? Correct?

Most other modern games - 60-90~: What will be the best at framerates lower than 144? Will freesync lower the input lag? Or is it better to keep using no sync?

I tried Gsync in CSGO, mouse is like, seriously behind its like using Accel+Smoothing + Vsync @ 30fps at the same time.

titaniumx3 · 4 Nov 2015 at 07:14

If your fps goes above your max refresh rate, then g-sync/freesync will revert to using vsync to avoid tearing, which is why it feels laggy. Cap framerates just below your max refresh rate to avoid this happening.

Simon Belmont · 4 Nov 2015 at 11:36

titaniumx3 said:
If your fps goes above your max refresh rate, then g-sync/freesync will revert to using vsync to avoid tearing, which is why it feels laggy. Cap framerates just below your max refresh rate to avoid this happening.

How do you do that? I use EVGA Precision x

Rambo786 · 4 Nov 2015 at 16:20

I have just revceived the same monitor? How do I know if freesync is on?

JamesMay · 4 Nov 2015 at 18:18

titaniumx3 said:
If your fps goes above your max refresh rate, then g-sync/freesync will revert to using vsync to avoid tearing, which is why it feels laggy. Cap framerates just below your max refresh rate to avoid this happening.

No it does not prevent any of that at all.

Disable Vsync in nvcpl, cap FPS to 118 or 58 in afterburner/game, you still get insane mouselag.

iBSOD · 4 Nov 2015 at 18:33

For CSGO every PC gets 200+ fps so Freesync won't reduce or affect input lag (which would already be low on a 144hz screen) since it out of the range and monitors highest refresh. Any 144hz monitor will be good but when you play demanding games around 100fps dat motion stays butter smooooth with Freesync B)