The value of G-SYNC is mostly determined by the games you play, your computer setup, and your budget. This information will assist you in making the best choice possible.
Whether a G-SYNC monitor is worthwhile depends on a variety of factors, including your PC setup and budget, the availability of FreeSync monitor competitors, and the resolution/refresh rate you want, among others.
For compatible NVIDIA cards, NVIDIA G-SYNC displays include a special module built into the monitor that allows variable refresh rate (VRR) and variable overdrive. This module also raises the price of the display.
AMD’s FreeSync and NVIDIA’s G-SYNC Compatible technologies, on the other hand, do not raise the price of displays since they are based on royalty-free Adaptive-Sync HDMI and/or DisplayPort protocols.
Adaptive-Sync also enables a variable refresh rate for tear-free gaming, similar to G-SYNC, however, the available VRR range is generally limited and the overdrive implementation is not as good.
Of course, there are exceptions.
Some FreeSync/G-SYNC Compatible displays feature the same VRR range as G-SYNC models, as well as perfect overdrive implementations, so there’s no straightforward solution to the issue of whether G-SYNC is worth it.
Most G-SYNC monitors aren’t worth the money.
In many circumstances, you could just get a better display with FreeSync/G-SYNC Compatible for the price difference between a G-SYNC monitor and its Adaptive-Sync equivalent.
It wouldn’t have a G-SYNC module, but it may have a higher resolution, a quicker refresh rate, or a better panel, giving you a better gaming experience than G-SYNC.
Full HD G-SYNC Monitors
The Acer XB241H is the cheapest G-SYNC monitor. It’s a TN panel with a 1080p 144Hz (overclocks to 180Hz) display with a 1ms GtG response time. It costs between $350 and $400.
Is it really worth it?
No, since you can purchase a 1080p 240Hz IPS gaming monitor with FreeSync/G-SYNC Compatible for that money, which will provide you substantially better picture quality and smoother performance.
So, how about 1080p 240Hz G-SYNC monitors?
Since competitive gamers are the ones who choose 240Hz screens, G-SYNC isn’t worth the additional $150 since they generally prefer to play at uncapped frame rates (above 240FPS, which disables VRR) for the lowest input lag.
Screen tearing is rarely apparent at such high refresh/frame rates. Regular VRR will suffice for more demanding games since most 1080p 240Hz IPS models have decent overdrive implementations and a broad enough dynamic range to handle LFC (Low Framerate Compensation).
An excellent implementation of Motion Blur Reduction, such as the ViewSonic XG2431, is also preferred by many competitive FPS players over VRR.
1080p 360Hz displays are the same way. The Acer XV252QF with FreeSync, for example, is not only $200 less than G-SYNC models like the Dell AW2521H, but it also has a superior MBR implementation and a 390Hz overclockable refresh rate, all while having comparable picture quality, pixel response time, and VRR performance.
Quad HD G-SYNC Monitors
The Acer XB271HU 1440p 144Hz IPS gaming monitor with G-SYNC, which costs $500, is another outstanding example. You may purchase the MSI MAG274QF-QD with a newer IPS panel with a larger colour gamut and better reaction time for the same price.
When it comes to 1440p 240Hz displays, you may choose between the Dell AW2721D with G-SYNC and HDR600 and the ASUS XG27AQM with FreeSync and HDR400.
Although Dell’s device has significantly superior HDR picture quality, it still has certain drawbacks. It lacks an sRGB mode, DSC, and MBR, which are all available on the XG27AQM at a lesser price.
4K UHD G-SYNC Monitors
A G-SYNC monitor, such as the ASUS PG32UQX, is required if you want the very best 4K HDR visual quality.
This monitor includes a 1152-zone full-array local dimming (FALD) solution in addition to the G-SYNC module. These zones may reduce sections of the picture that need to be dark without harming the bright parts, resulting in a substantially higher contrast ratio and a better HDR viewing experience.
However, the PG32UQX isn’t cheap, costing $3000, and there are currently no FreeSync or G-SYNC Compatible 4K monitors with FALD, however many such displays have been announced for 2022, at a reduced price.
So, if you want the highest HDR image quality from a 4K gaming monitor, you’ll need to invest in a G-SYNC mode or wait for one of the future models; whether the display is worth the money is another matter.
UltraWide G-SYNC Monitors
The Dell Alienware AW3423DW is presently the only QD-OLED gaming monitor with a G-SYNC module, therefore G-SYNC is absolutely worth it in this situation if you want the greatest gaming display.
Samsung is planning to sell a monitor without the G-SYNC module based on the same screen, however, the release date and price are still uncertain.
Due to the absence of the module, Samsung will be able to remedy some of the AW3423DW’s flaws, such as the loud cooling fan and lack of DSC support. It should also be less expensive, albeit the variable refresh rate performance may be worse.
Conclusion
As you can see, whether G-SYNC is worth it is mostly determined on your preferences for resolution and refresh rate, the kind of panel or features you desire, as well as your budget and PC setup.
