Is G-SYNC Worth It?
Through this article, we shall determine if gaming monitors with NVIDIA G-SYNC are worth their value. These displays come with special module integrated into the monitor. It offers a feature of variable refresh rate and overdrive for compatible NVIDIA cards. With these features included, the price increases as well.
However, unlike NVIDIA G-SYNC, if you choose a monitor that has a FreeSync or G-SYNC compatibility, you will not have to worry about its price as they do not raise the value of the monitor as FreeSync is royalty free Adaptive Sync by VESA. The only downside of FreeSync is they do not have variable overdrive.
FreeSync does not have any extra cost which means it is worth the price. However, they do not have the same premium features of NVIDIA G-SYNC.
Is a G-SYNC Monitor Worth it?
Gaming monitors such as Acer Predator X35, ASUS ROG Swift PG27UQ are available only with G-SYNC. They do not have a counterpart for FreeSync. Hence, if you wish to buy one of the mentioned models at a lower price, unfortunately, there are no FreeSync version. Hence, if you could afford it and would want to have great, amazing gaming experience, G-SYNC is the best option.
Choosing between G-SYNC and FreeSync is not easy as they come with identical specifications and one is with a $ 100 higher price. In reality, the answer is not simple as there are numerous factors that are in play. Here are some of the things you should consider when you decide whether a G-SYNC monitor is worth it:
- Future-proofing: Ensure that your new monitor will last for years. Do not get a monitor that will devalue your system. Take in mind that G-SYNC does not work with AMD cards on most monitors
- Alternatives: Ensure you have other options of G-SYNC monitor and not just FreeSync counter models. There are some affordable G-SYNC models with similar specs
- VRR range: If your FPS rate drops often, we suggest that you consider G-SYNC monitor. They all come with wide VRR range.
4K 144Hz Gaming Monitors
Choosing between a FreeSync model and a more expensive G-SYNC variant which includes 4K 144Hz gaming monitors by Acer Predator XB273K and Acer Nitro XV273K is confusing and a difficult task. Hence, through this article, we shall feature and discuss the differences.
Acer XV273K FreeSync:
- Two DisplayPort inputs
- Could connect both ports to GPU via two DP cables
- Overclock the monitor to 144Hz at 4K without image compression
- Cannot run on VRR and HDR at the same time
- VRR range of 48-120Hz
- Severe IPS glow
Acer XB273K G-SYNC monitor:
- One DisplayPort input
- Overclocked to 144Hz using Chroma subsampling
- Could run VRR and HDR at the same time
- Wider VRR range of 30-144Hz range
- Gaming experience is smoother
- Priced $100 more expensive than XV273K.
There is now a newer 4K 144Hz model – LG 27GN950 with AMD FreeSync support and G-SYNC compatibility. Take note, however, this model does not have G-SYNC module, we recommend to go for XB273K. It is faster with its 1ms response time, wider 98% DCI-P3 color gamut, better design and DSC support. This allow 144Hz at 4K without any visual compression.
1080p 240Hz Gaming Monitors
With 240Hz gaming monitor, VRR range is not important as with 4K since, it is easy to get high FPS in most eSports titles. Aside from that, most gamers do not use VRR in competitive games as they limit the frame rate to the monitor’s maximum refresh rate.
Furthermore, there are some gamers who would like to use backlight strobing technology with high refresh rate. In this case, then, G-SYNC is not worth it and you should instead monitor good motion handling and overdrive/backlight strobing implementation.
Acer XF252Q with a price of $350 and the one with G-SYNC would cost about $500. There is no significant difference in their performance but rather XF252Q comes with better backlight strobing.
1080p 144Hz Gaming Monitors
You will also find G-SYNC models with 1080p 144Hz gaming monitors like Acer XB241H for around $350. This model is overclockable to 180Hz for the same price as with 240Hz display. You could also get 1440p 144Hz gaming monitor with the same identical performance. Which means, G-SYNC is not worth it in this case.
Other Models
For gaming monitors, 1440p 144Hz or ultrawide models with NVIDIA G-SYNC, we suggest to look for better FreeSync models for cheaper price. Example, ASUS PG279QZ, 27” is amazing IPS monitor with G-SYNC that comes with a price of $550 to $600.
For below $500, we suggest the LG 27GL850 27” 1440p 144Hz IPS display instead of FreeSync.
