Nvidia to add FreeSync support to G-Sync module monitors

by Mark Tyson on 26 November 2019, 11:11

Tags: NVIDIA (NASDAQ:NVDA), VESA, AMD (NYSE:AMD), Acer (TPE:2353)

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The widespread adoption of VRR tech has been hampered by a rocky path strewn with expensive proprietary technology and competing standards. VESA and AMD tried to clear some rubble away with the analogous open Adaptive Sync / FreeSync standards. At the start of 2019 Nvidia redefined its G-Sync tech as a three tier certification system that included certain Adaptive Sync / FreeSync monitors that had passed a series of validation tests. The new G-Sync Compatible certification meant a lot more VRR monitor choice and new levels of affordability for GeForce GPU owners - but a reduced monitor feature set.

Now it looks like Nvidia will stray further from its pure G-Sync philosophy by allowing G-Sync module equipped screens to offer VRR support to AMD and Intel GPU users. A report by TFT Central contains confirmation from Nvidia that "future G-Sync module screens can be capable of supporting both HDMI-VRR and adaptive-sync for HDMI and DisplayPort".

TFT Central's spider sense was tingling after Acer recently introduced the Predator XB273 X. This very new monitor's specs, as listed on Taiwanese retail sites, suggested it would support HDMI-VRR and Adaptive-Sync over DisplayPort. Apparently Nvidia is preparing G-Sync firmware updates to make this a standard feature going forward.

The unfortunate side to this story is that the firmware development looks set to only be applied in new and future G-Sync monitor designs. The source says that Nvidia says it "will NOT be possible to update firmware to any existing native G-Sync screen, or request updates to allow your current G-Sync screen to be updated so that it would work with AMD graphics cards".

When this change rolls out it will be positive that PC enthusiasts and gamers will have a freer choice of graphics card vendor and display type. It is probably safe to assume the move was mainly consumer demand and/or Nvidia G-Sync monitor making partner-lead.



HEXUS Forums :: 8 Comments

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Nvidia says it “will NOT be possible to update firmware to any existing native G-Sync screen, or request updates to allow your current G-Sync screen to be updated so that it would work with AMD graphics cards”.

Can't imagine this being anything other than artificial limitation, either to push people to buy new or avoid pestering brands to give them something useful.
Pfft, the module uses an FPGA so it should be more than capable of updating existing monitors. Saying they can't is an admission of either incompetent design or choosing to harm the user.

Still, first signs of a decisive move away from G-Sync an onto accepted standards. Well done on that Nvidia, one thing off the list of things that stop me buying your cards. Now, about that open source Linux support…
Thing is with this, when AMD then end up with being the lead GFX brand again performance wise, just put a company like Nvidia in to a black light for being persistent.

Not that am a Fan of whatever brand whenever it get to it, I just buy what is best possible at current time I need an update of GFX, already seen how AMD currently is Stomping Intel CPU wise, am sure they can do the same GPU wise vs. Nvidia and with a better price for their product as well.
Ozaron
Nvidia says it “will NOT be possible to update firmware to any existing native G-Sync screen, or request updates to allow your current G-Sync screen to be updated so that it would work with AMD graphics cards”.

Can't imagine this being anything other than artificial limitation, either to push people to buy new or avoid pestering brands to give them something useful.

My guess is simply - they doen't want to invest money into making a “updater”, and they afraid of potential issues this may cause.

You know everything is possible - you could probably play doom on those FPGA chips alone, but the company is all about profit. Especially this one.
I cant really see much of a point to this, surely if you forked out for a g-sync display you already have a Nvidia gpu… otherwise why would you spend the money on the display for gsync and not have a nvidia gpu..
I guess, when the next gen of cards come around you can opt for the red team..
just seems silly to me..