General

Tech

Gsync monitor?

I'm looking to buy a new monitor, 27-29" 1440p 120hz(+). I've got a gtx 1080 and a high end i7, don't remember which one exactly.
I'm looking to play games like bf4, Overwatch, borderlands on max settings. I don't have experience with a monitor faster than 60hz,so idk if I'll prioritize higher frame rates or better visuals.

I'm just a little fuzzy on gsync. I feel like I've read it's both important and unimportant to have it if I'm constantly pushing more than 60fps. I'm not sure what the exact impact of upgrading from a 1080p to 1440p resolution will have as well.

So, gsync, yes or nah?
@burning pls

April 24, 2017

2 Comments • Newest first

2005chuy

@burning: Thanks for the input! I ended up going with the Acer XB271HU. Got it for only 400$ and it has every single feature I wanted. 144hz is so damn buttery smooth.

Reply May 7, 2017
Burning

G-SYNC is something better experienced than explained. Unfortunately, it is a rare in-store demo and is usually only found at retailers who cater to enthusiasts such as Fry's Electronics, Microcenter, or Altex.

G-SYNC seeks to solve the problem of screentearing without adding delay aka input lag like V-sync, the traditional solution. The V-sync setting in games works by timimg up the output refresh rate to match the monitor refresh rate. However, timing up the image buffer adds latency which is significant for competitive gaming and high refresh rate monitors. With G-SYNC or a alternative competing technology called Freesync, both the monitor and graphics output work together to match their refresh rate without prediction and without adding additional latency.

Some people are more disposed to notice screentearing than others and some games are particularly bad with it. This is why you hear and read differing opinions on the various solutions. Screentearing is where the monitor refresh rate and the output refresh rate are mistimed and the image on the monitor is showing image parts from both the current frame and the previous frame. The image on the screen "tears" apart like tearing paper into strips and a window blind effect can be noticed. Increased graphics performance cannot solve this issue which is why it has attracted a number of solutions. Nonetheless, noticeable screentearing does degrade image quality and gaming immersion. A dramatized example can be seen here: http://core0.staticworld.net/images/article/2014/12/catalyst-omega-amd-freesync-100534490-orig.png

Personally, I don't value G-SYNC and Freesync highly because the games I play, esport titles, don't have noticable tearing problems. However, I can recognize screentearing and do appreciate what G-SYNC and Freesync can offer. If you want more of my opinion for reference, my priorities for monitor features are as follow:
response time/input lag > low cost > refresh rate > screen size > resolution > G-SYNC/Freesync

Regarding your other question, 1440p is more graphically demanding than 1080p. It's double the number of pixels the graphics card has to output. With your GeForce GTX 1080, the games you listed will run at their max settings, 120+ FPS at 1080p. Expect BF1 to run at ~100 FPS at 1440p with maxed graphic settings.

Reply April 26, 2017