All about AMD FreeSync technology

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The gaming experience is getting, better and better with time. For the best gaming experience, the ideal scenario will be running the game as smoothly as possible without any tearing or stuttering. AMD Freesync comes to save the day by preventing it. Before understanding AMD FreeSync, it is better to acknowledge why we need it first.

The lag experience:

Every monitor has a refresh rate. Refresh rate is how many times the monitor updates per second. The standard refresh rate for most monitor screens is 60 Hz, but recent modern monitors can even have 240 Hz. The refresh rate is constant, but the frame rate is not.

In other words, if your graphic card has a higher number of frames per second than your monitor then you will experience tearing (display of two different frames simultaneously) and stuttering (display of the same frame twice in a row).

Here is when AMD FreeSync comes and fixes these problems. FreeSync also fixes the latency issue which is the delay in the travel of information. In other words, when you move the mouse and the cursor may move a second or few seconds after that.

AMD FreeSync specifics

There are a few things on the checklist you need to have for Free Sync to work. An integrated APU or a compatible AMD graphic card will also work. Additionally, you would also be needing a compatible monitor or TV which would support VESA Adaptive-Sync.

On a side note, FreeSync is an alternative to Nvidia G-Sync. FreeSync can operate on Nvidia cards like GTZ 10-series or newer than that.

FreeSync vs G-Sync

From a bird’s eye view, FreeSync is low-cost compared with Nvidia G-Sync. The reason for that is to operate G-Sync on your computer, you are required to install a dedicated module inside your monitor.

This module has control over everything like refresh rate, backlighting, etc. It also lets the input lag be lower along with variable overdrive and an extensive variable refresh rate range. Keeping this in mind, Nvidia is now creating several Freesync monitors that can be compatible with their G-Sync technology.

There may be uncertified FreeSync monitors that work with Nvidia cards but there is no guarantee of that. Compared to G-Sync they may be lower in price, but they can deliver. It is set up on an open standard and their AMD license does not require any fee.

Unlike G-Sync they do not require a special hardware module for it to run. Their monitors offer a wide spectrum of various features that are most likely to amplify your game and gaming experiences like HDR (high dynamic range) high refresh rates, blur reduction technology, and 4k resolutions.

They might not be needed in all of the games, but if you are playing games like Devil May Cry 5 or Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, you would need AMD FreeSync for a smooth experience. Many of these games have the technologies mentioned above, though some of them might not be compatible with Free Sync.

Steps to enable Free Sync

For a proper operation of FreeSync and GPU verify that your drivers are well managed and updated.

Make sure you have a compatible monitor that is FreeSync. Additionally, you also need an AMD graphic card of APU. FreeSync can be put together with the Xbox series or X Box Series 5. For PC verify that your system has a DisplayPort HDMI connection along with a compatible Radeon Software graphics driver. If your system has compatible hardware, it might be included.
You would need the latest AMD Catalyst drivers that are available on the company’s website. You can either use the auto-detection tool or just manually select your APU model or card with the “Manually Select Your Driver” tool. For the latter, make sure that the version of your window match what you select.
Restart your computer after installing the driver.
Right-click on your desktop will take you to a pop-up menu. Select AMD Radeon Settings.
Click the Display which can be seen on the top menu and toggle on the setting for Radeon FreeSync.
Check if you have to turn it on on your monitor settings, it can depend on your display. FreeSync can be turned on for the TV by turning on the Game Mode that can be found in the setting menu.

Different types of FreeSync

Other than Free Sync, the company announced Free Sync Premium in 2020 and Free Sync Premium Pro in January 2020.

FreeSync Premium

As mentioned before in the article, the original services by FreeSyn are fixing the tearing, stuttering, and latency issues. However, when it comes to FreeSync Premium some additional and advanced features are introduced in this technology. It would make sure that the refresh rate is maintained at 120 Hz. Another brilliant feature it introduces is low frame rate compensation (LFC).

LFC makes sure that your game will run smoothly even if the game’s frame rate decreases even below the monitor’s lowest refresh rate. It completes this task by displaying the frames automatically multiple times. In addition to that, FreeSync Premium also offers extended latency prevention for the standard dynamic range of SDR. According to AMD, there are more than 300 FreeSync Premium monitors.

FreeSync Premium Pro:

Previously known as FreeSync 2 HDR, Free SyncPremium Pro offers even more amazing features for your display. In addition to the features provided in FreeSync Premium, this version offers low latency support for SDR (standard dynamic range and HDR (high dynamic range). Just as its previous name suggests this version is perfectly compatible with HDR optimization on supported displays.

Over 400 nits of brightness for HDR 400 certification is promised. You don’t really need FreeSync Premium Pro for TV or movies. Simples HDR works perfectly fine for them. Gamers are most likely to benefit from FreeSync Premium Pro for their games like Far Cry 6 or Borderlands Gamers should, however, keep in mind that FreeSync Premium Pro might not be supported by all games.

Conclusion:

The game developers make awesome games that take us to another world. However, to thoroughly enjoy those games we need to add a few things to our computer system. AMD FreeSync gives you the incredible opportunity to enjoy those games with maximum stimulation.

You can compare FreeSync with G-Sync according to your need. While buying the monitored make sure that you are well aware of its features and technology.