Question about G-SYNC input lag

[speancer]

If G-SYNC mode is enabled on a monitor with G-SYNC module, does it add any additional input lag in a case where fps exceeds display's refresh rate?

I know that G-SYNC does not operate out of maximum refresh rate, but, for example, when I play CS:GO and I get 200-400~ FPS at all times, and my display maximum refresh rate is 165 Hz, G-SYNC is automatically disabled then and it adds no additional input lag to the game, right?

Or perhaps keeping G-SYNC mode enabled adds some input lag, even when it does not operate because of the frame rate exceeding maximum refresh rate, and I should disable it in NVCP when I play CS:GO?

[jorimt]

If G-SYNC mode is enabled on a monitor with G-SYNC module, does it add any additional input lag in a case where fps exceeds display's refresh rate?

Nope.

I know that G-SYNC does not operate out of maximum refresh rate, but, for example, when I play CS:GO and I get 200-400~ FPS at all times, and my display maximum refresh rate is 165 Hz, G-SYNC is automatically disabled then and it adds no additional input lag to the game, right?

Right, and again, G-SYNC, within it's range, doesn't "add" lag, it just doesn't reduce it as much as standalone V-SYNC off can at FPS 3x or 5x above the refresh rate.

V-SYNC behavior only occurs with G-SYNC on + V-SYNC on + sustained uncapped FPS above the refresh rate, whereas G-SYNC on + V-SYNC off + uncapped FPS sustained above the refresh rate is the same as G-SYNC off + V-SYNC off.

[speancer]

If G-SYNC mode is enabled on a monitor with G-SYNC module, does it add any additional input lag in a case where fps exceeds display's refresh rate?

Nope.

I know that G-SYNC does not operate out of maximum refresh rate, but, for example, when I play CS:GO and I get 200-400~ FPS at all times, and my display maximum refresh rate is 165 Hz, G-SYNC is automatically disabled then and it adds no additional input lag to the game, right?

Right, and again, G-SYNC, within it's range, doesn't "add" lag, it just doesn't reduce it as much as standalone V-SYNC off can at FPS 3x or 5x above the refresh rate.

V-SYNC behavior only occurs with G-SYNC on + V-SYNC on + sustained uncapped FPS above the refresh rate, whereas G-SYNC on + V-SYNC off + uncapped FPS sustained above the refresh rate is the same as G-SYNC off + V-SYNC off.

Thanks

[jorimt]

No problem

[speancer]

Hey @jorimt, I just remembered I wanted to ask about two more things concerning G-SYNC input lag. Questions apply to my brand-new monitor that has a G-SYNC module (Predator XB273 X).

1) What happens when G-SYNC mode is enabled and frame rates fluctuate below and above native refresh rate (240 Hz)? Is this harmful for overall lag, if G-SYNC has to disable and enable itself frequently?

2) Is it possible that disabling G-SYNC mode causes higher input lag, or that should remain unchanged?

I'm asking because frame rates in CS:GO tend to jump around pretty much (200-400~) I could just lock them within the G-SYNC range at 240 Hz, of course, but I'm curious what happens in situations described above. Also, for some reason, when I use in-game command to lock frames at 240, they actually never are at 240 fps, I get around 220-230 frames. I've read that it's best to disable any syncs for competitive play anyway.

[jorimt]

1) What happens when G-SYNC mode is enabled and frame rates fluctuate below and above native refresh rate (240 Hz)? Is this harmful for overall lag, if G-SYNC has to disable and enable itself frequently?

Only if you have G-SYNC on + V-SYNC on, as it will revert to V-SYNC behavior every time the framerates exceeds the refresh rate. With G-SYNC on + V-SYNC off however, no, this will not be harmful to input lag, you'll simply get G-SYNC behavior within the refresh rate and V-SYNC off behavior above it.

2) Is it possible that disabling G-SYNC mode causes higher input lag, or that should remain unchanged?

You're current model is native G-SYNC, so no, the input lag (monitor processing) will be the same whether G-SYNC mode is enabled or disabled, as everything runs through the G-SYNC module either way.

Also, for some reason, when I use in-game command to lock frames at 240, they actually never are at 240 fps, I get around 220-230 frames.

CS:GO caps a little lower than the number you limit it at. It did the same thing in my tests. Not harmful in the least; it would only be harmful if CS:GO capped higher than what you set the limit to, like CoD Warzone does.

I've read that it's best to disable any syncs for competitive play anyway.

At 240Hz or higher, "best" becomes more "preference" than anything:



Input lag-wise, G-SYNC and V-SYNC off are a virtual match at 240Hz+ with achievable framerates, especially at crosshair-level, but as I've said elsewhere, the two scenarios can have a different overall "feel," so try both and see what you prefer.

[speancer]

Thank you very much yet again, @jorimt Stay safe!

[jorimt]

Thank you very much yet again, @jorimt Stay safe!

No problem, you as well