v-sync?

[apac]

From what I've read, to get a better framerate in high-res games you can turn v-sync off.

But what does it actually do? Is it worth sacrificing a few frames to keep it running?

 

[Lonyo]

V-sync sets your maximum frame rate to your monitors refresh rate.
If your monitor is set at 85Hz, your max frame rate will be 85fps.

This stops "tearing" which can happen. Tearing is caused because the gfx card sends info to the monitor, at a time when the monitor isn't refreshing, so you get 2 frames mixed up and it's all garbled.
V-sync (vertical sync) means that for every refresh of the monitor you have, a frame appears on the screen, so the frame is displayed in sync with the monitor refreshing.

Normally 85fps should be smooth anyway, and you wouldn't really need anything above it.

It's only the maximum fps though, it will rech up to 85fps, but that doesn't mean it'll stay there

It can be worth it if you do notice problems while playing a game.
Try with it off, if you have issues, put it on and see if they go away.

It doesn't alter the frame rate as such, just gives it an upper limit equal to your refresh rate.

 

[kylebisme]

keep it on for best image quality but turn it off for benchmarking.

 

[apac]

Thanks.

 

[pelikan]

I like vsync on.

 

[Lonyo]

I find it can be bad when on.
In Motocross Madness it causes stuttering, and in Unreal Tournament it limits my frame rate to ~47fps, the refresh rate is 60Hz, and that low frame rate isn't all that great when it should be around 80~100 at least.

Try on and off and see which suits you best.

 

[BFG10K]

Keep vsync off at all times. If you leave it on your mouse sensitivity is greatly reduced and your framerate can often drop to half of your monitor's refresh rate.

If your framerate is too high and you get a lot of tearing, try increasing the level of eye candy in the game to naturally bring it down.

 

[Mem]

I prefer to keep V-sync on(tearing sucks!) as to mouse acceleration ,well I`ve never had any problems in that area ,always been fast and smooth.