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.

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