Understanding Display and Performance Compatibility: Addressing G-Sync and 240Hz Challenges with Low-FPS Games
In the realm of high-refresh-rate gaming, achieving seamless visual performance often involves meticulous configuration of software and hardware settings. However, users sometimes encounter perplexing issues when pairing G-Sync-enabled monitors with games that are locked at low or capped frame rates, such as 60 FPS. This article explores common challenges, specifically focusing on G-Sync behavior and cursor lag in such scenarios, and offers insights into optimal setups for smooth gameplay experiences.
System Overview
The configuration in question involves a robust gaming setup featuring:
- Processor: Intel Core i9-13900X3D
- Graphics Card: NVIDIA RTX 5090
- Memory: 2 x 32GB RAM
- Display: 240Hz OLED monitor with G-Sync support
Typical Settings and Observations
The user employs a series of settings to optimize performance:
- G-Sync enabled specifically for fullscreen mode, with monitor-specific activation.
- NVIDIA Control Panel settings:
- Frame rate cap set to 237 FPS
- Power management set to maximum performance
- V-Sync enabled in the NVIDIA control panel but disabled within game menus
A case study within this setup involves playing Elden Ring, a game that, without modifications, runs at a locked 60 FPS at 4K resolution.
Observations include:
- The game visually caps at 60 FPS, confirmed by the monitor displaying 60Hz.
- G-Sync appears to be functioning correctly, allowing the monitor to synchronize its refresh rate to the game’s frame rate.
- However, when the user pauses and moves the mouse cursor (not controller input), the cursor exhibits significant lag or stuttering, which detracts from the user experience.
Troubleshooting and Insights
Testing reveals that restarting the game, disabling G-Sync, and relaunching results in noticeably improved cursor response, indicating a link between G-Sync activation at low frame rates and cursor lag.
Additional considerations include:
- Cursor performance issues tend to worsen in games or menus with low or capped frame rates.
- The problem persists across different hardware, as validated on a separate laptop with a GeForce RTX 4060 and the same driver version (577.00), experiencing similar cursor lag at lower fps.
Understanding the Root Cause
The core issue relates to how G-Sync and variable refresh rate technologies interact with games that have fixed frame rates
Share this content:
