V-Sync and Tearing: When It Helps, When It Hurts, and the Stable Alternative
Tearing is a sync mismatch. V-Sync can remove tearing, but it can also add delay if timing is unstable. The better approach is stability first: pacing + caps, and VRR when available.
When V-Sync Helps
- Single-player comfort where tearing is distracting.
- Stable FPS where timing stays consistent.
- You accept a small feel tradeoff for clean image.
When V-Sync Hurts
- Unstable frametimes (adds heavy feel).
- Competitive play where responsiveness is priority.
- Edge bouncing with VRR when caps are wrong.
Rule: fix pacing first. Sync choices are meaningful only on a stable baseline.
Related Guides
Frame PacingBaseline stability.
VRR Setup GuideVRR done right.
Frame Cap RecipesCaps reduce tearing and jitter.
Latency ChainUnderstand tradeoffs.
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