Should I turn off G Sync?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

As an avid PC gamer and content creator focused on the latest titles and hardware, one question I get asked a lot is: Should I disable G-Sync?

The Short Answer

Before diving deeper, here is the short answer:

It depends. Disabling G-Sync can provide slight competitive advantages in some gaming scenarios. But it also comes with downsides. There are reasonable arguments on both sides, so choose based on your setup and preferences.

For hardcore competitive gamers, turning G-Sync off may be beneficial. More casual players will likely appreciate keeping it enabled for a smoother experience.

Key Benefits of Disabling G-Sync

Here are some potential upsides to deactivating G-Sync:

1. Reduced Input Lag

Disabling vertical sync and adaptive sync technologies like G-Sync removes a minor processing step. This can lower end-to-end input lag by a few milliseconds.

For example, Battle(non)Sense testing found ~2.4ms lower input lag averages enabling V-Sync and G-Sync compared to having them disabled in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.

While a couple milliseconds may seem trivial, it can provide a slight competitive edge. Every frame matters in fast-paced shooters when aiming for those flick shots or snap reactions.

2. Increased Frame Rates

G-Sync requires a dedicated module and processing overhead. By switching it off, graphics cards don‘t have to synchronize frames with the monitor‘s refresh rate.

This removes a potential performance bottleneck, allowing max possible frame rates. For GPUs capable of pushing frame rates much higher than a monitor‘s max refresh, disabling G-Sync can better leverage that power.

As this Tom‘s Hardware test shows, turning G-Sync off resulted in sizeable FPS gains, allowing frame rates to exceed the 165 Hz monitor refresh cap.

3. Fixes Issues in Some Games

While rare, G-Sync can occasionally cause stuttering, flickering, or other issues in certain games. Since it overrides the game‘s frame rate, this synchronization can conflict. Disabling it outright avoids these potential G-Sync-related problems.

So for games that exhibit those symptoms, it may improve smoothness and playability turning it off.

Why You May Still Want to Keep G-Sync On

However, there are also some compelling reasons you may NOT want to disable G-Sync:

1. Prevents Screen Tearing

Without synchronization, screen tearing can occur frequently any time frame rates jump above or below your monitor‘s refresh rate.

Rapid fluctuations around the max refresh are common even at high frame rates. And dips into lower frame rates can make tearing even more noticeable.

G-Sync dynamically matches the monitor to prevent tearing through the full variable refresh range down to 1 FPS.

So disabling it risks reintroducing this obnoxious visual artifact during gameplay.

2. Smoother All-Around Experience

Without synchronization, lower or fluctuating frame rates can feel choppy and uneven. G-Sync adjusts the monitor‘s refresh to match the FPS output each frame.

This helps maintain fluid, consistent motion even through dips and spikes in performance. Max refresh clicks in seamlessly when frame rates rise.

The result is usually a subjectively smoother overall gaming experience at virtually all frame rates.

3. Minimal Competitive Difference

While disabling G-Sync can lower input lag, for many games and setups this difference is imperceptible. Studies show humans realistically can‘t tell a difference below 10-15ms extra lag.

So a few milliseconds saved likely won‘t provide any tangible aiming or reaction advantage in most titles. It avoids the downsides without noticeable competitive gains.

When Does Turning Off G-Sync Make Sense?

Based on the above trade-offs, here are examples of gaming setups and titles that stand to benefit more from switching G-Sync off:

  • Competitive esports titles (CS:GO, Valorant, etc.) where every last millisecond of input lag matters
  • High frame rate setups (144Hz+) where rates consistently and substantially exceed max refresh
  • Powerful GPUs capable of pushing very high FPS surpassing refresh rates
  • Games where G-Sync causes issues like stuttering or flickering

Hardcore gamers playing fast-paced online shooters with top-tier rigs seem most poised to gain an edge disabling G-Sync in my experience.

Whereas more casual single-player adventures or underpowered setups struggling to hit high refresh rates likely won‘t benefit as much.

Viable Alternatives to Disabling G-Sync Entirely

Rather than switching G-Sync on and off across games, some other options include:

1. Frame Rate Limiter Just Below Refresh

Capping frame rate at 141 FPS on a 144Hz monitor allows G-Sync to still work while minimizing lag. This stops rates from greatly exceeding refresh for minimal tear risk.

2. Toggle Per Game

Leave G-Sync enabled for most games. But switch it off on a per game basis for select competitive titles where you want every last bit of performance.

3. Use Ultra Low Motion Blur

LCD displays hold each frame static for the entire refresh duration. Rapid shifts between different frames causes apparent lag.

Ultra low motion blur settings use black frame insertion to reduce ghosting and perceived input latency between frame changes.

This can provide a responsiveness boost without needing to disable G-Sync.

The Bottom Line

I can‘t broadly say all gamers should definitively turn G-Sync off or keep it enabled. As covered above, there are reasonable benefits to both options.

Think critically about your individual setup, gaming workloads, and priorities. Competitive esports players may gain an small edge disabling it. While more casual gamers will likely appreciate keeping it on for smoother overall gameplay.

There often aren‘t absolutes in PC gaming. Take an objective look at the trade-offs and decide what works best for YOUR needs.

Let me know in the comments your experiences using G-Sync and whether you keep it on or off!

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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