Nvidia’s G-Sync and AMD’s FreeSync are two competing technologies that both want to accomplish the same, but with different approaches. Both of them allow a monitor with a high refresh rate to sync its refresh rate with the frame rate that the graphics card outputs, instead of just being locked at a certain frequency, such as 60Hz or 144Hz. This eliminates screen tearing and results in a smooth gaming experience even if your frame rate constantly changes. That’s why a 144Hz G-Sync/FreeSync monitor is currently the best choice for a gaming monitor right now. If you’re sure that you’re not going to need G-Sync/FreeSync, then that can save you a lot of money, and you don’t even have to factor that in when choosing a gaming monitor. Then you might consider an entry-level 144Hz gaming monitor with motion blur technology, such as LightBoost.
Currently, a dozen of G-Sync/FreeSync monitors are being sold, and a lot are expected to hit the market soon. If you’re thinking about buying a G-Sync or FreeSync gaming monitor, then here’s what you need to know.
What graphics card do I need?
G-Sync: You need an Nvidia graphics card and a monitor that has a G-Sync module to be able to use G-Sync. It only works with Nvidia 600 series, 700 series and 900 series graphics cards. You can, of course, also use it with Titan series cards. You can view a full list of all the supported graphics card on Nvidias website.
FreeSync: You need an AMD graphics card and a monitor that supports FreeSync (aka. DisplayPort 1.2a or above). You can use an AMD Radeon R9 295X2, 290X, 290, 285, R7 260X and 260 graphics card to utilize FreeSync on your monitor. As of mid-June 2015, FreeSync does not support CrossFire systems, but AMD has told us that they are working on a driver. (which was delayed)
G-Sync monitors available right now
You can check the price and user reviews by clicking on the product name or the yellow button below, which will take you to Amazon.com (.co.uk, .de, etc).
Monitor | Size | Resolution | Refresh Rate | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Acer XB280HK | 28" | 3840x2160 TN | 60Hz | |
Acer XB270HAbprz | 27" | 1920x1080 TN | 144Hz | ![]() |
Acer XB270HU | 27" | 2560x1440 IPS | 144Hz | ![]() |
Acer XB240H | 24" | 1920x1080 TN | 144Hz | ![]() |
ASUS PG278Q | 27" | 2560x1440 TN | 144Hz | ![]() |
AOC G2460PG | 24" | 1920x1080 TN | 144Hz | ![]() |
BenQ XL2420G | 24" | 1920x1080 TN | 144Hz | ![]() |
Philips 272G5DYEB | 27" | 1920x1080 TN | 144Hz | ![]() |
FreeSync monitors available right now
You can check the price and user reviews by clicking on the product name or the yellow button below, which will take you to Amazon.com (.co.uk, .de, etc).
Monitor | Size | Resolution | Refresh Rate | |
---|---|---|---|---|
BenQ XL2730Z | 27" | 2560x1440 TN | 144Hz | ![]() |
LG Electronics 29UM67 | 29" | 2560x1080 IPS | 75Hz | ![]() |
LG Electronics 34UM67 | 34" | 2560x1080 IPS | 75Hz | ![]() |
Acer XG270HU | 27" | 2560x1440 TN | 144Hz | ![]() |