what is vsync?

it's usually good. it syncs the vertical pixels so they don't change at different rates (better graphics). it does cap the framerate though.
 
Really? Sometimes when I'm gaming and I turn sideways quickly, the screen will sort of split itself horizontally and the sections seem to move at different speeds. It's only a fraction of a second, but it is noticeable. I was pretty sure VSync fixes this problem, but I suppose I could have been fooling myself this whole time :)

BTW, I have an LCD monitor.
 
hackapelite said:
vsync only improves graphics on CRTs, it has no effect on LCD monitors.
Click to expand...
Yes it does, VSYNC synchronizes the horizontal and vertical frames - it does not matter the type of monitor. Without VSYNC on an LCD, you will see "tearing" of the images if for instance you move the mouse around quickly in a game.
 
Really? I think somewhere I read that it only works for CRTs as LCDs don't actually refresh the image the way CRTs do... or something along those lines. O'well... I've never seen any kinda tearing on my LCD.
 
hackapelite said:
Really? I think somewhere I read that it only works for CRTs as LCDs don't actually refresh the image the way CRTs do... or something along those lines. O'well... I've never seen any kinda tearing on my LCD.
Click to expand...
It's true that LCD's don't have a refresh rate like CRT's do, but VSYNC still makes a difference when it comes to syncing the horizontal and vertical frames.
 
LCDs don't need a refresh rate, but still operate on a refresh rate signal. This is the reason tearing still occurs, and the reason LCDs benefit from Vsync.

One thing to add, Vsync can cause performance issues, one can and should enable triple buffering which will add, coming from the name, a third framebuffer unit that helps alleviate overhead and smooth the fps.
 
Another note is that if VSYNC is enabled, the FPS will not exceed the refresh rate (which is usually 60Hz on most LCD's).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top