What Is G-Sync? Is It Worth It?

What is G-Sync? G-Sync is Nvidia’s variable refresh rate (VRR) technology that synchronizes your monitor’s refresh rate with your game’s FPS. This helps eliminate screen tearing and reduce stuttering for a smoother gaming experience. Some G-Sync monitors include a dedicated Nvidia hardware chip for enhanced performance, while most newer displays are classified as G-Sync Compatible and achieve similar results without the specialized chip.

Quick Answer: The Three Types of G-Sync

Type	Nvidia module inside?	What it means
G-Sync Compatible	No	Standard adaptive sync that Nvidia tested, on by default in the driver
G-Sync	Yes	Nvidia module and extra tuning, with features like variable overdrive
G-Sync Ultimate	Yes	Module plus higher HDR requirements, now rare

Is it worth it? For most people, a G-Sync Compatible monitor is enough. The module versions can be a bit better, but they are harder to find and cost more.

Older Module Monitors vs G-Sync Compatible

This is the part most guides skip. Here is what the three badges actually mean, based on TechSpot’s testing.

G-Sync Compatible. These are monitors with generic adaptive sync that Nvidia certifies. Nvidia says it validates them so they do not flicker, pulse, or show artifacts, and adaptive sync turns on by default in the driver. techspot

G-Sync (with the module). The module is a display scaler that replaces the standard one. Modern modules support both Nvidia’s older proprietary adaptive sync and generic adaptive sync. What you get: techspot

• Variable overdrive, which is less common on other monitors. techspot
• Extra tuning and color calibration from Nvidia. techspot
• Nvidia-only extras on some models, like ULMB2 and the Reflex Analyzer. techspot

The downsides: the module is expensive to make, which often raises the monitor’s price. It also uses more power, usually needs a fan, and does not support HDMI 2.1. techspot

Why “older” matters. Early G-Sync monitors only work with Nvidia GPUs. Nvidia updated the module around late 2019, so newer module monitors also work with AMD GPUs. techspot

G-Sync Ultimate. This is the module plus extra HDR requirements. Nvidia states 1,000 nits of brightness, multi-zone backlights, and wide color gamut. But the standard was relaxed to include edge-lit panels, so it no longer guarantees premium HDR. Ultimate monitors are now rare, and many true HDR monitors, including most OLEDs, use regular scalers instead. techspottechspot

Is G-Sync Worth It?

Be honest with yourself about what you are paying for. TechSpot says the only consistent difference it saw between a G-Sync Compatible monitor and an unbranded one is that adaptive sync is not on by default on the unbranded one. It adds that the badges are not quality assurance. Module monitors are more likely to perform well, but that is not a guarantee, and there are far fewer of them. techspottechspot

Forum users see the difference too. A player on the Microsoft Flight Simulator forums said real G-Sync monitors have an extra chip and are not affected by flickering, after switching from a FreeSync monitor. Another poster in the same thread said they had no flicker on either type. flightsimulator

So a simple rule works:

• Choose G-Sync Compatible if you want a good, simple Nvidia setup with many monitor options.
• Choose a module monitor if you want Nvidia’s extra tuning and features, and you accept fewer choices and no HDMI 2.1.
• Do not pay extra for the badge alone. Read reviews of the exact monitor.

G-Sync will not fix a weak PC. If your FPS is low, test for a GPU bottleneck with our bottleneck calculator, or read why your game is lagging. To see how AMD’s version compares, read What Is FreeSync? and our V-Sync guide.

How to Turn On G-Sync

1. Check your monitor’s menu. Some monitors have an on-screen menu setting you need to turn on first. pureinfotech
2. Open the Nvidia Control Panel. Right-click your desktop and pick it from the list.
3. Go to Display, then Set up G-SYNC. Tick the box for Enable G-SYNC, G-SYNC Compatible. You can then choose fullscreen only, or both windowed and fullscreen. digitaltrends
4. Using a monitor with no G-Sync badge? Tick the box at the bottom that says to enable settings for the selected display model. It marks the display as not validated, but it usually works well, especially on newer monitors. techspot
5. Skip the work on certified monitors. RTINGS says G-Sync is turned on automatically on monitors with certified support. rtings

How to Check Your Monitor Is Actually Running G-Sync

Turning it on is not the same as it working. Here are three ways to be sure.

1. Use the G-Sync indicator. In the Nvidia Control Panel, click Display in the menu bar and pick the option that shows the G-SYNC indicator. The wording changes with your monitor type, such as “G-SYNC” or “G-SYNC Compatible.” A “G-Sync On” box then appears on screen in games or apps that are using it. Read NVIDIA’s official steps if your menu looks different. nvidiaexpertreviews

2. Check the monitor technology setting. In Manage 3D settings, find “Monitor technology” in the Global pane. It should be set to G-Sync Compatible, or G-Sync on a module monitor. expertreviews

3. Test in a real game. When it is set up right, you should see fewer tears, stutters, or input lag as your FPS goes too high or too low. Your monitor’s refresh range can still leave some artifacts at certain frame rates. TechSpot also points to the Nvidia Pendulum demo, which was made to test G-Sync. techspottechspot

One last tip: after you confirm it works, turn the indicator off, since it can be distracting in games. expertreviews

FAQs About What is G-Sync

How do I know if G-Sync is on?
A poster on the DCS World forum asked exactly this, saying the monitor menu showed “G-SYNC Mode.” Replies pointed to the monitor’s own menu or LED, and to the Nvidia Control Panel options. The indicator method above is the clearest. dcs

Can I use G-Sync on a FreeSync monitor?
Yes, but it is not the same thing. On the EndeavourOS forum, replies explained that this is FreeSync running through Nvidia’s compatibility mode, which simply shows up as G-Sync. In an Acer thread, users said you need DisplayPort and driver 417.71 or newer. endeavourosacer

Why does my G-Sync Compatible monitor flicker?
A Blur Busters forum poster with an LG G-Sync Compatible monitor on an RTX 3070 said it flickered in windowed apps even with G-Sync set to fullscreen only, and turning G-Sync off fixed it. Try disabling it for the problem app, updating drivers, or using fullscreen only. blurbusters

Should I enable G-Sync for windowed mode too?
It depends on your monitor. On the EndeavourOS forum, a player said fullscreen only avoids flicker on their FreeSync monitor, while windowed plus fullscreen caused it in games. Start with windowed plus fullscreen, and switch to fullscreen only if you see flicker. endeavouros

The Bottom Line

G-Sync is Nvidia’s way of making your monitor follow your game. A G-Sync Compatible monitor is the easy choice for most gamers. A module monitor adds extra tuning and features, but costs more and has some limits. Whatever you pick, use the indicator to confirm it works.

Want smooth online play? Check your CPU and GPU with our bottleneck calculator, then read the multiplayer gaming guide.