"3fps below refresh rate" on non-gsync monitors

[hejonar]

Hey, I am wondering do I need to cap my fps at 3 below refresh rate when I am using normal non gsync/fastsync monitor and I have vsync off? Like in this article: https://www.blurbusters.com/gsync/gsync ... ttings/14/

If an in-game or config file FPS limiter is available, and framerate exceeds refresh rate:
Set (a minimum of) 3 FPS limit below display’s maximum refresh rate (57 FPS @60Hz, 97 FPS @100Hz, 117 FPS @120Hz, 141 FPS @144Hz, etc).

It's purely for lowest input lag with in-game fps cap.

Also, what is the point of those -3fps in main article?

[1000WATT]

Hey, I am wondering do I need to cap my fps at 3 below refresh rate when I am using normal non gsync/fastsync monitor and I have vsync off? Like in this article: https://www.blurbusters.com/gsync/gsync ... ttings/14/

no need, not necessary.

Also, what is the point of those -3fps in main article?

stay in range vrr

[hejonar]

Thanks, if running 75Hz monitor should I set in-game fps limiter to 75fps? I know some people say that 74.999fps or smth would be better, just bit below monitor Hz.

[jorimt]

Hey, I am wondering do I need to cap my fps at 3 below refresh rate when I am using normal non gsync/fastsync monitor and I have vsync off?

Fixed refresh syncing methods require different configurations (the -3 minimum FPS limit does not apply). See this article for low-lag V-SYNC methods:
https://www.blurbusters.com/howto-low-lag-vsync-on/

[hejonar]

Thanks, I saw it already. Was wondering about vsync(and all iterations) completely off with in-game framelimiter on.

[jorimt]

Thanks, I saw it already. Was wondering about vsync(and all iterations) completely off with in-game framelimiter on.

Oh, you're talking about standalone V-SYNC OFF (I initially misread).

Yeah, the only reason you want a FPS limit in that scenario where input lag is directly concerned, is to prevent GPU input lag due to an increase in the pre-rendered frames queue when the GPU usage is maxed.

In that case, you simply want to ensure you set an FPS limit at an average framerate your system can sustain 99% of the time that also doesn't max out your GPU usage.

[Chief Blur Buster]

Peeps,

The "3fps below" advice is primarily only for VRR.

Sincerely,
Chief Blur Buster

It seems few people understand why. This year, I will probably write a mini "Capping Differentials FAQ" including various methods of fps=Hz, fps=(0.999 x Hz), fps=(Hz - 3), fps=(Hz x 2), fps=(Hz x 2) + n, fps = preference, fps = uncapped, fps=300, etc.

Different caps are ideal for different sync technologies (GSYNC, FreeSync, Low-Lag VSYNC ON, VSYNC OFF, Fast Sync, RTSS Scanline Sync, etc). For the VRR section it will definitely refer to Jorim's GSYNC 101.

But there are different advantages of different capping differentials for different sync technologies, and I need to explain "why this capping differential".

<shameless-plug> To lurkers who are writers: If you're an expert on capping techniques with ALL sync technologies, Blur Busters wants your writing services (yes, we pay freelancers) since this Chief Blur Buster is busy on so many projects. PM to inquire within for writing Spring 2020 articles. Not random content-writing boiler-room farms. Only people who understand "Blur Busters concepts" like nuances of high-Hz and sync technologies. If that's you, I want to hear from you! </shameless-plug>

[emhelmark]

So if competitive games wise where every lags matter / all kinds on sync = off then fps cap less than refresh rate (ex. 144=143 / 240hz = 239)?

And for quality with still less input lag g-sync/freesync = on + gpu driver v-sync = on then fps cap is -3 of refresh rate(because VRR)?

And lastly as per 101 guide, most in-game FPS limiters provides the lowest input lag.

Hope I am right.

[Chief Blur Buster]

For VSYNC OFF + VRR OFF, framerates above Hz has less lag than framerates below Hz.

300fps at 144Hz CS:GO is lower lag than 143fps at 144Hz VSYNC OFF + VRR OFF. Capping below Hz not always a lag advantage at certain settings.

Settings & parameters matters, in deciding whether capping is beneficial or not!

However, other advantages can occur, such as stutter control or lag-consistency control. These advantages may occur at different settings of than settings optimized for absolute lag. And, sometimes optimizing for absolute lag is mutually exclusive from optimizing for consistent (non-varying) lag.

[emhelmark]

For VSYNC OFF + VRR OFF, framerates above Hz has less lag than framerates below Hz.

300fps at 144Hz CS:GO is lower lag than 143fps at 144Hz VSYNC OFF + VRR OFF. Capping below Hz not always a lag advantage at certain settings.

Settings & parameters matters, in deciding whether capping is beneficial or not!

However, other advantages can occur, such as stutter control or lag-consistency control. These advantages may occur at different settings of than settings optimized for absolute lag. And, sometimes optimizing for absolute lag is mutually exclusive from optimizing for consistent (non-varying) lag.

I see... I might be wrong but does having inconsistent FPS between refresh rate would introduce tearing? For example my FPS is ranging 130 - 150 and monitor is 144hz would tearing occur so much?

That's why I realize so I cap the FPS always below refresh rate as much as possible. For tear-free and smoother game. CMIIR please.