Quick Answer

Screen tearing in high-fps games is best eliminated by enabling FreeSync (AMD GPUs) or G-Sync Compatible (NVIDIA GPUs) variable refresh rate in both the GPU driver and the monitor OSD, NOT by enabling V-Sync, which adds 1 to 3 frames of input lag. FreeSync and G-Sync synchronise the monitor's refresh to GPU frame delivery, eliminating tearing without a frame buffer and without added latency.

Why V-Sync Causes Input Lag 🔧

V-Sync holds completed frames in a buffer until the monitor's next vertical retrace, ensuring frame boundaries align. The buffer adds latency: when the GPU renders frame N faster than the display can show it, V-Sync holds it for the next sync window (16ms at 60Hz, 4ms at 240Hz). When fps drops below the target, V-Sync halves the frame rate rather than allowing a miss, causing a sudden jump from 60 fps to 30 fps. The combined effect: no tearing, but input lag ranging from half a frame to two frames. FreeSync and G-Sync solve this by dynamically adjusting the monitor's refresh rate to match each rendered frame, typically within a range of 48Hz to 165Hz or 48Hz to 360Hz. No buffer, no lag penalty, no tearing.

Setting Up FreeSync and G-Sync Correctly 🖥️

For AMD GPU users: open AMD Adrenalin, navigate to Display, and toggle AMD FreeSync to On. Enable FreeSync or Adaptive Sync in the monitor OSD. For NVIDIA GPU users on a FreeSync monitor: open NVIDIA Control Panel, go to Display, Set Up G-Sync, enable G-Sync Compatible mode, and tick Enable for full-screen mode. In-game, leave V-Sync disabled. Set an fps cap at three to five frames below the monitor's maximum refresh rate using RTSS or the in-game limiter: cap at 157 fps on a 165Hz display. This keeps the GPU rendering just below the VRR ceiling, preventing occasional frame-rate spikes above the range that cause brief tearing even with VRR active.

When Tearing Persists Despite VRR 💡

If tearing remains after enabling FreeSync or G-Sync Compatible, check four things in order. First, confirm fps is within the monitor's stated VRR range: if gaming at 30 fps on a monitor with a 48Hz minimum floor, LFC may not activate. Second, verify the correct cable is in use: HDMI 1.4 does not support FreeSync on many monitors. Third, confirm VRR is active in both the GPU driver and the monitor OSD: enabling it in only one place does not work. Fourth, check whether HDR mode forces a fixed refresh rate: on some panels, enabling HDR disables VRR or limits it to a narrower range. Disable HDR if tearing reappears after enabling it.

TIP

Use RTSS for a Precise FPS Cap ⚡

RivaTuner Statistics Server sets frame rate limits with microsecond precision, while most in-game limiters use coarser intervals that cause small fps overshoots above the VRR ceiling. Set RTSS to cap at refresh rate minus 3 (for example, 237 on a 240Hz monitor) and confirm in a frame-time overlay that the cap holds stable. This eliminates the last category of tearing on VRR monitors without any perceptible input lag penalty.

FAQ

Does G-Sync Compatible work as well as native G-Sync modules?

For most gaming at 60 to 360Hz, G-Sync Compatible certified monitors perform identically to native G-Sync module monitors in eliminating screen tearing. Native G-Sync modules offer wider VRR ranges on some panels, but at significantly higher monitor cost. For SA buyers, G-Sync Compatible offers the better value proposition.

Can screen tearing happen on an OLED gaming monitor with G-Sync enabled?

With G-Sync or FreeSync correctly configured, tearing is eliminated on OLED panels exactly as on LCD. OLEDs also have near-instantaneous pixel response (effectively 0.1ms), removing any residual pixel-trailing contribution to perceived motion artefacts.

Is screen tearing harmful to the monitor or GPU?

No. Screen tearing is a visual synchronisation mismatch with no effect on component longevity. The GPU and monitor operate normally during tearing.

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