F5F Stay Refreshed Software PC Gaming I invested three days in exploring various configurations to achieve the most seamless experience.

I invested three days in exploring various configurations to achieve the most seamless experience.

I invested three days in exploring various configurations to achieve the most seamless experience.

Z
zomaarjoey
Member
60
08-22-2017, 11:12 PM
#1
So I stumbled upon the fact that my switch runs more smoothly than my PC, which is quite surprising. Even at 30fps it seems so "soft" and natural.

Earlier, over three days (not continuously), I experimented with many settings and did some research. I couldn't achieve the same level of smoothness on 30fps, but I discovered ways to get the most seamless experience possible.

Sorry again, I just wanted to share this. I was worried about what others might think—whether it would be met with downvotes, criticism, or seen as incorrect.

Interesting facts:
Framerate isn't everything. What really counts are frame time and how consistently frames appear one after another. For example, at 60fps it takes roughly 16.6ms between each frame. This means the display updates every 16.6ms. Ideally, on a 60Hz screen, the system is programmed to render exactly when needed, keeping everything perfectly in sync. At 30fps, updates happen every two cycles, which is called "half-sync."

Also, monitor refresh rates are typically around 59.996Hz, rounded up to 60Hz for convenience.

Most films are shot at 27-30fps because cameras render each frame after the same precise interval, eliminating variation in display time. Triple buffering doesn’t add delay—it’s meant to minimize it. The frames aren’t queued; instead of swapping back and front, the two rear frames are exchanged. The monitor simply selects the frame that isn’t being written to next. In dual buffer mode, V-Sync requires the GPU to wait for a new frame, but I’m not sure if the triple buffering shown in settings is the same.

There are several ways to improve performance without needing a FreeSync or G-sync monitor. Keep this in mind: motion blur can help mask jitters or low frame rates.

Possible adjustments:
- Enable V-Sync, keeping refresh rate near your framerate (like 60Hz).
- Benefits: Very smooth, minimal latency, almost no noticeable lag.
- Drawbacks: Some latency, especially noticeable in fast FPS games.

Alternatively:
- Disable V-Sync and use a game limiter (like O or CS) to cap FPS.
- Benefits: Low latency.
- Drawbacks: Unstable frame timing, frames may not sync perfectly with the monitor.

If you choose to turn off V-Sync and set your refresh rate to match your framerate:
- Advantages: Extremely low latency.
- Disadvantages: Can cause noticeable jitter or tearing, especially in games.

Another option:
- Enable RTSS (Resolution Timing Synchronization) at your refresh rate.
- Benefits: Very low latency.
- Drawbacks: May cause tearing in fullscreen and overall instability.

If you opt for V-Sync on with RTSS set to your refresh rate:
- Not ideal; it adds extra jitter.
- Advantages: Smooth performance.
- Disadvantages: Poor frame synchronization, noticeable lag.

Switching to FreeSync or using a monitor with higher refresh rates (like 90Hz+) can help reduce tearing and improve overall fluidity. Higher refresh rates make motion appear smoother and less jittery, which is especially helpful for games with fast action.

I hope you find this useful—I put a lot of effort into this and wanted to share what I learned. It’s still a bit surprising how much difference a few settings can make!
Z
zomaarjoey
08-22-2017, 11:12 PM #1

So I stumbled upon the fact that my switch runs more smoothly than my PC, which is quite surprising. Even at 30fps it seems so "soft" and natural.

Earlier, over three days (not continuously), I experimented with many settings and did some research. I couldn't achieve the same level of smoothness on 30fps, but I discovered ways to get the most seamless experience possible.

Sorry again, I just wanted to share this. I was worried about what others might think—whether it would be met with downvotes, criticism, or seen as incorrect.

Interesting facts:
Framerate isn't everything. What really counts are frame time and how consistently frames appear one after another. For example, at 60fps it takes roughly 16.6ms between each frame. This means the display updates every 16.6ms. Ideally, on a 60Hz screen, the system is programmed to render exactly when needed, keeping everything perfectly in sync. At 30fps, updates happen every two cycles, which is called "half-sync."

Also, monitor refresh rates are typically around 59.996Hz, rounded up to 60Hz for convenience.

Most films are shot at 27-30fps because cameras render each frame after the same precise interval, eliminating variation in display time. Triple buffering doesn’t add delay—it’s meant to minimize it. The frames aren’t queued; instead of swapping back and front, the two rear frames are exchanged. The monitor simply selects the frame that isn’t being written to next. In dual buffer mode, V-Sync requires the GPU to wait for a new frame, but I’m not sure if the triple buffering shown in settings is the same.

There are several ways to improve performance without needing a FreeSync or G-sync monitor. Keep this in mind: motion blur can help mask jitters or low frame rates.

Possible adjustments:
- Enable V-Sync, keeping refresh rate near your framerate (like 60Hz).
- Benefits: Very smooth, minimal latency, almost no noticeable lag.
- Drawbacks: Some latency, especially noticeable in fast FPS games.

Alternatively:
- Disable V-Sync and use a game limiter (like O or CS) to cap FPS.
- Benefits: Low latency.
- Drawbacks: Unstable frame timing, frames may not sync perfectly with the monitor.

If you choose to turn off V-Sync and set your refresh rate to match your framerate:
- Advantages: Extremely low latency.
- Disadvantages: Can cause noticeable jitter or tearing, especially in games.

Another option:
- Enable RTSS (Resolution Timing Synchronization) at your refresh rate.
- Benefits: Very low latency.
- Drawbacks: May cause tearing in fullscreen and overall instability.

If you opt for V-Sync on with RTSS set to your refresh rate:
- Not ideal; it adds extra jitter.
- Advantages: Smooth performance.
- Disadvantages: Poor frame synchronization, noticeable lag.

Switching to FreeSync or using a monitor with higher refresh rates (like 90Hz+) can help reduce tearing and improve overall fluidity. Higher refresh rates make motion appear smoother and less jittery, which is especially helpful for games with fast action.

I hope you find this useful—I put a lot of effort into this and wanted to share what I learned. It’s still a bit surprising how much difference a few settings can make!

X
xJuliaKay
Junior Member
21
08-22-2017, 11:12 PM
#2
You need VSync Triple Buffered plus AdaptiveSync (FreeSync/Gsync) for low-paced titles where visuals matter more than refresh rate. You want
Only FastSync (if available) for high-speed games with FPS exceeding refresh rate.
Done.
X
xJuliaKay
08-22-2017, 11:12 PM #2

You need VSync Triple Buffered plus AdaptiveSync (FreeSync/Gsync) for low-paced titles where visuals matter more than refresh rate. You want
Only FastSync (if available) for high-speed games with FPS exceeding refresh rate.
Done.

J
joespeedy
Junior Member
22
08-22-2017, 11:12 PM
#3
not only that, but your frame rate should match or exceed your refresh rate as well! also, RTS really improves the experience by making things feel smoother! the frame pacing is better now, though it's not perfect. we wish there was a hardware or low-level frame pacing option!
J
joespeedy
08-22-2017, 11:12 PM #3

not only that, but your frame rate should match or exceed your refresh rate as well! also, RTS really improves the experience by making things feel smoother! the frame pacing is better now, though it's not perfect. we wish there was a hardware or low-level frame pacing option!

T
TardisImpala
Member
71
08-22-2017, 11:12 PM
#4
I use 74FPS RTSS with Vsync enabled.
75hz panel works well.
Mostly games like BFV just let me reach high FPS and push to High-Ultra.
Lighter games are easier, they handle Vsync smoothly.
NV Adaptive has been very useful against MINFPS issues.
FAST Sync disappears when using Adaptive Sync on my monitor or NVControlPanel.
I haven’t had any problems with screen tearing.
OP. Thanks for all the helpful information—many can understand it clearly once explained.
T
TardisImpala
08-22-2017, 11:12 PM #4

I use 74FPS RTSS with Vsync enabled.
75hz panel works well.
Mostly games like BFV just let me reach high FPS and push to High-Ultra.
Lighter games are easier, they handle Vsync smoothly.
NV Adaptive has been very useful against MINFPS issues.
FAST Sync disappears when using Adaptive Sync on my monitor or NVControlPanel.
I haven’t had any problems with screen tearing.
OP. Thanks for all the helpful information—many can understand it clearly once explained.

J
Joco18
Member
240
08-22-2017, 11:12 PM
#5
Thanks ^~^
I wish we had like more of a frame pracing setting on PC. it seems like there's no focus on that on the PC side. mostly frame rates etc!
On my iPhone and within the Windows GUI there's zero input latency, everything is tear free and is super smooth. I wonder why the same can't be done with games.
J
Joco18
08-22-2017, 11:12 PM #5

Thanks ^~^
I wish we had like more of a frame pracing setting on PC. it seems like there's no focus on that on the PC side. mostly frame rates etc!
On my iPhone and within the Windows GUI there's zero input latency, everything is tear free and is super smooth. I wonder why the same can't be done with games.