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G-Sync and FreeSync: the right settings (V-Sync and FPS cap)

By Michael Steininger · Updated October 2026

Variable refresh rate (G-Sync, FreeSync, “VRR”) lets the monitor wait for each frame instead of refreshing on a fixed clock. No tearing, no V-Sync stutter, little extra delay. But only if three settings work together. Many setups get one of them wrong.

Quick answerTurn VRR on in the monitor's menu and in the graphics driver. Turn V-Sync on in the driver and off in the game. Cap the frame rate about 3 FPS below the refresh rate, for example 141 on a 144 Hz monitor, or let NVIDIA Reflex set the cap.

1. Turn it on in the monitor and the driver#

  • Monitor: many monitors have FreeSync / Adaptive-Sync / VRR off by default in their own menu. Turn it on there first.
  • NVIDIA: NVIDIA Control Panel → Display → Set up G-SYNC → Enable G-SYNC, G-SYNC Compatible. Choose full screen mode or windowed and full screen mode if you play borderless.
  • AMD: AMD Software → Gaming → Display → AMD FreeSync on.

Also check that Windows runs the monitor at its full refresh rate: how to check.

2. Cap the frame rate below the refresh rate#

VRR only works while the frame rate stays below the refresh rate. If the game runs faster, the monitor falls back to tearing or V-Sync behaviour, with its extra delay. A cap about 3 FPS below the refresh rate keeps you inside: 141 at 144 Hz, 162 at 165 Hz, 237 at 240 Hz. Games with NVIDIA Reflex set such a cap automatically when G-Sync and V-Sync are on. Which limiter to use.

3. V-Sync on in the driver, off in the game#

It sounds wrong, but it's the recommended setup: with VRR, driver V-Sync only steps in for the rare frame that arrives too early and prevents tearing at the top of the range. In-game V-Sync can add buffering on top, so leave that off.

  • NVIDIA: NVIDIA Control Panel → Manage 3D settings → Vertical sync: On.
  • AMD: with FreeSync, set Wait for Vertical Refresh to Enhanced Sync or Always on, or leave it off and rely on the cap. Test what feels smoother.

How to tell it's working#

Many monitors can show the current refresh rate in their menu or as an on-screen counter. With VRR active, it follows the game's frame rate instead of staying at the maximum. NVIDIA's G-SYNC indicator (NVIDIA Control Panel → Display menu) shows a label in the corner of supported games.

Questions#

Should V-Sync be on with G-Sync?
Yes, in the NVIDIA Control Panel, together with a frame cap a few FPS below the refresh rate. Off in the game.
What FPS cap for a 144 Hz monitor with G-Sync or FreeSync?
About 141 FPS, or let NVIDIA Reflex set it automatically.
Does G-Sync add input lag?
Very little, as long as the frame rate stays below the refresh rate. Above it, V-Sync behaviour adds delay, which is why the cap matters.
Check it automatically

Frametide has the NVIDIA G-SYNC mode, V-Sync and Max Frame Rate, and AMD FreeSync and Wait for Vertical Refresh under Tweaks, says what each does and switches them and back with one click (some need Premium). Its scan also checks that the monitor runs at its highest refresh rate.

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