Is GSync for me?

IAmAndre · June 13, 2016

Hi,

With the release of the new PS4 and X1, I'm considering upgrading my PC. I've been using a low-energy budget gaming rig for about two years (i3 4130, GTX 750 2GB, 8GB of 1600MHz RAM, Samsung EVO 840 250GB, Seagate Barracuda 1TB) along with an aging 23" Samsung SyncMaster F2380. I'm considering using the SyncMaster in portrait mode, and get a bigger display for gaming. Now I'm not sure if I should invest on a Gsync-compatible monitor. Here's why: I usually don't care that much about FPS, anything above 30 FPS is fine for me. I usually enable Vsync when playing, unless my GPU is not powerful enough to run the game smoothly. A couple years ago I was playing GTA IV, and I was really feeling sick when the framerate was fluctuating from 60 to the 20's. I also notice some screen tearing when I play FIFA because the framerate is higher than 60. That's why I always turn Vsync now in 90% of my games.

Now I would like to know if Gsync would allow to have a (noticeably) better experience when running a game at 42 FPS for example. What if it runs slightly below 30? Is it worth investing on a Gsync monitor while I could just get a better GPU? I'm considering buying either the RX480 (and buy a FreeSync-enabled monitor instead), or the successor of the 750 (more likely because power consumption is a big deal for me, as well as price).

Thanks a lot

StormEye · June 13, 2016

1. I don't care about FPS - G-Sync should give you the most benefit if your FPS is fluctuating between 30~80hz. So G-Sync is useful.

2. I usually enable Vsync - Vsync increases increases input lag by almost 3~4x. Enabling G-sync also increases input lag slightly but it is not going to be noticeable unlike Vsync. So G-Sync will allow you to have the effect of Vsync with minimal impact to the gameplay.

3. Freesync - At the moment, G-Sync is supposed to give better experience than FreeSync (at least from last I checked). But ultimately its pretty much the same.

4. Upgrade PC - From looking at your specs, it would be much more effective for you to update your entire system with the budget you can spend for a brand new G-Sync or FreeSync monitor. These monitors, especially better ones that are worth the money you spend, are quite expensive. It definitely is a luxury item.

I would say, if you only have budget for either picking better system or new expensive monitor, just upgrade your PC.