G-Sync Compatible vs. Native G-Sync – The Absolute Ins and Outs

Have you been looking for exact differences between G-Sync compatible and native G-Sync? 

Answer:

As the main difference, Native G Sync monitors include an NVIDIA G Sync chip, which helps to avoid screen tearing and input lag. While G Sync compatible monitors are less durable and cannot alter FPS dynamically as G-Sync natives do.

However, the price difference between G-Sync native and G-Sync compatible is so apparent that it’s important to know which type is more worthwhile. You will get absolute ins and outs of both G-Sync technologies here below. Let’s see together;

What Is Native G-Sync?

Fix FreeSync Brightness Flickering using Nvidia cards

The native G-Sync monitors have a special chip that takes the place of the scaler. It lets the monitor change its refresh rate based on the GPU’s frame rates, which eliminates screen tearing and stuttering as long as FPS doesn’t go above the monitor’s maximum refresh rate.

A separate G-Sync module lets you change the amount of overdrive. Gaming monitors use “overdrive” to speed up their response time. So that pixels can change from one color to another quickly enough that fast-moving objects don’t leave a “ghost” or “trail” behind them.

Most monitors without G-Sync only have fixed overdrive modes, like Weak, Medium, and Strong. The problem is different refresh rates need different amounts of overdrive.

For instance, at 144Hz, the “Strong” overdrive mode might perfectly get rid of all trailing, but it might also be too aggressive if your FPS drops to around 60FPS, which will cause inverse ghosting or pixel overshoot.

In this case, you would have to manually change the overdrive mode to match your frame rate for the best performance, which isn’t possible in video games where your frame rate changes a lot.

Key Features Of Native G-Sync

Native G-Sync has the following perks:

  • G-Sync native has official NVIDIA’s certification.
  • It goes through over three hundred and fifty image quality tests.
  • It’s a Completely adapted and flexible monitor in terms of the refresh rate.
  • With G-Sync native you’ll notice a low amount of motion blur.
  • It provides overclocking support and colors that have been factory calibrated.
  • It has greatly improved the quality of the viewing experience.

What Is G-Sync Compatible Monitor?

G Sync compatible display supports G Sync technology but lacks the G Sync module used in true G Sync monitors. These monitors provide the same synchronizing benefits as G Sync monitors, but they are less exact and require different settings for different FPS ranges.

The G-SYNC Compatible mode that NVIDIA offers is dependent on the open standard Adaptive-Sync protocols that are present in DisplayPort, HDMI, and USB-C connections (when utilizing DisplayPort Alternate Mode). 

A G-SYNC compatible monitor is essentially an Adaptive-Sync display that has been validated by NVIDIA to work without any issues (such as flickering and other visual artifacts) through their testing. This means that a G-SYNC compatible monitor can be used with the G-Sync technology.

G-Sync Compatible mode is only available over DisplayPort on monitors at present, and it requires a graphics processing unit (GPU) from the GTX 10-series or later, Windows 10, and at least the 417.71 version of NVIDIA drivers.

G Sync compatible displays have the advantage of being less expensive than actual G Sync monitors while also being certified by NVIDIA to function with the G Sync features of their graphics cards. The disadvantage is that there is no genuine G Sync feature, which allows the monitor to adjust to any FPS your graphics card outputs.

Key Features Of G-Sync Compatible

G-Sync’s compatible monitor has the following features:

  • You can benefit from a variable refresh rate that is acceptable.
  • There are no artifacts with G-Sync compatible monitors.
  • No flickering experience.
  • No blanking was noticed.

Comparison Of System Requirements

G-Sync Native System Requires:

  • To begin, you need a graphics card manufactured by NVIDIA. 
  • You need the most recent generation of GPUs, such as the RTX 3080Ti, to make full use of G-Sync.
  • GPU: GTX 650 Ti Boost, GTX 965M (for laptops)
  • The driver version should be at least R340.52.
  • Any monitor that has an NVIDIA G-Sync module qualifies as a monitor.

G-Sync Compatible System Requires:

  • GPU: GTX 10-series
  • The version of the driver required: 417.71 or higher
  • Monitor that is compatible with G-Sync and has display port version 1.2.

Why Do You Need G Sync And G Sync Compatible?

G-Sync native monitors include a G Sync chip that allows the monitor to operate at any refresh rate from 1 Hz to the maximum Hz supported by the display. G Sync compatible monitors still offer overdrive, which eliminates blurring in games. However, they do not support as many refresh rates as native G Sync monitors.

One of the most important aspects of a G Sync and G Sync compatible monitor is that it overdrives the refresh rate when necessary to prevent the blurring of fast-moving objects. This is incredibly important in games, especially competitive ones, where you need a highly crisp and clean visual to perform well.

This means that when you’re gaming, no matter what FPS you’re getting, your monitor’s refresh rate will alter dynamically to provide the best image. Even if you’re gaming at 120 FPS and then something happens that decreases your framerate to 50 FPS, a G Sync display will adjust accordingly.

Overdrive is now available on G Sync-compatible monitors. However, their overdrive is not near as dramatic as that of a true G Sync monitor. G Sync displays offer overdrive settings that target different FPS ranges.

This is evident in the preceding case. If you’re gaming at 120 FPS and your frame rate suddenly drops below 60, you’ll probably see some inverted ghosting and other issues until your FPS returns to normal.

Top Differences Between G-Sync and G-Sync Compatible

Here are the top differences between G-Sync native & G-Sync compatible.

  1. G Sync Requires a self-reliant NVIDIA Module inside the monitor but G Sync compatible Does not require an NVIDIA module inside the monitor.
  2. G-Sync has Over 300 image quality tests but G-Sync compatible has not enough image quality tests.
  3. G-Sync Requires a G-Sync hardware module but G-Sync compatibility Requires a DisplayPort on the monitor.
  4. G Sync is available with better HDR but G-Sync compatible HDR is just typical.
  5. G-Sync Requires a relatively expensive monitor but in G-Sync compatible case a $100 monitor will work.

What Do You Need to Know Before Buying Native G-SYNC Or G-Sync Compatible Monitor?

gsync monitors

Whenever you decide to purchase a gaming monitor that comes with a native G-SYNC module, you should be careful about some facts. Companies use some tactics for marketing & competitive purposes.

For instance, the 27GL850 is available with a G-SYNC sticker from NVIDIA. But this monitor does not have a native G-Sync module installed. NVIDIA has certified it as a “G-SYNC Compatible monitor.

To avoid any misconception by tags or stickers, simply visit the NVIDIA website and look at their list of native G-SYNC monitors. This is the most reliable method for determining whether or not the monitor you intend to purchase supports native G-SYNC.

When it comes to G-SYNC Compatible monitors, you need to be cautious about deceptive advertising, just like with native G-SYNC monitors. Although a monitor manufacturer may state that a particular model is G-SYNC Compatible on their website or the product page of an online retailer, this does not imply that NVIDIA has officially approved the monitor as such.

The verification procedure may still be in progress. You can check out NVIDIA’s official list of G-SYNC compatible monitors. If a monitor isn’t included there, it isn’t officially certified for sure. Newly certified monitors will be added to the list as NVIDIA upgrades its driver software.

Are G-Sync Compatible and Free Sync Same?

Free-sync monitors that are G Sync compatible have been confirmed and tested by Nvidia to ensure that they are compatible with the G Sync technology that they have developed. While not every monitor that supports FreeSync is also compatible with G Sync, every monitor that supports G Sync is also a FreeSync monitor. 

FreeSync displays continue to help prevent tearing and stuttering on the screen. Free-Sync and G Sync compatibility is not the same thing, but they are very similar and should not be confused with one another. Technically speaking, a FreeSync monitor does not need to be G Sync compatible, but in practice, the vast majority of them are.

FAQs

Is G-Sync Required for Gaming At 144 Hz?

If your GPU is not capable of outputting 144 frames per second, you will need to use G-Sync with your 144Hz monitor. You will observe screen tearing if your graphics card is unable to output the same number of frames as your monitor’s refresh rate.
If you do not have a monitor that supports G Sync or is compatible with G Sync, this will happen. Any display will do if your GPU can consistently hit 144 frames per second or more.

How Can You Tell If Your Monitor Supports G-Sync?

To determine whether or not your monitor is G Sync compatible, right-click the NVIDIA logo that is located in your system tray and selects “Nvidia Control Panel” from the menu that appears.
If your monitor supports G Sync or is compatible with G Sync, you will see options for either G Sync or G Sync compatibility in the display settings section of your Nvidia Control Panel.

Is It Worth Having G-Sync Compatible?

If you play competitive games and want to have an advantage over other players, investing in a display that is G Sync compatible is worth it. They continue to apply the overdrive technique, which will make things easier to view in more detail.
However, if the frame rate that your games produce tends to bounce around a lot, then G-Sync compatible monitor will not be sufficient.

What Is G-Sync Ultimate?

G-Sync Ultimate is the third level of G-Sync. It also has a dedicated chip installed in the monitor, but it also supports HDR (High Dynamic Range) and has advanced display features like wide color gamut, high peak brightness, and local dimming.

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