Problem with Screen tearing on linux

chetmaster12

Honorable
Jan 19, 2015
163
1
10,695
Not sure if I should post it in Open Source software or Graphics and displays, but I figured I am using Linux so I will post it here.

I built a new PC a few months ago with the following specs:
Intel Core i5-4460
AsRock H97M uATX
Saphire Radeon R7-260X (2GB)
8GB Crucial Balistix sport
The model number of my monitor is S220HQL. It is an Acer 22".
I am using DVI on both my GPU and my Monitor.
When I play Minecraft, I get pretty significant screen tearing. Even with vSync (the vSync in minecraft video settigs), I get bad screen tearing. I tried limiting my FPS to 40 (in minecraft again), no difference. I also get screen tearing in other games, when there is a lot of movement on the screen. This includes watching videos with people moving around a lot. I am running Kubuntu 14.04. I have NOT installed any GPU drivers, just the ones that came pre-installed with Kubuntu. The screen tearing is really annoying, and I am wondering how I can fix it.
 
Solution
You and me both. Tearing has been my biggest bugaboo with Linux for the several years I've been using it (with enthusiasm). The open source Radeon drivers have been great for me... for watching videos but not gaming. I usually prefer the XFCE or Mate desktop because they are friendly and allow disabling transparency without causing the desktop to spaz out with mung and drool. With the KDE desktop you might go to settings mgr. and choose the option to disable desktop effects while in full-screen applications. I you're using VLC for video playback try disabling video acceleration in it's settings mgr.

For gaming I always install the proprietary graphic drivers and Catalyst Control Center and apply the same changes as above... turn off...

spankmon

Distinguished
Dec 31, 2011
477
0
18,860
You and me both. Tearing has been my biggest bugaboo with Linux for the several years I've been using it (with enthusiasm). The open source Radeon drivers have been great for me... for watching videos but not gaming. I usually prefer the XFCE or Mate desktop because they are friendly and allow disabling transparency without causing the desktop to spaz out with mung and drool. With the KDE desktop you might go to settings mgr. and choose the option to disable desktop effects while in full-screen applications. I you're using VLC for video playback try disabling video acceleration in it's settings mgr.

For gaming I always install the proprietary graphic drivers and Catalyst Control Center and apply the same changes as above... turn off compositing (desktop effects) if possible, turn off video acceleration in VLC. I do like the KDE desktop a lot, but sometimes there is still some tearing, and for me the easiest solution is to use a different desktop and turn off compositing completely.
 
Solution