G sync and free sync and now fast sync?

Nathan_116 · Jan 17, 2017

So I'm really starting to get in the computers now and monitors and all their specs I just now learned that my dual monitors are free sync but I have a Nvidia graphics card and I'm trying to make all my set up match so should I go with going to a AMD graphics card or switching to G sync monitors but I kind of want to stick with Nvidia because they have their GeForce experience which is great for my YouTube channel and keep in mind the money isn't the problem because I'm going to be buying the stuff within the course of eight months to one year and can someone tell me the difference between fast sync g sync and free sync?

pigeoncracker · Jan 17, 2017

G sync and free sync have basically the same purpose, variable display refresh rates. This is to eliminate any possibility of screen tearing on monitors, but it will only work up to the advertised refresh rate. Fast sync is vsync with less input lag; they use a different method to cap frames. Free Sync is generally cheaper and fast sync has been available since a recent Nvidia driver update.

Multipack · Jan 17, 2017

TBH there's tons of info out there, and you seem to already have the basic idea. Free Sync and G Sync are most benefical in situations where your GPU cant produce as many frames as your monitors refresh rate, and fast sync is an Nvidia branded software based setting that helps to maintain smooth fps if your GPU outperforms your monitor. G Sync and fast sync can be used together.

It's always best to match AMD with Fress Sync and Nvidia to G Sync obviously, but the variables of GPU model, resolution, refresh rate and response time make it difficult to recommend one optimal solution.

What would work best for you depends what you plan to use together.

Nathan_116 · Jan 18, 2017

Multipack :

sorry if i made my main question unclear, but ill state it again simplified here it is but thanks for all that info!
I have 2 FREE SYNCE AOC monitors but a nvidia graphics card, would it be retarded of me to just buy 2 g sync monitors over time ? or go to amd graphics card, but i really like nvidias geforce experience ( at the time when i purchased the free sync monitor i didnt even know it was a thing )

pigeoncracker · Jan 18, 2017

If you are fine without variable refresh rates, I'd keep the two monitors that you have right now and just get a better graphics card over time. Without an AMD Card though free sync has to be disabled.

Multipack · Jan 18, 2017

Nathan_116 :

I kind of answered you, I explained the idfference and said it depends which card you match with which monitor, as for example a 460 wont be much use with a 4K display and a 1080 would be overkill with 1080p.

It depends whether your GPU can keep up with your monitor, as if it cant G-Sync and Free Sync become more relevant. If your GPU hugely outdoes your refresh rate you'll also experience frame lag (buffering). I am not going to go thru every card listing the best kind of displays lol, but if you say what kind of card you are thikning of using (in more detail than AMD or Nvidia) and it'll honestly be a little easier to answer.

Obviously Free Sync with an AMD card and G-Sync with Nvidia is favourable, but how necessary it is depends on setup and budget. Without that answer its hard to make any recommendations.

Nathan_116 · Jan 18, 2017

Multipack :

Nathan_116 :

I kind of answered you, I explained the idfference and said it depends which card you match with which monitor, as for example a 460 wont be much use with a 4K display and a 1080 would be overkill with 1080p.

It depends whether your GPU can keep up with your monitor, as if it cant G-Sync and Free Sync become more relevant. If your GPU hugely outdoes your refresh rate you'll also experience frame lag (buffering). I am not going to go thru every card listing the best kind of displays lol, but if you say what kind of card you are thikning of using (in more detail than AMD or Nvidia) and it'll honestly be a little easier to answer.

Obviously Free Sync with an AMD card and G-Sync with Nvidia is favourable, but how necessary it is depends on setup and budget. Without that answer its hard to make any recommendations.

Alright so, i was thinking of upgrading to a 1050 so that way i think i can play any game at any 1080p i think im not to sure but that isnt important atm. Right now I run a gtx 960. As for amd, i dont know ANY of their cards so im not sure what to upgrade to, you have any suggestions? Im looking for 1080p gaming maxed settings on like fps games and gta 5 etc

Multipack · Jan 18, 2017

You might struggle with GTA V type games even at 1080p/60 on Ultra settings so G-Sync/Free Sync is definitely a good idea with that level of GPU tbh. FPS are fast moving too so you'd need some good syncing to avoid screen tear.

If you could stretch to a 1050Ti or an AMD RX 460 4gb you'd be in with more of a shout but you'd be better off thinking of investing money in a GPU than a G/Free Sync monitor. An RX 480 is still basically a 1080p card and costs twice as much as a 1050.

Are the two monitors you have both 144Hz 1080p? I'd go for the best AMD card you can afford (GeForce Experience isnt worth it, you can use Gamecaster or something) because you shouldnt be thinking about paying for Free Sync and G Sync when you need a much better GPU.

Nathan_116 · Jan 19, 2017

Multipack :

Yea im actually running 2 1080p 1ms 144hz freesync AOC monitors, so would it be a good idea to upgrade towards AMD?

Multipack · Jan 19, 2017

Yeah for sure. At that level AMD are still v competitive (unlike the CPU range) and have really good DX12 compatibility etc. You could either wait for Vega which will be a few months from what I can gather, or have a look at the RX range. It's a much better solution imo. The monitors you have now are great.

Nathan_116 · Jan 19, 2017

Multipack :

So I was gonna order the rx 480, what is the difference between these 2? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M4J144F/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&th=1 (rx 480 armor )
and
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01K1JTT8S/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&th=1 (rx 480 gaming )

Multipack · Jan 19, 2017

Not a lot really. Basically the MSI range has a hierarchy, with the Gaming models at the top. There will be a Gaming and a Gaming X, and Armor and an Armor OC, plus founders edition (reference) model and the Aero/Quicksilver range in some models too.

The biggest difference between them is a fitted backplate on the Gaming models for supposedly superior cooling, and an OC profile with higher out of the box clock speeds. The Gaming X is a factory overclocked Gaming version. The Armor OC is self explanatory.

Depends what the difference in price is, but the Gaming version is slightly better, but you are paying for the look and appearance as much as anything, unless you really arent into overclocking yourself, because all 480's are more or less the same, and you are talking 3-5fps difference between any of them.

genthug · Jan 19, 2017

I wouldn't go for an RX 480 at the moment given your monitors. Vega is close, not incredibly, but should be here by ~end of spring early summer. The 480 isn't going to be anywhere near to taking advantage of a 144Hz refresh rate. Match your GPU to monitors, you have seemingly fairly nice monitors for 1080p. Don't let that go to waste.

Edit: Follow up question though... What's the rest of your system like? If the rest of the system can't handle the 144Hz either then it's a moot point.

Nathan_116 · Jan 19, 2017

well here is the pc i'd like to build that iven taken weeks to assemble ( not like build but to gather all the parts ) looking for the best stuff https://pcpartpicker.com/list/xqD4JV as you can see for the GPU, Its still a asus gtx 1070 because i dont know wheather to go to amd and if i do wich card to use

genthug · Jan 19, 2017

At this point that really depends on how long you're willing to wait. If you want this right now then the 480 is absolutely your go to. If you are willing to wait until May-June then Vega will launch, and AMD will have GPUs to match NVidia's price points, like the $400 of that 1070.

Nathan_116 · Jan 19, 2017

genthug :

I mean i was hoping to order parts the 27th of this month because im getting $400 and I want to build my first PC but obviously I need the parts, but as for my current build man idek https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014644H86/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Its by like a regular computer company, not so much meant for gaming i knows its a 960 something idk

Multipack · Jan 20, 2017

Six months for Vega I have heard from v good sources. A 480 will be perfect for your needs.

madmatt30 · Jan 20, 2017

That armorx 480 is a very very good price , I would grab that while its so low if it were me personally.

Nathan_116 · Jan 20, 2017

will this one work https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01K1JTT8S/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER ? or should i get the rx 480 armor oc also if i got the gpu for my pc rn, but wanted to put in my other pc im planning to build soon, would that be dumb? any downsides?

madmatt30 · Jan 20, 2017

The gamin IMO isnt worth the premium over the armor at all.

It looks nicer , it'll push 2-3 more fps - that's not $30-40 worth.
If you get the rebate on the armor aswell (never a 100% given) you've got a great card for a touch over $200.
If I could get those cards at that price in the UK I would be buying them by the bucket load.
Amd cards have exactly the same native recording / streaming capabilities as nvidia cards so your recording for YouTube is not going to be an issue at all.

Nathan_116 · Jan 20, 2017

madmatt30 :

So this is exactly what im looking for from this card so lets see if it can provide what I want if not let me know otherwise ill just stick to like a 1070 or something. Reminder tha I have 2 144hz 1080p monitors that are freesync, I want to be able to play fps games like csgo and overwatch at pretty much the highest settings. and atleast be able to run gta if i ever decided to play it on pc, bc rn i play it on console

G sync and free sync and now fast sync?

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