Do you need Vsync with a 120Hz Lcd?

[Scionix]

Just curious, why is it that in my case, if I don't enable Vsync games stutter something terrible? Like, if I run WoW without Vsync, I will constantly be in the 100-200 fps range, but the image to my eye looks as if it's at 30fps. It's horrible. Turn vsync on, fps caps at 60, everything is buttery smooth.

Honestly I don't even notice screen tearing without vysnc on because I'm too busy wincing at the horrible stutter going on whenever frames jump/drop by 20. My GPU is a gtx295 and I play at 1920X1200, if it matters.

 

[Idontcare]

Just curious, why is it that in my case, if I don't enable Vsync games stutter something terrible? Like, if I run WoW without Vsync, I will constantly be in the 100-200 fps range, but the image to my eye looks as if it's at 30fps. It's horrible. Turn vsync on, fps caps at 60, everything is buttery smooth.

Honestly I don't even notice screen tearing without vysnc on because I'm too busy wincing at the horrible stutter going on whenever frames jump/drop by 20. My GPU is a gtx295 and I play at 1920X1200, if it matters.

I wonder if what you are seeing is nothing more than another symptom of the root of the problem that also gives rise to screen tearing with vsync disabled. Kinda like how the flu can give you both a cough and a fever.

 

[bunnyfubbles]

Just curious, why is it that in my case, if I don't enable Vsync games stutter something terrible? Like, if I run WoW without Vsync, I will constantly be in the 100-200 fps range, but the image to my eye looks as if it's at 30fps. It's horrible. Turn vsync on, fps caps at 60, everything is buttery smooth.

Honestly I don't even notice screen tearing without vysnc on because I'm too busy wincing at the horrible stutter going on whenever frames jump/drop by 20. My GPU is a gtx295 and I play at 1920X1200, if it matters.

it sounds like you're describing microstutter, one of the drawbacks to a multi GPU solution which can be largely solved by enabling vsync, which unfortunately has its own drawbacks.

lucky for you WoW isn't one of those games that requires absolute lighting fast and precise micro inputs so I would certainly turn on vsync in that situation as it will solve that stutter problem as well as save on GPU heat/power

I wonder if what you are seeing is nothing more than another symptom of the root of the problem that also gives rise to screen tearing with vsync disabled. Kinda like how the flu can give you both a cough and a fever.

It sounds more like microstutter however what you suggest could very well be compounding the problem

 

[Ben90]

Haha, I was checking to see if WOW supported SLI and I found this humorous post on some random forum:

If you've got standard LCD monitors, they probably use either a 60hz or 75hz refresh rate. Most use 60, which locks your FPS to 60. Now, you can disable the lock but it's unwise for two reasons.

1) It puts unnecessary strain on your monitor because your monitor *can not* effectively show a FPS higher than the refresh rate. The strain could eventually cause the monitor to fail much sooner than it's normal lifespan.

 

[bunnyfubbles]

lol that's cute

 

[thescreensavers]

Anandtech has an article on frame lag, vsync, etc.

Turning on Vsync when the framerate is below the hz of the monitor adds input lag

But I dont like my screen tearing lol

 

[zeron2]

Can someone explain the following in the article then?:

One of the largest benefits to games that don't inherently carry a lot of input lag is refresh rate. A real 120Hz refresh rate can significantly benefit input lag especially in twitch shooters. While that impact would be less in games where the framerate can't keep up, the hail of additional frames that can be incurred between the computer and the monitor will still be significantly impacted. Additionally, vsync (even in the worst case) is much cheaper on a high refresh rate monitor. Triple buffering (or even 1 frame flip queues with performance lower than refresh) and 120Hz monitors are a match made in heaven."

Almost sounds like it is saying VSync ON is best on a 120hz monitor? Even though I read all on this post, just need clarification that seems contradictory at first glance?

 

[Capt Caveman]

I've ALWAYS disabled vsync and never had any tearing. I don't see any reason to enable it for that matter.

Same here.

 

[TakeNoPrisoners]

The only game where I enable vsync is Skyrim, it is on by default and if you disable it it will actually cause glitching. Every other game works better with it disabled, I like my mouse to be responsive.

 

[Borealis7]

Formula for Winning:

1) turn on Vsynch.
2) if FPS < 60 turn off Vsynch and win! otherwise, continue to step 3. (you may O/C GPU and retry step 2)
3) success! your FPS = 60 with VSynch. turn on AF + AA until FPS < 60.
4) turn AF/AA down a little until FPS = 60.
5) Winning! (and profit...)