In order to understand how FreeSync works and what it does, you need to know how a monitor and a graphics card communicate with each other to create an image. You can also use FreeSync with compatible Xbox consoles over HDMI and NVIDIA graphics cards (GTX 10-series or newer) over DisplayPort on FreeSync and G-SYNC Compatible monitors. To take advantage of the benefits provided by AMD FreeSync technology, users will need a FreeSync-compatible monitor and a FreeSync-compatible AMD graphics card ( Radeon R9/R7 200-series or newer – excluding the R9 270/X, R9 280/X, R9 370/X, R7 370X and R7 265 models).

With AMD FreeSync, you will not get screen tearing or visual latency, which you typically get from having V-SYNC enabled. Keep in mind that Adaptive Sync and Adaptive-Sync (with space in-between or a hyphen) refer to the general variable refresh rate operation and protocols, whereas AdaptiveSync relates to VESA’s certification program regarding VRR performance validation. What Is FreeSync?įreeSync is based on VESA’s Adaptive-Sync protocols of the DisplayPort interface, which AMD later implemented over HDMI as well.

AMD FreeSync synchronizes a compatible monitor’s refresh rate (Hz) with a compatible graphics card’s frame rate (FPS).Īs a result, screen tearing and stuttering are eliminated within the supported variable refresh rate range of the display.ĪMD Radeon FreeSync technology provides a variable refresh rate (VRR), which allows the refresh rate of a monitor to change dynamically and in synchronization with the frame rate of a graphics card.

Free sync software