What is Vertical Sync?

eno

Senior member
Jan 29, 2002
864
1
81
I noticed that my Frame Rate in games were somehow linked to the refresh rate of my monitor.

First I had windows 98SE installed and was gettn 85Fps on CS.
Then Install windows 2000 and was stuck with only 60fps regardless of OC and resolution.
A fella here gave me a link to a program that unlocked the 60hz default for Windows 2000 and Xp.
Now my games refresh rate was 85hz and what do you know my FPS went to 85.
Another fella told me of Vertical Sync was related and told me to turn it off.
Now my CS game runs at 99fps and 85hz.

SHould I have Vertical Sync "on" or just leave it off with 15fps higher???
I don't know if it is causing any problems or if I should leave it on, what do you think?
 

BFG10K

Lifer
Aug 14, 2000
22,709
2,997
126
If vsync is on, any framerates generated when the monitor is not ready to display them are held back until the refresh cycle has finished.

You should leave it off at all times unless you get excessive tearing which you don't like. Also at all times make sure that your monitor's refresh rate is set to the highest possible rate at your given resolution, regardless of your vsync setting.