One of PC gaming's biggest advantages over consoles is the ability to push frame rates higher than 60 and 120fps and utilize adaptive sync technology to keep that gameplay looking smooth, no matter how much the frame rate fluctuates. That's why if you're looking to jump into the world of PC gaming or get more serious about your setup, you'll want to know the difference between FreeSync and G-Sync, two important types of adaptive sync tech that will keep your gameplay looking and feeling as smooth as possible.

Adaptive sync technology like FreeSync and G-Sync synchronize your monitor's refresh rate with the frame rate outputted by your graphics card. That means if your gaming monitor is 144Hz, but your graphics card is pushing 100fps, your monitor's adaptive sync tech (either FreeSync or G-Sync) will bring your display's refresh rate down to 100Hz to keep your image feeling smooth and your inputs free of latency. FreeSync and G-Sync can be found in both gaming monitors and gaming TVs.

VSync, which stands for vertical sync, is a graphics option available in the vast majority of video games. This stabilizes your frame rate so that it never goes beyond your monitor's refresh rate. While this can help with keeping your gameplay free of screen tearing, it can cause performance issues and input lag that comes from the frames buffering. Adaptive sync tech like FreeSync and G-Sync take over for VSync, providing a much smoother, tear-free experience without needing to limit your refresh rate.