VSync Disabled: Gaming Performance

Quick Answer

Disabling VSync uncaps your frame rate and reduces input lag, which is great for competitive shooters but introduces screen tearing on monitors without G-Sync or FreeSync. For SA gamers on a freesync panel, a better default is leaving VSync off and capping FPS just below your monitor's refresh ceiling.

What Changes When VSync is Off

VSync forces the GPU to wait for the monitor's refresh, smoothing tearing but adding 1-3 frames of latency. Disabling it lets the GPU push frames as fast as it can, which lowers input lag and feels snappier in CS2, Valorant, Apex, and Fortnite. The tradeoff is visible tearing, especially in panning shots or fast camera turns. On a 60Hz panel without adaptive sync, tearing can be aggressive; on a 144Hz+ panel it's much less noticeable.

When to Disable, When to Keep It On

Disable VSync for competitive multiplayer where reaction time matters more than visuals. Keep it on (or use NVIDIA Fast Sync / AMD Enhanced Sync) for single-player AAA games where smoothness beats input lag. The best of both worlds is a FreeSync or G-Sync monitor: leave VSync off in-game, enable adaptive sync in your driver panel, and cap FPS 3-5 below your monitor's max refresh (so 141 FPS on a 144Hz panel) using RTSS or the in-game limiter.

SA Setup Notes

Most SA gamers run 144Hz or 165Hz FreeSync IPS panels, where VSync off + frame cap is the smartest default. If you're still on a 60Hz office monitor, an upgrade to a 144Hz FreeSync display (from around R2,499 locally) is the single biggest perceived performance jump you can make. ZAR pricing on full gaming PCs with high-refresh monitors starts in the low R20,000s.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does disabling VSync improve FPS?

Sort of. It uncaps your FPS so you can see numbers above your refresh rate, but the actual rendering work hasn't changed. The real benefit is reduced input lag, not raw FPS gain.

Will I damage my monitor by leaving VSync off?

No. Tearing is a visual artefact, not a hardware risk. Your monitor and GPU are perfectly safe regardless of VSync state.

Should I use VSync with G-Sync or FreeSync?

For most setups, leave in-game VSync off and enable adaptive sync at the driver level with an FPS cap below your max refresh. That gives you tear-free, low-lag gaming.