not supported with gsync lcd panel in stock
Information on this error message is REALLY sketchy online. Some say that the G-Sync LCD panel is hardwired to the dGPU and that the iGPU is connected to nothing. Some say that dGPU is connected to the G-Sync LCD through the iGPU. Some say that they got the MUX switch working after an intention ordering of bios update, iGPU drivers then dGPU drivers on a clean install.
I"m suspecting that if I connect an external 60hz IPS monitor to one of the display ports on the laptop and make it the only display, the Fn+F7 key will actually switch the graphics because the display is not a G-Sync LCD panel. Am I right on this?
If I"m right on this, does that mean that if I purchase this laptop, order a 15inch Alienware 60hz IPS screen and swap it with the FHD 120+hz screen currently inside, I will also continue to have MUX switch support and no G-Sync? The price for these screens is not outrageous.
At first i thought that maybe i was sent a laptop with a g-sync display but when i checked in device manager the display is listed as "generic pnp display" no mention of g-sync yet i cant seem to be able to turn off the gpu and whenever i press fn+f7 i get the following message "not supported with g-sync ips display" even though the display is not a g-sync display.
Make sure the monitor supports Nvidia’s G-Sync technology - a list of supported monitors at the time of this article can be found on Nvidia"s website.
Make sure a DisplayPort cable is being used - G-Sync is only compatible with DisplayPort. It must be a standard DisplayPort cable using no adapters or conversions. HDMI, DVI and VGA are not supported.
Under the Display tab on the left side of the Nvidia Control Panel, choose Set up G-Sync, followed by Enable G-Sync, G-Sync Compatible checkbox. Note: If the monitor has not been validated as G-Sync Compatible, select the box under Display Specific Settings to force G-Sync Compatible mode on. See the warning NOTE at the end of the article before proceeding.
NOTE: If the monitor supports VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) technologies but is not on the list above, use caution before proceeding. It may still work, however there may be issues when using the technology. Known issues include blanking, pulsing, flickering, ghosting and visual artifacts.
If you want smooth gameplay without screen tearing and you want to experience the high frame rates that your Nvidia graphics card is capable of, Nvidia’s G-Sync adaptive sync tech, which unleashes your card’s best performance, is a feature that you’ll want in your next monitor.
To get this feature, you can spend a lot on a monitor with G-Sync built in, like the high-end $1,999 Acer Predator X27, or you can spend less on a FreeSync monitor that has G-Sync compatibility by way of a software update. (As of this writing, there are 15 monitors that support the upgrade.)
However, there are still hundreds of FreeSync models that will likely never get the feature. According to Nvidia, “not all monitors go through a formal certification process, display panel quality varies, and there may be other issues that prevent gamers from receiving a noticeably improved experience.”
But even if you have an unsupported monitor, it may be possible to turn on G-Sync. You may even have a good experience — at first. I tested G-Sync with two unsupported models, and, unfortunately, the results just weren’t consistent enough to recommend over a supported monitor.
The 32-inch AOC CQ32G1 curved gaming monitor, for example, which is priced at $399, presented no issues when I played Apex Legends and Metro: Exodus— at first. Then some flickering started appearing during gameplay, though I hadn’t made any changes to the visual settings. I also tested it with Yakuza 0,which, surprisingly, served up the worst performance, even though it’s the least demanding title that I tested. Whether it was in full-screen or windowed mode, the frame rate was choppy.
Another unsupported monitor, the $550 Asus MG279Q, handled both Metro: Exodus and Forza Horizon 4 without any noticeable issues. (It’s easy to confuse the MG279Q for the Asus MG278Q, which is on Nvidia’s list of supported FreeSync models.) In Nvidia’s G-Sync benchmark, there was significant tearing early on, but, oddly, I couldn’t re-create it.
Before you begin, note that in order to achieve the highest frame rates with or without G-Sync turned on, you’ll need to use a DisplayPort cable. If you’re using a FreeSync monitor, chances are good that it came with one. But if not, they aren’t too expensive.
First, download and install the latest driver for your GPU, either from Nvidia’s website or through the GeForce Experience, Nvidia’s Windows 10 app that can tweak graphics settings on a per-game basis. All of Nvidia’s drivers since mid-January 2019 have included G-Sync support for select FreeSync monitors. Even if you don’t own a supported monitor, you’ll probably be able to toggle G-Sync on once you install the latest driver. Whether it will work well after you do turn the feature on is another question.
Once the driver is installed, open the Nvidia Control Panel. On the side column, you’ll see a new entry: Set up G-Sync. (If you don’t see this setting, switch on FreeSync using your monitor’s on-screen display. If you still don’t see it, you may be out of luck.)
Check the box that says “Enable G-Sync Compatible,” then click “Apply: to activate the settings. (The settings page will inform you that your monitor is not validated by Nvidia for G-Sync. Since you already know that is the case, don’t worry about it.)
Nvidia offers a downloadable G-Sync benchmark, which should quickly let you know if things are working as intended. If G-Sync is active, the animation shouldn’t exhibit any tearing or stuttering. But since you’re using an unsupported monitor, don’t be surprised if you see some iffy results. Next, try out some of your favorite games. If something is wrong, you’ll realize it pretty quickly.
There’s a good resource to check out on Reddit, where its PC community has created a huge list of unsupported FreeSync monitors, documenting each monitor’s pros and cons with G-Sync switched on. These real-world findings are insightful, but what you experience will vary depending on your PC configuration and the games that you play.
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The Dell Alienware AW3423DW is the best G-SYNC monitor that we"ve tested. It"s an excellent gaming monitor with a ton of features, and while it"s starting to become more available at various retailers, it"s best to buy it directly through Dell"s website. It"s an ultrawide display, which provides an advantage if you play atmospheric or FPS games, as you can see more of your screen at once. It has a 3440x1440 resolution and a 34-inch screen, and it delivers exceptional picture quality as it has a QD-OLED panel with perfect black levels in black rooms, but it doesn"t look as good in bright rooms because the black levels raise. It also displays a wide range of colors and gets bright for a satisfying HDR experience if you play HDR games.
G-Sync is a must-have feature in a gaming monitor if you own an Nvidia graphics card. It synchronizes the refresh rate of your display with the frame rate of the games you play, smoothing away stuttering and screen tearing. Believe it or not, these problems were the norm as recently as a decade ago.
However, choosing the right G-Sync gaming monitor can be complex. You must select from several levels of G-Sync certification while also separating out great FreeSync gaming monitors that work with AMD’s video cards. If you don’t want to dig into the details, however, we’ve done the legwork for you and picked out the best G-sync gaming monitors – and click here to see them in the UK.
2See on AmazonScreen Size: 27” | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 2,560 x 1,440 | Panel Type: G-Sync | Brightness: 350 cd/m2 | Refresh Rate: 165Hz | Response time: 1ms | Inputs: 1x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort, 3x USB, Audio out
There are a plethora of G-Sync gaming monitors out there, and the Viewsonic Elite XG270Q ticks all the right boxes. It offers a 27-inch display with 1440p resolution, hitting that sweet spot of a fast refresh rate without sacrificing a sharp image. The true G-Sync module handles any refresh rate from 1Hz and is overclockable to 165Hz. That pairs well with the wickedly fast response time, resulting in a superbly smooth gameplay experience that any gamer will love.
This monitor also stands out for its image quality. It uses a Nano IPS panel with an extremely wide color gamut, great color accuracy, and high maximum brightness, though you don’t get local dimming or HDR. Similar to most IPS panels, it doesn’t offer the deepest blacks, but that issue can be somewhat remedied by the bias lighting available on the back of the display. That lighting is actually RGB lighting, so you can amp up the gamer aesthetic if you prefer.
The Viewsonic Elite XG270Q is a sturdy display with a great stand that’s height, tilt, and swivel adjustable. Unlike some rivals, its design doesn’t scream, “I’m a gaming monitor!” It totes two video ports; a DisplayPort 1.2 and HDMI 1.4 port. There’s also a USB hub for up to three wired USB-A peripherals.
Best Budget G-Sync Gaming MonitorScreen Size: 23.8” | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080 | Panel Type: TN FreeSync Premium and G-Sync Compatible | Brightness: 350 cd/m2 | Refresh Rate: 165Hz | Response time: 1ms | Inputs: 1x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort, Audio out
You don’t need to spend a fortune for a smooth gaming experience, and the Asus VG248QG is proof of this. This ergonomic 23.8-inch monitor is the predecessor of one of our previous favorites, the Asus VG248QE. Its latest iteration offers 1080p, 165Hz, and uses a TN panel to shave the price below $200. Though it"s not the largest or most capable monitor out there, it sure beats the typical boring 24-inch, 60Hz office monitor.
You get G-Sync compatibility with this option, the least strenuous of the G-Sync standards available. However, the support of any refresh rate between 1Hz and 165Hz using the DisplayPort connection provides a broad frame rate range and prevents screen tearing. The HDMI port doesn’t support G-Sync, but there’s also native FreeSync if you’ve got an AMD graphics card in another rig. You get smooth motion due to a speedy response time, and input lag is low for responsive gaming. Therefore, you’re getting an overall pleasant gaming experience.
The downside? Image quality is not the best out there, and the viewing angles are limited. Its TN panel doesn’t handle contrast ratio well, and you don’t get deep blacks. However, for budget competitive gaming, motion clarity is key, not image quality, so this is the perfect monitor.
0See on AmazonScreen Size: 24.5” | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080 | Panel Type: IPS G-Sync Compatible | Brightness: 400 cd/m2 | Refresh Rate: 280Hz | Response time: 1ms | Inputs: 2x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort, 4x USB Type-A, Audio out
The Acer Predator XB253Q GW remains our go-to recommendation for a mid-range 1080p gaming monitor. The 24.5-inch display earns the nod largely on its image quality and impressive refresh rate of 280Hz. The monitor has great color accuracy, outstanding motion clarity, and a good contrast ratio—for an IPS panel, at least. It also gets pretty bright and supports HDR gaming, though you don’t get backlight dimming.
This G-Sync compatible monitor doesn’t have a full G-Sync module baked in. The lack of a true G-Sync is disappointing, but that ups the price of a monitor quickly. It still works with G-Sync at a refresh rate between 50Hz and 240Hz, but when you overclock to 280Hz, you do lose support. The 50Hz lower limit on G-Sync compatibility shouldn’t be an issue with most games, as running games at 1080p isn’t very demanding. That solid motion clarity and a quick response time should keep you immersed in the action for hours.
22See on AmazonScreen Size: 27” | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 2,560 x 1,440 | Panel Type: IPS FreeSync and G-Sync | Brightness: 450 cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 240Hz | Response time: 1ms | Inputs: 2x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort, Headphone out, 2x USB ports, audio line-out
Alienware’s AW2721D is a fantastic gaming monitor and nearly bumped the Viewsonic XG270QG from its top spot. The Viewsonic edged out due to its lower price, but AW2721D is a great alternative. Its 27-inch, 1440p display manages a solid contrast ratio and gets surprisingly deep blacks for an IPS panel. It even totes local backlight dimming. The high pixel density, brightness, and color performance further solidify it as an ideal choice for gaming.
Speaking of gaming, this monitor is Nvidia G-Sync Ultimate certified, supporting G-Sync at any refresh rate between 1Hz and 240Hz on the DisplayPort and includes HDR. The two HDMI ports drop you down to 144Hz, but you’ll still see smooth gameplay in every game, all the time. HDR support is a nice bonus, though it’s only on par with budget HDR TVs. Still, the image quality looks excellent and it’s similar to the Viewsonic XG270QG.
Screen Size: 32” | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160 | Panel Type: IPS G-Sync Compatible | Brightness: 600 cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 144Hz | Response time: 1ms | Inputs: 2x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort, 2x USB, Audio out
It’s difficult to find a great 4K monitor with official G-Sync certification, a somewhat reasonable price, and available stock, but the Asus ROG Swift PG32UQ fits the bill. This big 32-inch, 4K monitor stands out most because of its outrageously sharp, bright, and vibrant image. Color performance is excellent, and the monitor’s high 600 nits maximum brightness adds punchy visuals to HDR games.
Going 4K means sacrificing frame rates, but the 144Hz on this monitor still provides a smooth, enjoyable gaming experience. It’s a G-Sync Compatible option that supports G-Sync at a refresh rate between 48Hz to 144Hz. You may likely see issues at low framerates with this monitor’s high native resolution, but that can be avoided by upgrading to a much more expensive monitor like the Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX. Other gaming features include a low 1ms response time to eliminate smearing and motion blur and auto low latency for lag-free gaming.
40See on AmazonScreen Size: 27” | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 2,560 x 1,440 | Panel Type: VA FreeSync and G-Sync Compatible | Brightness: 600 cd/m2 | Refresh Rate: 240Hz | Response Time: 1ms | Inputs: 2x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort
Gamers don’t need to choose between AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync, as Samsung’s Odyssey G7 shows it"s possible to have both in one excellent display. This gaming monitor has class-leading image quality and offers smooth gameplay with AMD and Nvidia hardware. The G-Sync Compatibility between a refresh rate of 60Hz and 240Hz is a bit high, so you’ll want to pair the monitor with a fast video card for best results. Nvidia fans should note the 32-inch model has a higher minimum of 80Hz, which is why we recommend the smaller monitor for use with G-Sync.
Sticking with a 1440p monitor aids in the impressive frame rates and helps games run better. Those speeds, alongside a 600-nit peak brightness and 10-bit color depth on the VA panel mean you’ll not only be able to see a ton of frames, but each frame can look exceptional. There are also deep blacks and decent pixel density on the 27-inch model for a better viewing experience.
Samsung’s Odyssey G7 is an eye-catching display even when it’s off. It has an aggressive curve for immersive gaming and delivers an attractive design with good build quality. The monitor has two USB Type-A ports for connecting wired peripherals, while the two HDMIs or DisplayPort are great for hooking up your rig.
0See on DellScreen Size: 34” | Aspect Ratio: 21:9 | Resolution: 3,840 x 1,600 | Panel Type: IPS G-Sync Ultimate | Brightness: 600 cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 144Hz | Response time: 1ms | Inputs: 2x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort, 2x USB, Audio-out, Headphone-out
Gaming on an ultrawide monitor, like the Alienware AW3821DW, gets you far more immersed in the action than a traditional monitor. This 38-inch ultrawide monster boasts 3,840 x 1,600 resolution for a sharp, crisp image and a 21:9 aspect ratio with a slight curve to wrap your games around your field of vision. Beyond its ample display real estate, you get decent color performance, a high maximum brightness—it totes HDR600—and superb motion clarity with its G-Sync Ultimate support.
If you’re gaming on an Nvidia GPU, this G-Sync Ultimate monitor works with a refresh rate of 1Hz all the way up to 144Hz, so you’re in for ultra-smooth, stutter-free gameplay. It works perfectly in pretty much every game in full-screen or windowed mode. Its HDR performance in compatible games is respectable and provides a punchy look, though it’s nothing to rave about.
4See on AmazonScreen Size: 24.5” | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080 | Panel Type: IPS G-Sync | Brightness: 400 cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 360Hz | Response time: 1ms | Inputs: 1x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort, 2x USB, audio out
If you’re often playing League of Legends, Overwatch, or other fast-paced esports games, it’s important to grab a monitor with a high refresh rate over a high resolution. Luckily, the Asus ROG Swift PG259QN offers an absurdly fast 360fps for smooth, virtually blur-free motion—if your GPU can even keep up with those speeds. That’s paired with an equally stellar response time for virtually no flickering.
This 24.5-inch, 1080p monitor offers good image quality, and the small size makes it easier to see all the action on screen without constantly moving your eyes back and forth. It has excellent build quality and a large, sturdy stand. The monitor includes two USB ports for connecting wired peripherals, though they’re on the rear and can be a bit difficult to access.
4See on AmazonScreen Size: 32” | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160 | Panel Type: IPS G-Sync Ultimate | Brightness: 1400 cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 144Hz | Response time: 1ms | Inputs: 3x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort, 3x USB, audio-out
To make the most of G-Sync technology, then the ultra-premium and expensive Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX is the way to go. This monitor totes G-Sync Ultimate, so it’ll work at any refresh rate between 1Hz and 144Hz. This feature is essential, as most video cards will not be able to sustain a high framerate at this monitor’s 4K resolution, and it’s safe to say everyone wants smooth, tear-free gaming. Unlike most G-Sync Ultimate monitors, this monitor can even make the most of HDR. It’s currently the best HDR gaming monitor money can buy.
The PG32UQX rocks a Mini-LED backlight that sets a new standard for contrast ratio and dark scene performance in an IPS gaming monitor. It also blows away the competition when it comes to HDR and has an insane peak brightness. Motion performance is not outstanding, but it’s alright for a 4K monitor, and it’s ultimately about immersive visuals more than split-second responsiveness.
0See on AmazonScreen Size: 48” | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160 | Panel Type: OLED Evo G-Sync Compatible | Brightness: 800~ cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Response time: 1ms | Inputs: 4x HDMI, 2x USB-in, Ethernet, Headphone, Digital Optical Out, Co-ax
It’s not only great because of the excellent image quality but also totes strong support for the latest gaming standards, including multiple HDMI 2.1 ports along with Adaptive Sync, FreeSync, and G-Sync. It’s G-Sync compatible and certified to work at a refresh rate between 40Hz and 120Hz. While true G-Sync would’ve been nice, this provides a wide range of refresh rates to work. Large displays with true G-Sync are rare, and those that exist are much more expensive than the LG C2 OLED Evo.
Because it"s a television, not a monitor, the LG C2 OLED Evo’s connectivity is different from other displays listed here. It offers four HDMI ports, all of which support HDMI 2.1 for hooking up your machines, but doesn’t have DisplayPort. It’s a bit pricey, though if you want the best television for gaming with no compromises, this delivers.
The G-Sync Ultimate and G-Sync standards require a dedicated G-Sync hardware module inside the display. This module is a dedicated chip that synchronizes the monitor’s refresh rate with the Nvidia video card’s output.
The G-Sync module’s key benefit is the ability to display smooth motion across a monitor’s entire refresh rate range. You will see smooth, evenly paced gameplay even when a game’s frame rate takes a dip. The motion will not feel as smooth as at a higher framerate, of course, but it will remain free of tearing and stuttering.
G-Sync Ultimate adds image quality standards including HDR and wide color gamut support. This is a sly marketing move from Nvidia, as it suggests these benefits are related to G-Sync. That’s not the case: Nvidia is only certifying the monitor performs to a certain minimum standard. The motion performance of G-Sync Ultimate is the same as standard G-Sync.
However, the VESA Adaptive Sync standard does not support refresh rates any lower than 40Hz, and some monitors that are G-Sync compatible have a minimum G-Sync refresh rate even higher than that. G-Sync may not work properly at a framerate below the minimum refresh rate the monitor is G-Sync Compatible monitor is certified to support. You could see flickering or blanking (blank frames) while gaming. Nvidia maintains a database showing the certified specifications of all G-Sync and G-Sync compatible monitors.
Technically, G-Sync Compatible monitors may also have issues when a game’s framerate exceeds a monitor’s refresh rate. This is less frequently an issue, though, and can be addressed with a frame rate cap.
The downsides of G-Sync Compatible monitors are rare in practice. We test dozens of monitors every year at IGN, and it’s unusual that we see flickering or blanking during our review process. Most G-Sync Compatible monitors are certified to work down to a refresh rate of at least 48Hz, which means gameplay should remain smooth and trouble-free at 48 frames per second or above. That’s not a difficult standard to achieve, especially on 1080p and 1440p monitors.
Still, you should keep the difference between G-Sync Compatible and G-Sync in mind. If you want smooth and trouble-free G-Sync in every game, at any frame rate, you’ll want to buy a monitor with G-Sync or G-Sync Ultimate.
Note: This applies to all Razer Blade models with NVIDIA GPUs installed if paired with a G-Sync HDR monitor. See G-Sync System Requirements for more information
Bring your gameplay to the next level with LG UltraGear™ Gaming Monitors. Find wide monitor screens with the latest gamer-approved features like NVIDIA G-SYNC™ compatibility, and vibrant IPS monitor display.
It’s difficult to buy a computer monitor, graphics card, or laptop without seeing AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync branding. Both promise smoother, better gaming, and in some cases both appear on the same display. But what do G-Sync and FreeSync do, exactly – and which is better?
Most AMD FreeSync displays can sync with Nvidia graphics hardware, and most G-Sync Compatible displays can sync with AMD graphics hardware. This is unofficial, however.
The first problem is screen tearing. A display without adaptive sync will refresh at its set refresh rate (usually 60Hz, or 60 refreshes per second) no matter what. If the refresh happens to land between two frames, well, tough luck – you’ll see a bit of both. This is screen tearing.
Screen tearing is ugly and easy to notice, especially in 3D games. To fix it, games started to use a technique called V-Syncthat locks the framerate of a game to the refresh rate of a display. This fixes screen tearing but also caps the performance of a game. It can also cause uneven frame pacing in some situations.
Adaptive sync is a better solution. A display with adaptive sync can change its refresh rate in response to how fast your graphics card is pumping out frames. If your GPU sends over 43 frames per second, your monitor displays those 43 frames, rather than forcing 60 refreshes per second. Adaptive sync stops screen tearing by preventing the display from refreshing with partial information from multiple frames but, unlike with V-Sync, each frame is shown immediately.
VESA Adaptive Sync is an open standard that any company can use to enable adaptive sync between a device and display. It’s used not only by AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync Compatible monitors but also other displays, such as HDTVs, that support Adaptive Sync.
AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync Compatible are so similar, in fact, they’re often cross compatible. A large majority of displays I test with support for either AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync Compatible will work with graphics hardware from the opposite brand.
This is how all G-Sync displays worked when Nvidia brought the technology to market in 2013. Unlike Nvidia G-Sync Compatible monitors, which often (unofficially) works with AMD Radeon GPUs, G-Sync is unique and proprietary. It only supports adaptive sync with Nvidia graphics hardware.
It’s usually possible to switch sides if you own an AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync Compatible display. If you buy a G-Sync or G-Sync Ultimate display, however, you’ll have to stick with Nvidia GeForce GPUs. (Here’s our guide to the best graphics cards for PC gaming.)
G-Sync and G-Sync Ultimate support the entire refresh range of a panel – even as low as 1Hz. This is important if you play games that may hit lower frame rates, since Adaptive Sync matches the display refresh rate with the output frame rate.
For example, if you’re playing Cyberpunk 2077 at an average of 30 FPS on a 4K display, that implies a refresh rate of 30Hz – which falls outside the range VESA Adaptive Sync supports. AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync Compatible may struggle with that, but Nvidia G-Sync and G-Sync Ultimate won’t have a problem.
AMD FreeSync Premium and FreeSync Premium Pro have their own technique of dealing with this situation called Low Framerate Compensation. It repeats frames to double the output such that it falls within a display’s supported refresh rate.
Other differences boil down to certification and testing. AMD and Nvidia have their own certification programs that displays must pass to claim official compatibility. This is why not all VESA Adaptive Sync displays claim support for AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync Compatible.
This is a bunch of nonsense. Neither has anything to do with HDR, though it can be helpful to understand that some level of HDR support is included in those panels. The most common HDR standard, HDR10, is an open standard from the Consumer Technology Association. AMD and Nvidia have no control over it. You don’t need FreeSync or G-Sync to view HDR, either, even on each company’s graphics hardware.
Both standards are plug-and-play with officially compatible displays. Your desktop’s video card will detect that the display is certified and turn on AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync automatically. You may need to activate the respective adaptive sync technology in your monitor settings, however, though that step is a rarity in modern displays.
Displays that support VESA Adaptive Sync, but are not officially supported by your video card, require you dig into AMD or Nvidia’s driver software and turn on the feature manually. This is a painless process, however – just check the box and save your settings.
AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync are also available for use with laptop displays. Unsurprisingly, laptops that have a compatible display will be configured to use AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync from the factory.
A note of caution, however: not all laptops with AMD or Nvidia graphics hardware have a display with Adaptive Sync support. Even some gaming laptops lack this feature. Pay close attention to the specifications.
VESA’s Adaptive Sync is on its way to being the common adaptive sync standard used by the entire display industry. Though not perfect, it’s good enough for most situations, and display companies don’t have to fool around with AMD or Nvidia to support it.
That leaves AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync searching for a purpose. AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync Compatible are essentially certification programs that monitor companies can use to slap another badge on a product, though they also ensure out-of-the-box compatibility with supported graphics card. Nvidia’s G-Sync and G-Sync Ultimate are technically superior, but require proprietary Nvidia hardware that adds to a display’s price. This is why G-Sync and G-Sync Ultimate monitors are becoming less common.