Key Takeaways:
– AMD discontinues FreeSync certification for monitors and TVs with refresh rates less than 144 Hz.
– The refresh-rate requirements for FreeSync Premium and FreeSync Premium Pro have been increased from 120 Hz to 200 Hz.
– The minimum refresh-rate criteria remain unchanged for laptops.
Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), the leading chip manufacturer, recently announced that it will no longer offer FreeSync certification to monitors or TVs displaying maximum refresh rates of under 144 Hz.
An Upsurge in FreeSync Standards
The move marks a considerable shift from the company’s previous allowances for screens to possess FreeSync support with refresh rates as low as 60 Hz. This older practice opened the technology to more affordable screens, including those not primarily aimed at intensive gaming.
Meanwhile, AMD has also raised the bar for its higher AdaptiveSync tiers: FreeSync Premium and FreeSync Premium Pro. The refresh-rate requirements for these advanced tiers have been pushed up from 120 Hz to a significantly higher 200 Hz.
Impact on the Market
This new regulation would potentially affect affordable devices that do not emphasize on high-intensity gaming but still encompass the FreeSync technology. With this significant uptick in frequency requirement, it is expected that only high-end screens catering to serious gamers would qualify for FreeSync certification.
FreeSync Technology Decoded
To comprehend AMD’s recent announcement’s relevance, it’s important to understand what FreeSync technology offers. Essentially, it’s a brand of adaptive synchronization technology for liquid crystal displays (LCDs) that support a dynamic refresh rate (DRR). This means it helps the display’s refresh rate to adapt to the frame rate of the graphics card output, reducing screen tearing and stuttering.
The Three Tiers of FreeSync
For those inquiring minds wondering about the differences between FreeSync, FreeSync Premium, and FreeSync Premium Pro, here’s a brief: The base level FreeSync ensures a tear-free, low flicker HDR gaming experience. Stepping up to FreeSync Premium, consumers get that plus a minimum refresh rate of 120 Hz at Full HD resolution. Premium Pro moves the needle further with higher performance and support for HDR content.
With AMD’s new refresh-rate stipulations for FreeSync certification, high-performance screens that can push beyond the increased 144 Hz rate at the standard level, and 200 Hz at the Premium and Premium Pro levels, will be advantaged. This is expected to steer consumers toward investing in high-performance tech to experience the advantages of variable refresh-rate technology.
Laptops Not Affected
Contrasting with their static-screen counterparts, laptops have been exempted from AMD’s new refresh-rate requirements for FreeSync certification. This suggests a recognition of their distinct usability, portability, and form factor, meaning their minimum refresh-rate standards remain untouched.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, while users of high-end monitors and TVs should garner benefits from AMD’s decision, those who operate with lower refresh-rate devices may have to reconsider their tech investments. This move is poised to raise the bar for variable refresh-rate technology and push the boundaries of the gaming experience, cementing AMD’s position at the forefront of this rapidly evolving market. As variable refresh-rate technology continues to revolutionize online gaming, it will be fascinating to see where AMD and its FreeSync technology go from here.