V-Sync & Frame Pacing Explained: Why Sync Settings Cause Stutter
"V-Sync" and "frame pacing" are about how and when frames reach your monitor. Even with a powerful GPU hitting high FPS, wrong sync settings can create choppy motion, input lag, or visible tearing. This page explains what's happening and why it matters for smoothness.
The actual fixes are in the V-Sync Fix Wizard.
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- V-Sync syncs frames to your refresh rate — eliminates tearing but adds input lag and can cause stutter if FPS drops.
- G-Sync/FreeSync (adaptive sync) is the modern solution — matches monitor Hz to GPU output dynamically.
- Frame pacing is about consistent frame delivery, not just high FPS numbers.
- Wrong settings cause stutter. Right settings feel buttery even at lower FPS.
What is V-Sync and why does it exist?
V-Sync (Vertical Synchronization) synchronizes your game's frame output with your monitor's refresh cycle. Without it, the GPU might send a new frame while the monitor is still drawing the previous one — creating screen tearing (a visible horizontal line where two frames overlap).
How traditional V-Sync works
V-Sync holds completed frames in a buffer until the monitor is ready for the next refresh. This eliminates tearing but introduces two problems:
- Input lag: Frames wait in queue, adding 16-50ms of delay depending on implementation.
- Frame halving: If you drop below your refresh rate even briefly (e.g., 58 FPS on a 60Hz monitor), V-Sync may jump down to 30 FPS for that frame, causing a noticeable stutter.
Adaptive Sync: G-Sync & FreeSync explained
Adaptive sync technologies flip the paradigm: instead of the GPU waiting for the monitor, the monitor waits for the GPU. The display's refresh rate dynamically adjusts to match the current frame rate, eliminating both tearing AND the stutter/lag of traditional V-Sync.
NVIDIA G-Sync
Proprietary hardware module in certified monitors. Also works with "G-Sync Compatible" monitors (essentially FreeSync monitors validated by NVIDIA). Requires NVIDIA GPU.
AMD FreeSync
Open standard based on VESA Adaptive-Sync. Works with AMD GPUs natively and some NVIDIA GPUs (GTX 10-series and newer). More widely available in monitors.
The VRR Range concept
Adaptive sync only works within a specific refresh range (e.g., 48-144Hz). If your FPS drops below the minimum, the monitor falls back to fixed refresh and you may see tearing or stutter. This is why capping FPS within the VRR range is recommended.
Frame Pacing: Why FPS numbers lie
Frame pacing is about when frames arrive, not how many. You can average 60 FPS but feel horrible stutter if frame times are inconsistent.
16.67ms → 16.67ms → 16.67ms → 16.67ms → 16.67ms
10ms → 25ms → 12ms → 22ms → 14ms (averages to 60 FPS but feels choppy)
Common causes of poor frame pacing
- Shader compilation: Hitches when new effects are rendered for the first time.
- Borderless windowed mode: DWM compositor can disrupt frame delivery.
- Driver issues: GPU driver bugs affecting frame queue behavior.
- CPU thread scheduling: Inconsistent CPU frame preparation times.
- Mixed refresh rates: Multiple monitors at different Hz can cause issues.
Symptoms of V-Sync / frame pacing issues
- Choppy motion despite high FPS: Counter shows 100+ FPS but movement feels jerky.
- Visible horizontal tear lines: Parts of two frames visible simultaneously.
- Sudden FPS halving: FPS jumps between 60 and 30 (or 144 and 72) abruptly.
- Camera stutter on panning: Smooth objects, but camera movement hitches.
- Feels different between fullscreen modes: Borderless vs exclusive fullscreen behave differently.
- Input feels "floaty" or delayed: Noticeable lag between input and on-screen response.
Common myths about V-Sync
❌ Myth: "V-Sync should always be OFF for best performance."
✓ Reality: Without V-Sync or adaptive sync, you get tearing. For many users, tearing is more annoying than the small input lag V-Sync adds. The answer depends on your hardware and preference.
❌ Myth: "G-Sync/FreeSync eliminates all stutter."
✓ Reality: Adaptive sync eliminates sync-related stutter, but not CPU bottlenecks, shader compilation hitches, or driver issues. It's one piece of the puzzle.
❌ Myth: "Higher refresh rate = less stutter."
✓ Reality: Higher Hz makes drops more visible because you're more sensitive to inconsistency. A consistent 60 FPS can feel smoother than an unstable 144 FPS.
❌ Myth: "Uncapped FPS is always better."
✓ Reality: Uncapped FPS causes GPU to render frames you'll never see (above your refresh rate), wastes power, increases heat, and can cause worse frame pacing. Capping is often beneficial.
Things to avoid when troubleshooting
This stacks latency and can cause bizarre frame pacing behavior.
Check the monitor's specs and ensure it's enabled in both the monitor OSD and GPU driver.
Some HDMI versions don't support G-Sync/FreeSync. DisplayPort is generally more reliable for VRR.
Mismatched refresh rates between monitors can cause frame pacing issues, especially on the desktop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I still see stuttering with V-Sync enabled?
V-Sync creates stuttering when your GPU can't consistently hit your refresh rate. If you drop from 60 to 59 FPS even briefly, V-Sync may halve your framerate to 30 FPS for that frame, causing a jarring hitch. This is why frame capping below your refresh rate is recommended.
What's the difference between G-Sync and FreeSync?
Both are adaptive sync technologies that match your monitor's refresh rate to your GPU's output. G-Sync is NVIDIA's proprietary version (works with NVIDIA GPUs), while FreeSync is AMD's open standard (works with AMD GPUs and some NVIDIA GPUs on 'G-Sync Compatible' monitors). Functionally, they achieve the same goal.
Should I enable V-Sync in-game or in the driver?
Never enable both simultaneously — this causes additional input lag and potential stutter. For G-Sync/FreeSync users: enable V-Sync in the GPU driver (as a fallback limiter) and disable it in-game. For non-VRR users: choose one location and stick with it.
Why does frame pacing matter if my FPS is high?
FPS is an average; frame pacing is about consistency. If frames arrive at 8ms, 25ms, 10ms, 20ms intervals (averaging 60 FPS), the motion feels choppy. Smooth 60 FPS means consistent ~16.67ms between every frame. Poor frame pacing is often more noticeable than lower but consistent FPS.
Is screen tearing harmful or just visual?
Screen tearing is purely a visual artifact — it doesn't damage anything. It occurs when the GPU sends a new frame while the monitor is still drawing the previous one, creating a visible 'tear' line. Some users don't mind it; others find it very distracting.
Why is borderless windowed mode worse for frame pacing?
Borderless windowed mode routes frames through the Windows compositor (DWM), which adds latency and can disrupt frame pacing. Exclusive fullscreen bypasses DWM, giving the game direct control over the display for smoother frame delivery. However, some modern games optimize borderless mode well.
What is the VRR range and why does it matter?
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) range is the Hz span where G-Sync/FreeSync works (e.g., 48-144Hz). If your FPS drops below this range, adaptive sync disengages and you may see tearing or stutter. That's why capping FPS within the range is important.
Can V-Sync cause input lag?
Yes. Traditional V-Sync adds 1-3 frames of latency because frames wait in a queue for the next monitor refresh. G-Sync/FreeSync significantly reduce this because frames are displayed as soon as they're ready, within the variable refresh window.
Next step
If you suspect V-Sync or frame pacing is causing your stutter, go to the actionable checklist:
Start V-Sync Fix Wizard