AMD kicks off 60Hz gaming monitors with new FreeSync requirements
If you are planning to invest in the best gaming monitors from AMD, you’ll be happy to know that their performance and quality will be vastly improved as a result of new certification requirements.
AMD recently revised the certification process for its FreeSync technology, which means that gaming monitors with a 40-60 Hz refresh rate will no longer be the standard. best monitors with high refresh rate continue to expand its market share.
To obtain FreeSync certification, a gaming monitor must have a refresh rate of 144 Hz, which applies to monitors with a horizontal resolution of less than 3,440 pixels. FreeSync Premium requirements have also increased, from 120 Hz to 200 Hz, with the same horizontal resolution requirement.
Oguzhan Andic, AMD Product Marketing Manager for AMD Radeon graphics and AMD FreeSync technology, explained the reasoning behind the changes. In 2015, 60 Hz was considered great for gaming, and, says Andic, “AMD Gaming monitors at 120 Hz were a rarity in 2015; Today, most gaming monitors are 144 Hz or higher. AMD FreeSync technology certification is a guarantee of a great experience and we want to keep it that way.”
It’s important to note that these specification changes only apply to TV and gaming monitors, with the current refresh rate requirements still applying to laptop screens.
AMD should focus on gaming laptop screens next
The next step should be increasing the required refresh rate for gaming laptops. Portable machines have evolved in leaps and bounds over the years, with stronger components, better ventilation, improved technology and more. But displays generally seem to be the most inconsistent part of many gaming laptops.
If AMD were to update its FreeSync certification standards to match the new standards for monitors and TVs, it would enable a much better gameplay experience; not only by providing smoother and less choppy visuals, but also because it would work in closer harmony with AMD’s FreeSync.
If an AMD laptop has FreeSync, it synchronizes the screen’s refresh rate with the GPU’s frame rate, eliminating tearing artifacts; However, if the display refresh rate is too low, it may disrupt synchronization. But if every gaming laptop had a 144Hz refresh rate display, it wouldn’t hold back the frame rate of the more expensive GPU that much.
It might even inspire Nvidia to raise its own standards – after all, a little competition is always good, and it would be great news for gamers.