Last Updated on May 27, 2021
In display screens and monitors, screen tearing is the visual artifact that causes the breakage in a picture frame resulting in two or multiple frames in a single picture or frame. Usually the picture appears in split form that ultimately looks mismatched. Screen tearing mainly happens when your system’s GPU frame rate and the display monitor refresh rate are not in sync. In other words, when the video and its backend refresh rate aren’t responding at the same time, the screen lets out the slash of the box known as ‘screen tearing’.
That said, the display appears in multiple frames or boxes with different information in each. When your GPU sends way too much information or frames in the form of a picture it confuses the frame rate and refresh rate to work at a uniform pace and hence screen tearing is the next thing you face.
Although the screen tearing artifact appears for a jiffy or so __but the frequency of occurring it is pretty much consistent. Hence you can’t just overlook it. Its fixation is necessary. Screen tear effect is very much irritation that instantly becomes the ruinous source of user’s engagement.
How Do You Screen Tearing?
People often panic when they experience any glitch in tech devices. Luckily, there are many ways and methods for which you can overcome screen tearing right away. However while treating the screen tearing parameter, it is always advised that you shouldn’t overlook the overall FPS lest it should promote the shuttering or other display issues. The GPU setting is something that demands careful handling. Below mentioned ways can keep off screen tearing for good!
1. Vertical Synchronization
The solution to screen tearing has probably the first answer with V-sync (Vertical Synchronization). It is an expected and tested process which many intense games have lauded as a solution. V-sync is one of the most effective and experienced methods to combat screen tearing.
Actually, when you use the V-sync technology to solve the screen tearing it readily makes the refresh rate and the frame rate of your GPU in the same state.
V-sync technology has been especially dedicated to cater the game’s framerate and the monitor refresh rate to keep them in sync order.
Although screen tearing when solved by V-sync can cause or promote the input lag mainly because the vertical synchronization takes care of the monitor refresh rate more than the GPU’s frame rate. The reason for input lag is simply because you force the GPU to be in sync. Let’s say your monitor features the 120Hz of refresh rate, and you render the V-sync from the GPU settings it would obviously have an effect on its ultimate performance, because of neglected FPS.
2. Nvidia’s Adaptive V-Sync
Another worthwhile screen tearing solution would be to introduce the GeForce GTX650 or beyond that. This is a tested solution that many of the core gamers have found out helpful. If you have this GeForce GTX650 you can certainly use the Nvidia’s Adaptive Sync. However, the noteworthy thing that you need to be mindful of is the ‘sync approach’. Monitor display will go less than its expected frame per seconds it ultimately makes the refresh rate partial for which you experience much worse screen stuttering and other unwelcoming visual glitch.
Certainly, you can’t stand that as you can bear the screen tearing. With a lot of research and brainstorm review, it is noted that gamers that have the GeForce GTX 650 can easily use this Nvidia’s Adaptive Sync feature where vertical synchronization will auto-shut once the FPS reaches to the limit.
Let’s say your monitor has the 60Hz of refresh rate in-built but when you play any high-end competitive games drop, maybe 50 or something so at this point the V-sync technology will make sure to keep the refresh rate half i.e. 30 so that the screen tearing issue remains at bay!
The basic functionality of V-sync and adaptive V-sync is the same except that when the refresh rate goes beyond the limit, the adaptive V-sync technology turns off so that the VRR can take its part.
3. Nvidia G-Sync or AMD FreeSync for Screen Tearing
If that doesn’t work, there is still another way among so many to reduce the screen tearing issue. Besides, this solution works well for AMD as well as Nvidia G-sync compatible display monitors.
You can alter the refresh rate of your GPU so that the GPU can relate the frame rate. Although all monitors won’t show the affirmative result, many of the monitors will certainly support and accord this technology, especially the ones that have been made with recent technology features.
Besides, the plus point of Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync is that it won’t create the input lag for which playing games becomes more fun and appealing.
With the VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) reducing approach towards the monitor’s refresh rate you don’t have to have a concern about screen tearing with input lag or either of this at the same point.
Nvidia cards can only use the G-sync technology only if the monitor or the display screen has the dedicated module in-built. For Free-sync, both the AMD and NVIDIA cards are approachable with GTX 10-series or recent.
4. Nvidia Fast Sync & AMD Enhanced Sync
Everybody has heard of Nvidia but what about the underrated fast Nvidia Sync and AMD Enhanced Sync! It is something that can really make a difference for your gameplay especially when it comes to the screen tearing issue. Although you can use the V-sync card, Nvidia Fast Sync and AMD Enhanced Sync with the Nvidia GeForce 900 series and AMD GCN-based GPUs. It would let out the cent per cent results. But you can only achieve this solution only if you have the GeForce 900 series or AMD GCN-based graphics processing unit or the recent GeForce series with beyond features.
As V-sync can limit the frame rate of display in order to achieve the refresh rate, the enhanced Nvidia Fast Sync & AMD Enhanced Sync is the reverse of it. The benefit of Fast Nvidia and enhanced AMD sync is that you don’t have to face input lag that is visible pretty much. This is the reason why using the Nvidia Fast Sync & AMD Enhanced Sync solution to screen tear has excelled with positive reviews.
However, the minor amount of input lag would still be there. The simple way to avoid input lag is to opt for maximized frame rate. All in all, you can say that the fast and enhanced Sync approach is totally gaming –friendly.
Related: 1440p 144hz Gaming Monitors
5. Altering the resolution for once
While talking about the core detail on screen tearing, you can also try a rather simple way to fight against screen tear. If you have set the refresh rate wrongly this can be the first reason to output like that. Moreover, the screen resolution is another factor that is noticeable.
By changing the display resolution as per the gaming requirement and setting, you can see the major difference. If none of the above mentioned methods is turning out to be worthwhile, you can surely check out this tip for even smooth tear-free display. Make sure to restart the computer after you have done with the settings.
Sum up
By reading the points included in this guide, you might have understood the idea on how to fix screen tearing and the artifact that can cause trailing etc. To be honest, there is not any hard and fast rule on which solution is better in comparison. It all depends on how your overall computer performance is and how the solution works for you as a gamer.
With all of the points and suggestions, choose the one that proves 100% effective for your gaming time. Moreover, screen tearing isn’t something that cannot be handled or eradicated at all. In our today’s article we have dedicatedly shed light on the most apprehensive methods or solutions that will easily tackle the screen tear.
However, it is always a best option to keep your GPU in accordance with the gaming requirements. The latest displays with GeForce 900 or above make sure to output the best.