Screen tearing happens when GPU frame output and monitor refresh fall out of sync, and FreeSync Premium fixes it by matching the panel's refresh rate to the card's frame rate above 120Hz. Match specs to your build and use case before you commit to the upgrade.
Screen tearing occurs when the GPU sends a new frame to the monitor mid-refresh, causing the display to show the bottom portion of the previous frame and the top of the new one simultaneously. The visible result is a horizontal split across the image. FreeSync Premium prevents this by synchronising the monitor's refresh cycle to the GPU's output, ensuring a new frame only appears when the display is ready to show it completely.
Every LCD monitor has a fixed refresh rate at which it scans from top to bottom and updates the displayed image. At 60Hz this scan takes 16.7ms. A GPU rendering at 90fps completes a new frame every 11ms, sending frames faster than the monitor can display them. When the GPU pushes a new frame during the monitor's active scan, the top of the new frame overwrites the image while the bottom still shows the previous frame. This misalignment is the visible tear line. The faster your GPU relative to your monitor's refresh ceiling, the more frequently tearing occurs, because the GPU more often delivers frames during the monitor's active refresh period. On a 60Hz display paired with a GPU pushing 150fps, tearing is constant and severe.
FreeSync Premium uses the Adaptive-Sync standard from VESA to give the GPU control over when the monitor takes its next frame. Rather than scanning at a fixed 144Hz regardless of GPU output, the monitor waits for the GPU to signal that a frame is ready, then executes the refresh. FreeSync Premium extends basic FreeSync by requiring a minimum 120Hz support at native resolution and Low Framerate Compensation (LFC). LFC activates when GPU output falls below the adaptive sync range minimum: instead of dropping out of sync and reverting to a fixed rate (which reintroduces tearing), LFC doubles or triples each frame's display frequency to keep the refresh rate within the sync window. This is particularly relevant for SA gamers running mid-range GPUs through graphically demanding scenes where fps can dip unexpectedly.
Adaptive sync works best alongside an in-game frame cap set 5 to 10fps below the monitor's maximum refresh rate. At 144Hz, cap at 137fps; at 250Hz, cap at 240fps. This prevents the GPU from briefly overshooting the monitor's adaptive sync ceiling, which would temporarily disable sync and allow torn frames to appear. CS2 and Valorant include built-in frame limiters. NVIDIA GPU users can also enable the in-driver frame rate limiter in NVIDIA Control Panel for a low-latency cap that works globally across all titles.
Set your in-game frame rate cap 5 to 10fps below your monitor's maximum refresh rate when using adaptive sync. At 250Hz, cap at 240fps. This keeps your GPU output within the FreeSync range ceiling and prevents the brief sync dropout that occurs when the GPU briefly exceeds the panel's maximum sync frequency, eliminating the most common source of residual tearing on FreeSync setups.
Tearing itself does not cause input lag, but it disrupts visual information delivery, which can impair reaction time in competitive scenarios. The misaligned frame makes target tracking briefly incoherent during the tear.
Yes, if the GPU produces frames faster than the monitor's 250Hz ceiling.
FreeSync Premium is native to AMD Radeon GPUs. NVIDIA owners use FreeSync Premium monitors through G-Sync Compatible mode, enabled in NVIDIA Control Panel. Most FreeSync Premium monitors are validated as G-Sync Compatible.
Tired of screen tearing ruining your gaming sessions? Evetech stocks FreeSync Premium and G-Sync Compatible gaming monitors that eliminate tearing across all GPU brands.
Three-tier streaming microphone plan should be shortlisted around the job it must do. South African buyers should compare audio quality, mic clarity, comfort, and connection type, warranty path, and upgrade room before treating any pick as best.
Read more
Streaming Microphone buying order for family should be shortlisted around the job it must do. South African buyers should compare audio quality, mic clarity, comfort, and connection type, warranty path, and upgrade room before treating any pick as best.
Read more
Streaming Microphone buying order for home should be shortlisted around the job it must do. South African buyers should compare audio quality, mic clarity, comfort, and connection type, warranty path, and upgrade room before treating any pick as best.
Read more
Streaming Microphone buying order for recording should be shortlisted around the job it must do. South African buyers should compare audio quality, mic clarity, comfort, and connection type, warranty path, and upgrade room before treating any pick as best.
Read more
Streaming Microphone buying order for school should be shortlisted around the job it must do. South African buyers should compare audio quality, mic clarity, comfort, and connection type, warranty path, and upgrade room before treating any pick as best.
Read more
Three-tier case fan plan for matric-to-varsity should be shortlisted around the job it must do. South African buyers should compare airflow, clearance, noise, and upgrade room, warranty path, and upgrade room before treating any pick as best.
Read more
Wondering if a TKL wireless mechanical keyboard is worth it for everyday productivity? We break down latency, battery life, comfort, and workflow gains for real work. ⚡⌨️
Maximise battery life on a fanless 15-inch laptop using efficiency core architecture. Cut idle drain, tune power profiles, and improve thermals for longer runtime. 🔋⚙️
Learn how to reduce desk clutter with a TKL wireless keyboard using fewer cables, smart placement, and tidy essentials. Get a faster, calmer workspace with better ergonomics. ✅🧼
RGB keyboard lighting too distracting? Learn how to manage backlight modes, set brightness, and reduce distraction for focus and productivity 😌🖱️
Are themed gaming keyboards worth the extra cost? Compare build quality, switch options, features, and resale value to find the best fit for your setup 🎮⌨️
Full-Size vs Tenkeyless mechanical keyboards for gaming: find out if a smaller layout truly improves aim, speed, and comfort. We break down layout, desk space, latency-feel, and keybinds 🎮⌨️
Dedicated media rollers vs function key shortcuts: learn which setup gives you better workflow control, faster media access, and fewer mistakes. 🖱️🎧
Best Mechanical Switch Type for Gaming: Clicky vs Linear vs Tactile. Find your feel, speed, and noise balance with practical guidance for FPS, MOBA, and productivity 😄🎮
Direct mouse answer: Mouse not keeping up with your work? Everything that matters about dual-mode 2.4GHz + BT 5.0: DPI behaviour, channel switching, battery curves and per-app button mapping. Covers when 2.4GHz USB wins (low-latency desk) and when BT 5.0 wins (laptop, d
Plain wireless mouse guide: Mouse not keeping up with your work? Everything that matters about wireless productivity mouse: DPI behaviour, channel switching, battery curves and per-app button mapping. Includes DPI tuning tips, channel switch shortcuts, and ZAR-aware fea
Real productivity numbers: Set up your wireless mouse in this order: everything that matters about wireless productivity mouse: DPI behaviour, channel switching, battery curves and per-app button mapping. Includes DPI tuning tips, channel switch shortcuts, and ZAR-aware
Pen not feeling like paper? Stylus lag and skipping usually trace to old drivers, dirty nibs, or display refresh mismatches, not the pen itself. Covers pressure curve tuning, tilt thresholds, nib swap timing, and SA pricing brackets.
