For the past three years, AMD’s Radeon FreeSync™ technology has been on an incredible ride. We started off with a handful of OEMs making FreeSync-capable monitors at a narrow refresh range, but through our constant efforts to bring FreeSync to the masses, we’ve seen a solid and the affordable variable refresh display ecosystem established based on FreeSync[ii]. To date, 353 monitors with FreeSync support have hit the market —and we’re not even close to being done.
A big milestone for the tech was the introduction of HDMI™ support two years ago. Since then, the functionality works on both DisplayPort and HDMI, which our competition can’t claim. We’ve also introduced Low Framerate Compensation that eases the pain of tearing and stuttering at very low frame rates below the monitor’s bottom refresh rate.
FreeSync™ 2
Last year, we raised the bar significantly for panel vendors with our FreeSync 2 program[iii], a certification that passes only the most technologically advanced and most premium panels. Mandatory to possess the FreeSync 2 badge are wide color gamut support, high peak brightness and contrast, low latency, and a wide refresh rate range, and the first displays AMD certified were Samsung’s CHG70 and CHG90 monitors. With their beautiful curved panels, these monitors can run modern games at up to 144Hz and with High Dynamic Range (HDR)[iv].
We’re extremely proud to welcome a new member to the FreeSync 2 family: the BenQ EX3203RThis new display is a premium 32” curved gaming monitor with all the bells and whistles FreeSync 2 certification mandates: 90% DCI-P3 color gamut, support for HDR content and a wide refresh rate range going up to 144Hz at 2560x1440p resolution. It’ll be available for purchase worldwide soon, and you can expect it to be below $900 USD, a bargain considering it’s boasting the most advanced features a gamer monitor can have today that will help make your gaming rig future ready for years to come.
Affordable
One of the myths around new gaming displays is that they’re expensive, but they don’t have to be. FreeSync-capable displays can be found as low as $140 USD on Amazon. Currently, this 144Hz FreeSync-capable monitor from AOC is less than $200 USD, and if you’ve been gaming on 60Hz, high refresh combined with Radeon FreeSync technology will bring you a huge step closer to gaming nirvana. If you want a more premium display without breaking the bank, variable refresh rate with HDR can be affordable (unlike the competition): Samsung’s outstanding CHG series of monitors start around $500 USD.
Watch what gamers had to say about Radeon FreeSync™ technology when asked by our Leslie Pirritano:
Now on Xbox One™
These are exciting times for variable refresh technologies. Those of you who follow AMD or Xbox® news know FreeSync technology is now available on the entire Xbox One™ lineup
Remember to use www.amd.com/freesync as a resource: under the monitors tab, we continuously update new models as they pass certification and are available on the market.
Requires a monitor and AMD Radeon™ graphics, both with FreeSync support. See www.amd.com/freesync for complete details. Confirm capability with your system manufacturer before purchase. GD-127
[ii] "As of 02/02/2018, Radeon FreeSync™ displays are less expensive than comparable G-Sync displays.
1080p: Radeon FreeSync™ – Viewsonic VX2257, $119 on Amazon
GSync – Acer Predator XB241H. $339 on Amazon
1440p:
Radeon FreeSync™ - G-STORY 27, $379 on Amazon
GSync - Dell Gaming S2417DG, $399 on Amazon
1440p Ultra-wide:
Radeon FreeSync™ – ASUS ROG Strix XG35, $799 on Amazon
GSync – ASUS ROG Swift PG34, $1200 on Amazon
4K:
Radeon FreeSync™ – LG 27UD58, $350 on Amazon
GSync - AGON AG271UG, $560 on Amazon
GRT-13"
[iii] FreeSync 2 does not require HDR capable monitors; driver can set monitor in native mode when FreeSync 2 supported HDR content is detected. Otherwise, HDR content requires that the system be configured with a fully HDR-ready content chain, including: graphics card, graphics driver and application. Video content must be graded in HDR and viewed with an HDR-ready player. Windowed mode content requires operating system support. GD-105
[iv] HDR content requires that the system be configured with a fully HDR-ready content chain, including: graphics card, monitor/TV, graphics driver and application. Video content must be graded in HDR and viewed with an HDR-ready player. Windowed mode content requires operating system support. GD-96
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