Variable refresh rate (VRR) is the single best fix for screen tearing and choppy motion, yet most gamers never turn it on correctly. G-Sync and FreeSync sync your monitor’s refresh rate to your GPU’s frame output in real time, so you get tear-free, low-latency motion without the input lag of traditional V-Sync. In 2026, almost every gaming monitor supports one or both.
This guide walks you through enabling VRR on both the monitor and the GPU side, plus the frame-cap trick that keeps it working perfectly. Whether you own a FreeSync panel like the ASUS TUF VG259QM5A or a premium display like the Samsung Odyssey OLED G5, the steps are nearly identical and take five minutes.
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Watch: How to Enable G-Sync or FreeSync — Video Review
Confirm Your Monitor Supports VRR
Check your monitor’s spec sheet or OSD for “FreeSync,” “G-Sync Compatible,” or “Adaptive Sync.” Most modern panels, including the INNOCN 240Hz and the Samsung Odyssey OLED G5, support one of these standards. FreeSync works over both HDMI and DisplayPort; G-Sync Compatible mode typically requires DisplayPort for the full refresh range.
Enable It in the Monitor OSD
- Open the monitor’s on-screen menu and find the Gaming or Sync section.
- Set FreeSync or Adaptive-Sync to On (some panels label it “FreeSync Premium”).
- Use a certified DisplayPort 1.4 cable, like the Capshi 8K VESA-certified cord, so the panel runs its full refresh range without dropouts.
Turn It On in the GPU Control Panel
On Nvidia, open the Nvidia app or Control Panel, go to Set up G-SYNC, and enable it for your display. On AMD, open Adrenalin, go to Display, and switch AMD FreeSync on. This step is required; enabling it only in the monitor OSD is not enough, because the GPU has to drive the variable timing.
Cap Your Frame Rate Correctly
VRR only works inside the monitor’s refresh window. If your FPS exceeds the panel’s max refresh, tearing returns. Cap your frame rate 3 FPS below the max (141 on a 144Hz panel, 237 on a 240Hz panel) using the driver’s frame limiter or RTSS. This keeps every frame inside the VRR range for consistently smooth, tear-free motion.
Verify It Is Actually Working
Enable the monitor’s built-in refresh-rate counter or use the Nvidia/AMD overlay to watch the refresh number change with your FPS. If the number stays pinned, VRR is not engaging; recheck the cable, the DisplayPort connection, and that both OSD and driver toggles are on.
Tips
- Leave low-latency mode on and in-game V-Sync off for the lowest-lag VRR experience.
- Use DisplayPort over HDMI when possible for the widest refresh range and highest bandwidth.
- Update your GPU driver; VRR support and compatibility improve with new releases.
- On OLED panels, enable VRR flicker-reduction if the OSD offers it to smooth dark-scene brightness shifts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a G-Sync monitor for an Nvidia card?
No. Most FreeSync monitors are “G-Sync Compatible” and work fine with Nvidia GPUs over DisplayPort. A dedicated G-Sync module adds features but is not required.
Should I still use V-Sync with VRR?
Enable V-Sync in the driver (not in-game) as a safety net for when FPS exceeds the refresh range, but cap your frame rate below the max so V-Sync rarely activates and latency stays low.
Why is my FreeSync flickering?
Flicker in dark scenes happens when FPS swings wildly through the low end of the VRR range, common on some VA and OLED panels. A steadier frame cap and the monitor’s flicker-reduction setting usually fix it.
Does VRR add input lag?
No, VRR actually lowers latency compared to traditional V-Sync because it does not buffer frames. That is its main advantage for competitive play.
Conclusion
Enabling VRR is a two-part job: switch it on in the monitor OSD and again in your GPU control panel, then cap your frame rate just below the refresh ceiling. Do that with a certified DisplayPort cable and you get buttery, tear-free motion with lower latency than V-Sync, on nearly any modern gaming monitor.
