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Do you fancy yourself as a bit of a gamer?
Are you sick of games ruined by poor screen quality?
Then you’ve come to the right place. Today we’re talking about all things FreeSync™ technology.
When it comes to gaming, experience is everything. You’ll want spectacular image quality for a truly immersive experience.
FreeSync technology improves gameplay quality by eliminating that infuriating screen tearing and stuttering once and for all.
Sounds good right?
You bet it does.
In this article we’ll be discussing everything you need to know about this amazing technology from how it works to how FreeSync compares to other synchronization technologies.
So, without further ado, let’s dive in!
FreeSync™ technology is an adaptive synchronization technology used in LCD displays. A FreeSync monitor mobilizes FreeSync technology to eliminate screen tearing and stuttering by synchronizing its refresh rate with the graphics card frame rate (FPS).
Monitors equipped with FreeSync technology have what’s called a variable refresh rate (or VRR) which matches with the framerate of your AMD graphics card.
But let’s turn on the breaks for just one moment.
For FreeSync to make sense we need to first understand some foundational concepts. FreeSync has been developed with three key influences:
Screen tearing is what happens when your graphics card produces frames too quickly. In other words, the framerate of your graphics card is faster than the frame rate of your monitor. That means your monitor can’t display the images it receives from your graphics card. Your monitor will be playing catch-up. And for you that means blurry or ‘torn’ looking visuals on the screen.
V-sync was the original screen tearing solution. V-sync technology ensures that your graphics card never works at a rate higher than your monitor can handle. Even if your graphics card can average a super-high frame rate, it will be capped to match your monitor’s refresh rate to eliminate that undesirable screen tearing.
But this only went so far to solve the tearing problem. V-Sync presents another problem – screen stuttering. This happens when your graphics card’s framerate drops below the monitor refresh rate (for example, this might occur during more complex parts of a computer game).
And that’s where FreeSync comes in. FreeSync eliminates both tearing and stuttering by syncing a monitor’s refresh rate to match the rate at which your graphics card produces new frames. In other words, your monitor will never display frames too fast or too slow.
I know it seems like there’s a sync technology for every letter of the alphabet, but here me out. This is the last one. Let’s talk for a moment about G-Sync.
Just like FreeSync, G-Sync improves monitor performance. And it does so by matching the performance of the monitor itself and the graphics card. So, what’s the difference?
G-Sync technology adjusts the output rate of the graphics card and adjusts the monitor’s vertical blanking interval (VBI) to make sure that the GPU and monitor are always in sync. This eliminates screen tearing and other display issues.
FreeSync syncs a monitor’s refresh rate to match the rate at which your graphics card produces new frames. The end result is very similar. The main difference between the two is price. FreeSync is built using the Adaptive Sync Standard. This is an open standard that other manufacturers can use in their equipment without royalties. And because of this FreeSync costs less than its G-Sync alternatives.
FreeSync monitors are highly effective against that dreaded tearing, stuttering, and general screenplay lagging. But, as with all technologies, there are pros and cons to using FreeSync.
FreeSync is significantly cheaper than G-Sync monitors. This is because they are based on an open source standard, unlike G-Sync which is a hardware solution that costs monitor manufacturers more to install – and therefore costs us more to buy.
FreeSync is only compatible with AMD graphics cards. That means it simply will not work if you have an NVIDIA graphics card. That’s because NVIDIA is a hardware-based solution and not open source. If you’re using NVIDIA you will have to splash out on a G-Sync monitor.
AMD FreeSync technology synchronizes the refresh rate of a display with the frame rate of graphics cards to reduce latency, and visual distortions such as screen tearing and stuttering.
FreeSync can be inconsistent. Not every FreeSync monitor comes set with the same, identical standards. Different FreeSync monitors will have different refresh rate ranges. Their G-Sync equivalents are a little more reliable.
This is because they are tightly regulated. Every G-Sync monitor must meet a standardized set of criteria. In short, with a FreeSync monitor the amount of tearing reduction will vary from one monitor to the next. With G-Sync, every monitor will provide a display that reduces tearing and stuttering across any refresh rate.
Decided to invest in a FreeSync monitor?
That’s great news.
To get up and running with FreeSync you’ll need a compatible AMD graphics card (GPU). Some of the latest AMD graphics cards include:
Once your computer is connected to a FreeSync monitor you’ll need to download the AMD catalyst driver from the company website. Here you’ll be able to select your card model manually or (if you’re not sure) you can utilize the auto detection tool.
Looking for a new gaming monitor? There are many different options when it comes to FreeSync monitors. You’ll want to consider factors such as size, resolution, refresh rate, panel type, and response time. Before you start shopping for your new monitor, make sure to consider these four essential criteria.
Bigger isn’t necessarily better. Think about what’s most important to you - screen space or sharp, crisp picture quality? A 27 inch screen is pretty standard. Big but not too big. And for a screen of this size we recommend opting for a pixel density of approximately 109 pixels per inch.
The higher the refresh rate the more responsive your gameplay will be. You might even enjoy being a step ahead of your competition. For a really solid gameplay experience we recommend choosing a FreeSync monitor with a refresh rate of at least 144 Hz.
If you’re looking for a super-fast gaming monitor with little-to-no lag or ‘trailing’ we recommend looking for a monitor with a response time of 1ms GtG or faster.
You will need to configure your AMD FreeSync monitor. To do so, locate the on-screen display controls on your particular monitor. Make sure that AMD FreeSync is enabled, Anti-blur is disables, and that the display port is set to 1.2 or higher.
To use a FreeSync monitor you’ll need the following.
If you’re looking for an affordable monitor that’s great for gaming and reducing that dreaded screen tearing then a FreeSync monitor is a fantastic option. FreeSync monitors are somewhat cheaper than their G-Sync alternatives but still offer the all-important key functionalities. So, wave goodbye to lag, tearing, and stuttering once and for all and enjoy an enhanced gaming experience.
Limits: Orders limited to 5 computers per customer. For larger quantities, go to the “Where to Buy” section of the website for details of resellers and retailers of Lenovo products
Offerings and Availability: All offers subject to availability. Offers, prices, specifications and availability may change without notice. Product offerings and specifications advertised on this website may be changed at any time and without notice. Models pictured are for illustration purposes only. Lenovo is not responsible for photographic or typographic errors..
PCs shown here are shipped with an operating system.
Prices: Web prices advertised include VAT. Prices and offers in the cart are subject to change until the order is submitted. *Pricing - savings referenced off regular Lenovo web prices. Reseller prices may differ from those advertised here.
**Battery: These systems do not support batteries that are not genuine Lenovo-made or authorised. Systems will continue to boot, but may not charge unauthorised batteries. Lenovo has no responsibility for the performance or safety of unauthorised batteries, and provides no warranties for failures or damage arising out of their use. **Battery life is based on the MobileMark® 2014 methodology and is an estimated maximum. Actual battery life may vary based on many factors, including screen brightness, active applications, features, power management settings, battery age and conditioning, and other customer preferences.
Finance is provided by Duologi. Duologi is the trading name of Specialist Lending Ltd.
General: Review key information provided by Microsoft® that may apply to your system purchase, including details on Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, and potential upgrades/downgrades. Lenovo makes no representation or warranty regarding third-party products or services.
Trademarks: Lenovo, ThinkPad, IdeaPad, ThinkCentre, ThinkStation and the Lenovo logo are trademarks of Lenovo. Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT, and the Windows logo are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Ultrabook, Celeron, Celeron Inside, Core Inside, Intel, Intel Logo, Intel Atom, Intel Atom Inside, Intel Core, Intel Inside, Intel Inside Logo, Intel vPro, Itanium, Itanium Inside, Pentium, Pentium Inside, vPro Inside, Xeon, Xeon Phi, Xeon Inside, and Intel Optane are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or other countries.© 2023 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. All rights reserved. AMD, the AMD Arrow logo, Athlon, EPYC, FreeSync, Ryzen, Radeon, Threadripper and combinations thereof are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Other company, product or service names may be trademarks or service marks of others.
Limits: Orders limited to 5 computers per customer. For larger quantities, go to the “Where to Buy” section of the website for details of resellers and retailers of Lenovo products
Offerings and Availability: All offers subject to availability. Offers, prices, specifications and availability may change without notice. Product offerings and specifications advertised on this website may be changed at any time and without notice. Models pictured are for illustration purposes only. Lenovo is not responsible for photographic or typographic errors..
PCs shown here are shipped with an operating system.
Prices: Web prices advertised include VAT. Prices and offers in the cart are subject to change until the order is submitted. *Pricing - savings referenced off regular Lenovo web prices. Reseller prices may differ from those advertised here.
**Battery: These systems do not support batteries that are not genuine Lenovo-made or authorised. Systems will continue to boot, but may not charge unauthorised batteries. Lenovo has no responsibility for the performance or safety of unauthorised batteries, and provides no warranties for failures or damage arising out of their use. **Battery life is based on the MobileMark® 2014 methodology and is an estimated maximum. Actual battery life may vary based on many factors, including screen brightness, active applications, features, power management settings, battery age and conditioning, and other customer preferences.
Finance is provided by Duologi. Duologi is the trading name of Specialist Lending Ltd.
General: Review key information provided by Microsoft® that may apply to your system purchase, including details on Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, and potential upgrades/downgrades. Lenovo makes no representation or warranty regarding third-party products or services.
Trademarks: Lenovo, ThinkPad, IdeaPad, ThinkCentre, ThinkStation and the Lenovo logo are trademarks of Lenovo. Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT, and the Windows logo are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Ultrabook, Celeron, Celeron Inside, Core Inside, Intel, Intel Logo, Intel Atom, Intel Atom Inside, Intel Core, Intel Inside, Intel Inside Logo, Intel vPro, Itanium, Itanium Inside, Pentium, Pentium Inside, vPro Inside, Xeon, Xeon Phi, Xeon Inside, and Intel Optane are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or other countries.© 2023 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. All rights reserved. AMD, the AMD Arrow logo, Athlon, EPYC, FreeSync, Ryzen, Radeon, Threadripper and combinations thereof are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Other company, product or service names may be trademarks or service marks of others.