AMD Freesync - Why Fullscreen only?

[Bacon1]

Seems AMD is a little better than you thought!

Old news I know, though still interesting to see people's thoughts on why AMD were 'unable' to introduce Freesync in windowed/fullscreen windowed mode. Also proves that it isn't a feature that only the Gsync hardware module can provide.

Yep,

Might want to update your OP to add the info of Freesync now working in borderless mode as of Crimson ReLive 12.1.1

 

[Dave2150]

Nice resurrection, but you are right

Less than two months ago, not that long ago

 

[tential]

Finally. Downloaded and installed the relive drivers last night good to hear I got great features out of it. Just gotta edit my freesync range now on my monitor

 

[Bacon1]

Finally. Downloaded and installed the relive drivers last night good to hear I got great features out of it. Just gotta edit my freesync range now on my monitor

Did you get the 16.12.2 or 16.12.1? .2 just released

 

[Rifter]

Seems AMD is a little better than you thought!

Old news I know, though still interesting to see people's thoughts on why AMD were 'unable' to introduce Freesync in windowed/fullscreen windowed mode. Also proves that it isn't a feature that only the Gsync hardware module can provide.

exactly, gsync tax is just a cash grab.

 

[tential]

exactly, gsync tax is just a cash grab.

Ok, in the most basic distasteful way of looking at it yes.

It's coporation designed to maximize profit. That's what a corporation does. To say it's a cash grab is unfair. Nvidia wanted something, they used their own method of doing it. A Gsync module. This method inherently costs more money that Nvidia must be compensated for. But because of this, Nvidia was able to ensure stringent guidelines as well. This allowed consumers to be confident that a Gsync monitor was indeed a top quality monitor. A freesync monitor may have more options, but this is also more confusing to the consumer, and a consumer who has a freesync monitor may have a 1080p 50-60hz freesync monitor while an nvidia user may have a 30-144hz. It just is a way of NVidia to ensure their consumers get the experience they intended, and they charged more for it.

It's your job as a consumer to look at both options and make a choice. To me, I see the Nvidia way of doing it to be more expensive because it adds a proprietary component. This is shown by the costs. So I went freesync because I couldn't justify the insane price of Gsync monitors. But I don't think a Gsync monitor is a bad purchase. What if a person doesn't want to use CRU to lower the frequency range of their freesync monitor (You have to do this on SO MANY freesync monitors if you really want a decent range). What if a person just wants a good product without shopping around? What if a person doesn't understand all of this hz stuff and just wants to know that their Nvidia Gsync Monitor is just going to rock? There is a product for everyone. If AMD keeps failing me, you'll definitely see me buy a Gsync monitor. In the end, people just want something that works with what they got.

You can hate on Gsync all you want, Gsync has a market and people pay for things like convenience and peace of mind.

 

[casiofx]

Ok, in the most basic distasteful way of looking at it yes.

It's coporation designed to maximize profit. That's what a corporation does. To say it's a cash grab is unfair. Nvidia wanted something, they used their own method of doing it. A Gsync module. This method inherently costs more money that Nvidia must be compensated for. But because of this, Nvidia was able to ensure stringent guidelines as well. This allowed consumers to be confident that a Gsync monitor was indeed a top quality monitor. A freesync monitor may have more options, but this is also more confusing to the consumer, and a consumer who has a freesync monitor may have a 1080p 50-60hz freesync monitor while an nvidia user may have a 30-144hz. It just is a way of NVidia to ensure their consumers get the experience they intended, and they charged more for it.

It's your job as a consumer to look at both options and make a choice. To me, I see the Nvidia way of doing it to be more expensive because it adds a proprietary component. This is shown by the costs. So I went freesync because I couldn't justify the insane price of Gsync monitors. But I don't think a Gsync monitor is a bad purchase. What if a person doesn't want to use CRU to lower the frequency range of their freesync monitor (You have to do this on SO MANY freesync monitors if you really want a decent range). What if a person just wants a good product without shopping around? What if a person doesn't understand all of this hz stuff and just wants to know that their Nvidia Gsync Monitor is just going to rock? There is a product for everyone. If AMD keeps failing me, you'll definitely see me buy a Gsync monitor. In the end, people just want something that works with what they got.

You can hate on Gsync all you want, Gsync has a market and people pay for things like convenience and peace of mind.

Exactly.

The reason I bought the XB271HU Gsync monitor? It is actually cheaper than the Freesync counterpart (XL2730Z) in my country. It comes with srgb IPS screen vs TN on XL2730Z, 165Hz with geforce cards, ULMB, panel that went through Nvidia's Gsync certification, and best of all available via brick and mortar store compared to freesync monitors which are nowhere in sight here. Coupled that with the GTX1070 that I got, AMD doesn't even have a proper competitor for this monitor and GPU combo at the time I bought it.

Funny thing is, I bought it using the money I actually set aside for buying the Fury X, but stopped because it wasn't much of an upgrade over my 290 at the time.

 

[USER8000]

Exactly.

The reason I bought the XB271HU Gsync monitor? It is actually cheaper than the Freesync counterpart (XL2730Z) in my country. It comes with srgb IPS screen vs TN on XL2730Z, 165Hz with geforce cards, ULMB, panel that went through Nvidia's Gsync certification, and best of all available via brick and mortar store compared to freesync monitors which are nowhere in sight here. Coupled that with the GTX1070 that I got, AMD doesn't even have a proper competitor for this monitor and GPU combo at the time I bought it.

Funny thing is, I bought it using the money I actually set aside for buying the Fury X, but stopped because it wasn't much of an upgrade over my 290 at the time.

In the UK the XB271HU is £630:

http://www.ebuyer.com/722327-acer-p..._7pksZPFLqdTycZ0xL5nwpQU888sc54JNSBoCAR_w_wcB
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Acer-Predator-XB271HU-screen-Monitor/dp/B017DG09WM

The equivalent Freesync version is the XF270HU which is £470:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Monitors...e=UTF8&qid=1482371701&sr=1-1&keywords=XF270HU

Both use a 2560X1440 IPS panel.

 

[Bacon1]

XB271HU Gsync monitor? It is actually cheaper than the Freesync counterpart (XL2730Z) in my country

You are comparing an Acer to a BenQ. The equiv acer is XG270HU or similar. BenQ are extra expensive just like Dell. Also that BenQ does have Blur Reduction which is the same thing as ULMB (which is not compatible with gsync, and also not supported on all gsync monitors fyi).

 

[casiofx]

In the UK the XB271HU is £630:

http://www.ebuyer.com/722327-acer-p..._7pksZPFLqdTycZ0xL5nwpQU888sc54JNSBoCAR_w_wcB
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Acer-Predator-XB271HU-screen-Monitor/dp/B017DG09WM

The equivalent Freesync version is the XF270HU which is £470:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Monitors...e=UTF8&qid=1482371701&sr=1-1&keywords=XF270HU

Both use a 2560X1440 IPS panel.

Apparently to enjoy cheaper freesync panel I have to travel 11000km to buy it.

Please understand me when I wrote "In my country", XF270HU isn't available in my country. And if you want to show me that freesync is better then please answer:
1) Availability of the monitor in my country, Malaysia, as in brick and mortar store.
2) Does it have ULMB?
3) Can it run 165Hz?
4) Does the XF270HU have better quality mounting stands like those fitted in XB271HU?
5) Does the XF270HU have the 30-144hz freesync range straight after setting up without the need of user software modification? That's what Gsync offers.
6) Finally any GPU performance equivalent to GTX1070 from AMD to pair with the XF270HU, with the GTX1070's price range?

If you want to make your statement sounded rational, then don't just put "Oh this freesync monitor is cheaper, so gsync is expensive and bad"

You are comparing an Acer to a BenQ. The equiv acer is XG270HU or similar. BenQ are extra expensive just like Dell. Also that BenQ does have Blur Reduction which is the same thing as ULMB (which is not compatible with gsync, and also not supported on all gsync monitors fyi).

Answered above, my XB271HU supports ULMB, so it rendered your "not available on all gysnc monitors" moot, since I compared the acer and benq that is available in my country.

 

[Dave2150]

Ok, in the most basic distasteful way of looking at it yes.

It's coporation designed to maximize profit. That's what a corporation does. To say it's a cash grab is unfair. Nvidia wanted something, they used their own method of doing it. A Gsync module. This method inherently costs more money that Nvidia must be compensated for. But because of this, Nvidia was able to ensure stringent guidelines as well. This allowed consumers to be confident that a Gsync monitor was indeed a top quality monitor. A freesync monitor may have more options, but this is also more confusing to the consumer, and a consumer who has a freesync monitor may have a 1080p 50-60hz freesync monitor while an nvidia user may have a 30-144hz. It just is a way of NVidia to ensure their consumers get the experience they intended, and they charged more for it.

It's your job as a consumer to look at both options and make a choice. To me, I see the Nvidia way of doing it to be more expensive because it adds a proprietary component. This is shown by the costs. So I went freesync because I couldn't justify the insane price of Gsync monitors. But I don't think a Gsync monitor is a bad purchase. What if a person doesn't want to use CRU to lower the frequency range of their freesync monitor (You have to do this on SO MANY freesync monitors if you really want a decent range). What if a person just wants a good product without shopping around? What if a person doesn't understand all of this hz stuff and just wants to know that their Nvidia Gsync Monitor is just going to rock? There is a product for everyone. If AMD keeps failing me, you'll definitely see me buy a Gsync monitor. In the end, people just want something that works with what they got.

You can hate on Gsync all you want, Gsync has a market and people pay for things like convenience and peace of mind.

There are good quality freesync monitors available too, mine is 40-144Hz. I think it's great that Freesync is included on cheap, mainstream and expensive monitors.

 

[Piroko]

Ok, in the most basic distasteful way of looking at it yes. It's coporation designed to maximize profit.

There's nothing distasteful in equating profit maximization with cash grabbing.

This method inherently costs more money that Nvidia must be compensated for. But because of this, Nvidia was able to ensure stringent guidelines as well. This allowed consumers to be confident that a Gsync monitor was indeed a top quality monitor. A freesync monitor may have more options, but this is also more confusing to the consumer, and a consumer who has a freesync monitor may have a 1080p 50-60hz freesync monitor while an nvidia user may have a 30-144hz. It just is a way of NVidia to ensure their consumers get the experience they intended, and they charged more for it.

Yes, but does it work?

Case in point, I can currently choose between 103 FreeSync monitors, 73 of them were first listed in 2016.
Compared to that, I can only choose between 35 GSync Monitors, 17 of them were first listed in 2016. (taken from the pricecrawler geizhals.de)

And that's the scary part, Nvidia is the dominant market leader and yet the choice is so small. Specific extreme example? I'm currently interested in a 1440p 21:9 monitor at 32~34" size. I can already buy some models in the 700€ region if I'm fine with a 75Hz FreeSync range. I can also buy a 1100€ option if I want the 100 Hz. The cheapest GSync panel that would fit? The full blown 1100€ option.

 

[Bacon1]

And that's the scary part, Nvidia is the dominant market leader and yet the choice is so small. Specific extreme example? I'm currently interested in a 1440p 21:9 monitor at 32~34" size. I can already buy some models in the 700€ region if I'm fine with a 75Hz FreeSync range. I can also buy a 1100€ option if I want the 100 Hz. The cheapest GSync panel that would fit? The full blown 1100€ option.

There is also a Korean 100hz 34" Freesync option for $700.

https://forums.anandtech.com/thread...z-34-3440x1440-100hz-freesync-curved.2492440/

 

[IEC]

Or if you wait for Samsung's new *VA-based panels to go on sale, there's potential for $700-800ish (MSRP is $999 for now) 34" ultrawide 1440p with 100Hz+ refresh rates + *VA contrast advantages. Also Freesync.

http://www.samsung.com/us/computing/monitors/curved/34--cf791-wqhd-monitor-lc34f791wqnxza/

 

[Bacon1]

Or if you wait for Samsung's new *VA-based panels to go on sale, there's potential for $700-800ish (MSRP is $999 for now) 34" ultrawide 1440p with 100Hz+ refresh rates + *VA contrast advantages. Also Freesync.

http://www.samsung.com/us/computing/monitors/curved/34--cf791-wqhd-monitor-lc34f791wqnxza/

Yep, the Korean one I linked uses that same panel iirc. Awesome looking monitors!

 

[Piroko]

That's actually the model I quoted as the 1100€ option, it's still a bit overpriced for now.

 

[Rifter]

This allowed consumers to be confident that a Gsync monitor was indeed a top quality monitor. A freesync monitor may have more options, but this is also more confusing to the consumer, and a consumer who has a freesync monitor may have a 1080p 50-60hz freesync monitor while an nvidia user may have a 30-144hz. It just is a way of NVidia to ensure their consumers get the experience they intended, and they charged more for it.

That argument may work except that you can get the EXACT SAME PANEL with the EXACT SAME SPECS a few hundred cheaper in freesync than gsync. So you are not getting any extra performance or specs for your money.

 

[tential]

That argument may work except that you can get the EXACT SAME PANEL with the EXACT SAME SPECS a few hundred cheaper in freesync than gsync. So you are not getting any extra performance or specs for your money.

Except you have to research the amd alternative.... You just missed the point of the post. Gsync means no research it just works well. With amd you have to research to find the same panel, then research to make sure freesync is the same range, then edit the freesync range via cru....

Again, you're paying for convenience.....

 

[USER8000]

he reason I bought the XB271HU Gsync monitor? It is actually cheaper than the Freesync counterpart (XL2730Z) in my country.

Apparently to enjoy cheaper freesync panel I have to travel 11000km to buy it.

Please understand me when I wrote "In my country", XF270HU isn't available in my country. And if you want to show me that freesync is better then please answer:
1) Availability of the monitor in my country, Malaysia, as in brick and mortar store.
2) Does it have ULMB?
3) Can it run 165Hz?
4) Does the XF270HU have better quality mounting stands like those fitted in XB271HU?
5) Does the XF270HU have the 30-144hz freesync range straight after setting up without the need of user software modification? That's what Gsync offers.
6) Finally any GPU performance equivalent to GTX1070 from AMD to pair with the XF270HU, with the GTX1070's price range?

If you want to make your statement sounded rational, then don't just put "Oh this freesync monitor is cheaper, so gsync is expensive and bad"

Well in my country which is the UK which is one of the biggest markets in Europe it is cheaper,and trying to justify your purchase by comparing it to a different model from a different company is not my problem.

You are getting defensive when it was pointed out the Freesync version of your Acer G-Sync monitor is a decent amount cheaper as you tried to twist the truth by saying the equivalent Freesync monitor was a TN BenQ which cost more. That is simply not true - the equivalent model is an IPS Acer which costs 25% less than your monitor. The XF270HU has got excellent reviews.

That argument may work except that you can get the EXACT SAME PANEL with the EXACT SAME SPECS a few hundred cheaper in freesync than gsync. So you are not getting any extra performance or specs for your money.

Its no point arguing,since something must cost more it must be better attitude is what modern enthusiasts seem to think. They are clutching at even shorter straws now to justify the huge price premium. They also ignore the issues certain G-Sync monitors had too. Its the same as Nvidia has no driver problems(having had Nvidia cards myself for the last few years its quite funny when that is wheeled out).

What I don't understand is that instead of making up excuses for the increased pricing,they should be questioning it more - justifying higher pricing is literally begging Nvidia to charge more.

However,in the end if they want to tell Nvidia to charge them more,why should we stop them??

Its their money after all.

 

[Dave2150]

Except you have to research the amd alternative.... You just missed the point of the post. Gsync means no research it just works well. With amd you have to research to find the same panel, then research to make sure freesync is the same range, then edit the freesync range via cru....

Again, you're paying for convenience.....

I didn't have to edit anything with my BenQ XL2730Z (1440P, 40-144Hz Freesync range). Just worked out of the box. Still way cheaper than the Gsync alternatives.

 

[tential]

I didn't have to edit anything with my BenQ XL2730Z (1440P, 40-144Hz Freesync range). Just worked out of the box. Still way cheaper than the Gsync alternatives.

So it doesn't get down to 30 hz like gsync. Like you can prefer amd and prefer to pay less you did the research, found an amd monitor with a decent range and got it.

Or you can just get gsync and have 30 hz to 1440p.

Some people pay not to have to do this research or understand all of this and just be assured it's good quality. Why is this a difficult concept to grasp? Others already just have Nvidia.

I bought into the amd freesync hype. Too bad I didn't realize I don't have a high end amd gpu I can buy to use.

 

[casiofx]

Well in my country which is the UK which is one of the biggest markets in Europe it is cheaper,and trying to justify your purchase by comparing it to a different model from a different company is not my problem.

You are getting defensive when it was pointed out the Freesync version of your Acer G-Sync monitor is a decent amount cheaper as you tried to twist the truth by saying the equivalent Freesync monitor was a TN BenQ which cost more. That is simply not true - the equivalent model is an IPS Acer which costs 25% less than your monitor. The XF270HU has got excellent reviews.

The one getting defensive is you.

The whole premise of the argument was started by me, which is about AMD not being able to offer their options globally.

And you are comparing apples and oranges by forcing people to argue about buying monitors is totally different market.

Last but not least, you didn't even putting up any arguments regarding my statements on how the XF270HU is better than the XB271HU besides being cheaper. And AMD's equivalent GPU with GTX1070? Empty arguments from your side. Who would buy a full fledged 2.6 tonnes SUV if the engine can't push the vehicle itself.
Newsflash, don't think every country in the world offers good market such as yours, Fury cards are still expensive here with a price close to GTX1080. So does Fury cards + Freesync monitor still a good purchase price wise?

 

[Dave2150]

So it doesn't get down to 30 hz like gsync. Like you can prefer amd and prefer to pay less you did the research, found an amd monitor with a decent range and got it.

Or you can just get gsync and have 30 hz to 1440p.

Some people pay not to have to do this research or understand all of this and just be assured it's good quality. Why is this a difficult concept to grasp? Others already just have Nvidia.

I bought into the amd freesync hype. Too bad I didn't realize I don't have a high end amd gpu I can buy to use.

My Freesync monitor works fine with my 1070 (without freesync obviously). It also worked fine with my 390X that I had previously. I imagine it will work great with Vega too, when I purchase that.

Also I'm very happy with the 40-144Hz range. I wouldn't want to game at 30FPS, as I don't enjoy that kind of experience. Perhaps that concept is too difficult for you to grasp?

My Gsync G752VY 980M laptop works fine too, FYI. It's a 30-75Hz range AFAIK, though I configure my games so that I don't dip into the 30's, Gsync, Freesync or not, 30FPS sucks

 

[Bryf50]

My Freesync monitor works fine with my 1070. It also worked fine with my 390X that I had previously. I imagine it will work great with Vega too, when I purchase that.

Also I'm very happy with the 40-144Hz range. I wouldn't want to game at 30FPS, as I don't enjoy that kind of experience. Perhaps that concept is too difficult for you to grasp?

My Gsync G752VY 980M laptop works fine too, FYI. It's a 30-75Hz range AFAIK, though I configure my games so that I don't dip into the 30's, Gsync, Freesync or not, 30FPS sucks

Don't forget frame doubling. Having a super low minimum refresh is basically moot with frame doubling. You still get the benefits of Freesync down to 20fps.

 

[Piroko]

Some people pay not to have to do this research or understand all of this and just be assured it's good quality.

You seem to think that those Gsync panels must be better because they cost more, but in reality quite a number of them are now rather old panels. Also, without research you'd have a fair chance of buying one of those Monitors that can only do Gsync without ULMB like this one.

I really don't have to do that much research. I would check prad.de and tftcentral.co.uk for a review of the panel in question anyways, that's just a good idea for any investment >400$.