phrax wrote:Is framerate = refresh rate any better than framerate = slightly above refresh rate? and why fps_max 119 instead of 120? There are no issues with my mouse either, by the way. I'm running it at 500hz instead of 1000 but I assume it's fine as long as it's above 250. Thanks for the help!
My
GSYNC input lag tests showed that fps_max 300 apparently had no input lag advantage over fps_max 142 when playing 144Hz VSYNC OFF.
1. Strobing can amplify visibility of tearing and stutters.
2. Also, harmonic effects can occur between frame rate versus refresh rate.
Stutters are amplified and decreased based on the beat-frequency difference between frame rate and refresh rate:
Consistent 123fps at 120Hz = 3 stutter per second, a bit less smooth
Consistent 122fps at 120Hz = 2 stutter per second, slightly less smooth
Consistent 121fps at 120Hz = 1 stutter per second, but otherwise very smooth
Consistent 120fps at 120Hz = perfect fluidity (if VSYNC ON), but may cause a stationary tearline during VSYNC OFF.
Consistent 119fps at 120Hz = 1 stutter per second, but otherwise very smooth
Consistent 118fps at 120Hz = 2 stutter per second, slightly less smooth
Consistent 117fps at 120Hz = 3 stutter per second, a bit less smooth
etc.
Once, however, you get many stutters per second, the microstutters happen so often/fast that it just affects motion clarity (the "jittery" look). Sometimes many stutters per second (more uniform) looks better than one stutter per second (less distracting). However, during perfect matches, framerate==refreshrate==stroberate (if having zero frame drops) is the creme-de-a-creme in perfect motion fluidity, and it must be experienced at least once in lifetime, to at least better understand the fluidity, even if it adds input lag.
What you want to do, however, is to first familiarize yourself with what reference-quality LightBoost motion looks like (e.g.
http://www.testufo.com/photo running at 120fps, then turning ON/OFF LightBoost while watching the animation -- or temporarily playing a solo game with VSYNC ON, then strafing left/right at full 120fps @ 120Hz frame rate
Once it's experienced, you can calibrate your fps_max for a compromise. I suggest experimenting with fps_max 119 (avoids stationary tearline problem, tearline might still roll too slowly)
fps_max 118 (avoids stationary tearline problem, tearline should roll a bit faster)
fps_max 239 (avoids stationary tearline problem)
fps_max 240 (really smooth; might cause two minor stationary tearlines)
fps_max 360 (really smooth; might cause three ultra-faint stationary tear lines)
For LightBoost gameplay you _really_ want to get close to the multiples, so if your GPU is not powerful enough, aim at the 118's and 119's.