A variable refresh rate spec for HDMI is coming already, but AMD decided not to wait and will begin supporting it earlier with their extension. One important thing to note is that FreeSync over HDMI will not magically work with a software update or anything like that. The monitor has to be FreeSync over HDMI-compatible as well and AMD is already working with monitor manufacturers, including Acer, LG and Samsung, to kickstart the production of these displays. Some upcoming FreeSync monitors that are FreeSync HDMI-compatible were also announced, which can be seen in the table below.
Model | Size | Resolution | Panel |
---|---|---|---|
Acer XF290C | 29" | 2560x1080 | TBA |
LG 34UM58A | 34" | 2560x1080 | TBA |
LG 29UM58A | 29" | 2560x1080 | TBA |
LG MP68 | 21.5", 23", 23.8", 27" | 1920x1080 | TBA |
Samsung CF791 | 34" | 3440x1440 | TBA |
Samsung CF770 | 23.5", 27" | 1920x1080 | TBA |
Samsung CF591 | 27" | 1920x1080 | TBA |
Samsung CF390 | 21.5", 23.5", 27" | 1920x1080 | TBA |
Samsung SF350 | 20", 23.5", 27" | 1920x1080 | TBA |
As it can be seen in the table, a majority of these monitors are from Samsung with some from LG and a single one from Acer as well. No details on refresh rate and panel type were given but will be announced closer to release. The graphics card has to be compatible too. If you have an AMD Radeon GPU that has HDMI 1.2 or above, you’re in luck and can use FreeSync over HDMI if you have a compatible FreeSync over HDMI monitor.
Laptops are now also beginning to support FreeSync, with the announcement of the Lenovo Y700, now that there are already a bunch of G-SYNC laptops out there.
A little while ago, AMD also released the AMD Radeon Crimson Software, which solved the complaints of image judder on a majority of FreeSync monitors when the frame rate fell below the minimum supported FreeSync refresh rate. Monitors have evolved a lot in a relatively short amount of time and it will be interesting to see how it will develop further down the line.