Question:

How does Freesync affect the refresh rate of a 120Hz monitor?

I have a 120Hz monitor with Freesync enabled and I cap my frames per second (fps) at 117. However, I notice that the monitor’s on-screen display (osd) shows a varying refresh rate (hz) between 114 and 120, even though my fps and frametime are very consistent. Is this normal behavior for Freesync, or is there something wrong with my monitor or settings?

Answer:

Freesync is a technology that allows the monitor to dynamically adjust its refresh rate to match the fps of the graphics card, thus eliminating screen tearing and stuttering. Freesync works by creating a range of refresh rates that the monitor can operate within, depending on the fps of the game or application. For example, a 120Hz monitor with Freesync may have a range of 48Hz to 120Hz, meaning that the monitor can change its refresh rate anywhere between 48Hz and 120Hz, depending on the fps of the game or application.

However, Freesync does not guarantee a perfect synchronization between the fps and the refresh rate. There are several factors that can cause the refresh rate to fluctuate within the Freesync range, even if the fps is stable. Some of these factors are:

• Input lag: Input lag is the delay between the user’s input (such as mouse movement or keyboard press) and the corresponding action on the screen. Input lag can vary depending on the game or application, the graphics card, the monitor, and the settings. Input lag can affect the fps and the refresh rate, as the monitor may not receive the latest frame from the graphics card in time, causing the refresh rate to drop or rise slightly.
• Frame pacing: Frame pacing is the consistency of the time intervals between each frame. Ideally, each frame should have the same duration, resulting in a smooth and steady gameplay. However, sometimes the frames may have uneven durations, causing some frames to be displayed longer or shorter than others. This can result in a choppy or jittery gameplay, as well as a fluctuating refresh rate, as the monitor may not be able to match the exact fps of the graphics card.
• V-sync: V-sync is a setting that limits the fps to the refresh rate of the monitor, thus preventing screen tearing. However, V-sync can also introduce input lag and stuttering, as the graphics card may have to wait for the monitor to finish displaying the current frame before sending the next one. V-sync can also interfere with Freesync, as the fps may not be able to reach the maximum refresh rate of the monitor, causing the refresh rate to stay lower than the potential.
• Fps cap: Fps cap is a setting that limits the fps to a certain value, usually lower than the refresh rate of the monitor. Fps cap can be used to reduce the power consumption and heat generation of the graphics card, as well as to improve the frame pacing and input lag. However, fps cap can also affect the refresh rate, as the monitor may not be able to reach the maximum refresh rate of the Freesync range, causing the refresh rate to stay lower than the potential.

Therefore, to answer the question, it is normal for the refresh rate to fluctuate within the Freesync range, even if the fps is stable. This is because Freesync is not a perfect synchronization, but rather a dynamic adaptation, that depends on various factors. However, this does not mean that there is something wrong with the monitor or the settings. In fact, Freesync is still beneficial, as it reduces screen tearing and stuttering, and improves the overall gaming experience.

However, if the refresh rate fluctuation is too noticeable or bothersome, there are some steps that can be taken to minimize it, such as:

• Adjusting the Freesync range: Some monitors allow the user to adjust the Freesync range, either through the monitor’s osd or through a software. By adjusting the Freesync range, the user can set the minimum and maximum refresh rate that the monitor can operate within. This can help to reduce the refresh rate fluctuation, as the monitor will have a narrower range to adapt to. However, this may also reduce the effectiveness of Freesync, as the monitor may not be able to match the fps of the graphics card as closely as possible.
• Using Enhanced Sync: Enhanced Sync is a feature that is available for AMD graphics cards, that works with Freesync. Enhanced Sync allows the fps to exceed the refresh rate of the monitor, thus eliminating screen tearing, while also reducing input lag and stuttering. Enhanced Sync can help to smooth out the refresh rate fluctuation, as the monitor will always receive the latest frame from the graphics card, regardless of the fps. However, Enhanced Sync may also introduce some micro-stuttering, as the frames may not be displayed at even intervals.
• Using G-Sync Compatible Mode: G-Sync Compatible Mode is a feature that is available for Nvidia graphics cards, that works with Freesync. G-Sync Compatible Mode allows the Nvidia graphics card to communicate with the Freesync monitor, and use the adaptive sync technology to synchronize the fps and the refresh rate. G-Sync Compatible Mode can help to improve the refresh rate fluctuation, as the Nvidia graphics card may have a better frame pacing and input lag than the AMD graphics card. However, G-Sync Compatible Mode may not work with all Freesync monitors, and may require some tweaking of the settings.

In conclusion, Freesync is a technology that allows the monitor to dynamically adjust its refresh rate to match the fps of the graphics card, thus improving the gaming experience. However, Freesync does not guarantee a perfect synchronization, and the refresh rate may fluctuate within the Freesync range, even if the fps is stable. This is normal behavior for Freesync, and does not indicate a problem with the monitor or the settings. However, if the refresh rate fluctuation is too noticeable or bothersome, there are some steps that can be taken to minimize it, such as adjusting the Freesync range, using Enhanced Sync, or using G-Sync Compatible Mode.

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[What is AMD FreeSync? | AMD](https://www.amd.com/en/technologies/free-sync)