Question about Vesa Adaptive Sync

Old Wino · 14 Feb 2023 at 11:38

So as I understand it, with (proper) G-Sync a proprietary module/chip is embedded into a monitor which synchronises frames with an Nvidia graphics card.
Is adaptive sync doing the same thing? in other words are monitor manufacturers including similar hardware chips/modules (obviously non-proprietary) into their monitors to synchronise with any graphics card installed in your PC? If so will all graphics cards be automatically able to synchronise with this new vesa adaptive sync hardware in monitors.

I'm just suspicious that this adaptive sync might be just another monitor quality accreditation stamp like 'freesync' or 'g-sync compatible'.

The reason is that I'm thinking of getting a new monitor and this vesa adaptive sync thingy appears to be a new kind of industry standard to clear up the current mess of multiple different types of freesyncs and g-syncs available which is really confusing for us non-techie types buying a new monitor.

Thanks for any responses, apologies if question is dumb..

Baddass · 14 Feb 2023 at 12:04

gosh, where to start!...

Native NVIDIA G-sync screens do include a proprietary hardware "module" in the screen which controls the variable refresh rate (VRR) and replaces a traditional scaler in the monitor. This has some other benefits too, as it supports things like variable overdrive (controlling pixel response times properly across a VRR range), super low input lag (as there's no traditional scaler in the monitor), a very wide VRR operating range, and has benefits when it comes to HDR local dimming on higher end LCD backlights too like FALD/Mini LED. Nowadays those Native G-sync module screens are quite rare, but where they are featured, they also still work with non-NVIDIA graphics cards for VRR, including AMD cards. you don't have to have an NVIDIA card to use or benefit from a screen with a Native G-sync module.

Then there's other screens which don't have these G-sync modules in them. they instead use a VRR technology that was backed in to the video interface capabilities including DisplayPort (versions since 1.2a) and HDMI. That's "adaptive-sync" (not the certification which i will come on to in a moment). Because there's no hardware chip, the world of adaptive-sync operation and performance is VERY varied, particularly on older screens. you had all kinds of different VRR operational ranges, flickering problems and other issues. AMD and NVIDIA both introduced certification schemes to test adaptive-sync screens to try and give consumers some reassurance around operation. AMD only really started doing this properly and reliably around Jan 2020 with their new (and current) "FreeSync Premium" and "FreeSync Premium Pro" schemes [more info], so if you were buying an adaptive-sync capable monitor, you'd want to look for one that had passed their certifications possibly.

Alternative NVIDIA introduced their more robust and thorough (imo) scheme called "G-sync Compatible" which they used to certified adaptive-sync screens. Again look out for that certification for reassurance around VRR performance and experience. They kept their other branding of "G-sync" (for screens with their hardware module) and also added "G-sync Ultimate" (with module but also top end HDR as it was at the time) too.

The new VESA "AdaptiveSync" scheme (note the capitalised A and S, and no space or hyphen in the name) was introduced in May 2022 as an attempt to try and introduce yet another certification scheme. I dont know why they thought it was needed, other than a money grab but it's only a scheme to certify and test normal adaptive-sync displays, it doesn't involve any new hardware, chips or anything else. it's an alternative to the AMD FreeSync Premium/Premium Pro and NVIDIA G-Sync Compatible schemes really. More info on it and thoughts on why it's maybe not very good here

Old Wino · 14 Feb 2023 at 12:25

Wow thanks for all the info.
With the already existing 3 types of Freesyncs and 3 types of G-Syncs, not forgetting our humble V-Sync I can see why yet another certification scheme, AdaptiveSync isn't helping the consumer much. There'll be more stickers on monitor boxes than a student's backpack! I'll check out that link and do some research on display ports - thanks again have an awesome life.

Baddass · 14 Feb 2023 at 12:30

Old Wino said:
Wow thanks for all the info.
With the already existing 3 types of Freesyncs and 3 types of G-Syncs, not forgetting our humble V-Sync I can see why yet another certification scheme, AdaptiveSync isn't helping the consumer much. There'll be more stickers on monitor boxes than a student's backpack! I'll check out that link and do some research on display ports - thanks again have an awesome life.

yep, a pointless new certification imo. there are so many of them about now, it's crazy!