Adaptive-Sync Technology

Adaptive-Sync is a display technology that synchronises the refresh rate of a monitor with the frame rate output of a graphics card. This synchronisation eliminates screen tearing, stuttering, and input lag, resulting in a smoother and more responsive visual experience.

Adaptive-Sync is an umbrella term that encompasses various implementations of this technology, such as AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-SYNC. These technologies work by allowing the graphics card to control the monitor's refresh rate dynamically, adjusting it in real-time to match the frame rate of the content being displayed.

This ensures that images are displayed as soon as they are rendered by the graphics card, reducing latency and improving overall image quality. 

Types of adaptive-sync:

• FreeSync: Developed by AMD, works with AMD graphics cards and a range of compatible monitors. It's generally less expensive.
• G-SYNC: NVIDIA's proprietary technology, requires specific G-SYNC monitors, usually more costly.
• G-SYNC Compatible: NVIDIA certified some FreeSync monitors as G-SYNC Compatible, meaning they offer a good VRR experience with NVIDIA cards.

Adaptive-Sync Explained Simply

Picture Adaptive-Sync as a choreographed dance between the graphics card and the monitor. The graphics card is the lead dancer, setting the tempo (frame rate) of the performance, while the monitor follows its lead, adjusting its own movements (refresh rate) to match the tempo set by the graphics card.

When the dancers are perfectly synchronised, their movements flow seamlessly, creating a beautiful and engaging performance (smooth, tear-free visuals). However, when the dancers are out of sync, the performance appears choppy and disjointed (screen tearing and stuttering).

Adaptive-Sync technology acts as the choreographer, ensuring that the graphics card and monitor are always in perfect sync, adapting to changes in the tempo (frame rate) and keeping the performance smooth and attractive.

By allowing the graphics card and monitor to work together seamlessly, Adaptive-Sync technology enhances the visual experience for users, particularly in gaming and video playback scenarios.

Return to the technical glossary to learn more about the technology we reference throughout this website.