Screen tearing distracting you? You can fix it without VSync by using a frame rate limiter, Adaptive Sync (FreeSync/G-Sync), or other techniques. This guide provides simple steps to eliminate tearing and improve your gaming experience.

Understanding Screen Tearing

Screen tearing occurs when your GPU renders frames at a different rate than your monitor’s refresh rate. This results in the monitor displaying parts of two different frames simultaneously, creating a visible “tear.”

Solutions to Eliminate Tearing (Without VSync)

Here’s how to combat screen tearing without VSync.

1. Frame Rate Limiter

A frame rate limiter restricts your GPU from rendering frames beyond a specified maximum. By capping your frame rate slightly below your monitor’s refresh rate, you can often eliminate tearing without input lag.

  • Steps:

    • Identify Your Monitor’s Refresh Rate: Usually 60Hz, 144Hz, or 240Hz. Find this in display settings or the monitor manual.
    • Choose a Limiter: Many games have built-in limiters. Alternatively, use:
      • RivaTuner Statistics Server (RTSS): Bundled with MSI Afterburner.
      • Nvidia Profile Inspector: Provides control over Nvidia driver settings.
      • AMD Radeon Software: Includes a frame rate limiting feature.
    • Configure the Limiter: Set the frame rate slightly below your monitor’s refresh rate. For a 60Hz monitor, try 58-59 FPS; for 144Hz, try 142-143 FPS.
    • Test for Tearing: Play the game and observe. If tearing persists, lower the frame rate limit slightly.

2. Adaptive Sync Technologies: FreeSync & G-Sync

Adaptive Sync (AMD’s FreeSync and Nvidia’s G-Sync) dynamically adjusts your monitor’s refresh rate to match your GPU’s frame rate. This eliminates tearing without noticeable input lag.

  • Prerequisites:

    • Compatible Monitor: A monitor that supports FreeSync or G-Sync.
    • Compatible GPU: An AMD GPU for FreeSync or an Nvidia GPU for G-Sync.

  • Steps:

    • Enable Adaptive Sync in Monitor Settings: Use your monitor’s on-screen display (OSD) menu.
    • Enable Adaptive Sync in GPU Driver:
      • Nvidia G-Sync: Open the Nvidia Control Panel, go to “Set up G-Sync,” and check “Enable G-Sync, G-Sync Compatible.”
      • AMD FreeSync: Open AMD Radeon Software, navigate to the “Display” tab, and enable AMD FreeSync.
    • Test for Tearing: Launch a game and verify that tearing is gone.

3. Enhanced Sync (AMD) / Low Latency Mode (Nvidia)

These technologies help reduce tearing by managing frame presentation.

  • AMD Enhanced Sync:

    • Enable in AMD Radeon Software under the “Gaming” tab, then the game’s profile, and finally under the “Graphics” tab. Choose “Enhanced Sync.”

  • Nvidia Low Latency Mode:

    • Open the Nvidia Control Panel, go to “Manage 3D Settings,” and set “Low Latency Mode” to “On” or “Ultra.” Test both to see which performs better.

4. Borderless Windowed Mode

Running a game in borderless windowed mode can reduce screen tearing by forcing rendering by the Desktop Window Manager (DWM). This can introduce a slight performance hit.

  • Steps:

    • In the game’s settings, select “Borderless Windowed” or “Windowed (Fullscreen).”

Troubleshooting and Considerations

  • Driver Updates: Use the latest graphics card drivers.
  • Monitor Cable: Use a high-quality DisplayPort or HDMI cable.
  • Monitor Overclocking: Revert to the default setting if you’ve overclocked.
  • Game-Specific Settings: Experiment with different settings.
  • Hardware Limitations: Lower graphics settings if your hardware struggles to maintain a stable frame rate.

By combining these techniques, you can significantly reduce or eliminate screen tearing without VSync. Experiment to find the best solution.