Visual quality holds tremendous value for gamers these days and more so compared to the previous generations of gaming. As such, gamers actively seek for high resolutions and frame rates for a smooth and visually appealing experience.
A related technology that helps in achieving smoother visuals is the NVIDIA G-Sync technology. So those with a G Sync-enabled monitor may ask: Does PS5 support G Sync at all?
Unfortunately, the answer to this question is no. PS5 DOES NOT support G Sync technology as it comes with its own Variable Refresh Rate or VRR technology built-in.
The only issue is that VRR ONLY works if your monitor has an HDMI 2.1 port.
What is Adaptive Sync Technology?
Before diving into the topic, let us understand what Adaptive-Sync technology is in the first place since both G-Sync and VRR on PS5 are essentially Adaptive-Sync technologies.
Adaptive Sync is a technology designed to synchronize the refresh rate of a display with the frame rate of gaming devices.
You must note that while related, refresh rate and frame rate are two different things. The refresh rate is a function of the monitor where as the frame rate is the function of the gaming console (graphics card).
When there is a mismatch between the refresh rate of the monitor and the frame rate of the gaming consoles, hideous screen tears or screen stutters occur.
So the main advantage of Adaptive Sync is that it helps eliminate screen tearing and reduces input lag, thus providing a smoother gaming experience.
Both NVIDIA G Sync and PS5’s VRR are Adaptive Sync Technologies
NVIDIA’s G-Sync and PS5’s VRR are adaptive sync technologies.
Adaptive sync in general and NVIDIA G Sync in particular isn’t a new concept for PC gamers as it has been popular for more than half a decade.
However, for console gamers, this is something new as the newer PS5 aims to deliver 60 and more frames increasing the chances of tears and stutters. Hence this wasn’t a major consideration for the older PS4 console.
So Does PS5 Support G Sync?
Unfortunately, PS5 does NOT support the NVIDIA G Sync technology.
While the monitors featuring this technology can interface with PS5, this particular feature will not be enabled.
This is a shame because G Sync is found on a multitude of monitors ranging from budget to expensive monitors. PS5’s VRR can only work with HDMI 2.1 monitors which are often quite expensive as I explain below.
G Sync is Supported Over a Range of Monitors, VRR Works Only with HDMI 2.1 Monitors
Now the biggest difference between the two technologies is that G Sync is available for a range of monitors.
You will find G Sync monitors with HDMI 1.4, HDMI 2.0, HDMI 2.1, FHD, QHD, 4K, and 60Hz – 240Hz refresh rate configurations.
The same cannot be said about the PS5’s VRR feature.
PS5’s VRR ONLY works if your monitor has an HDMI 2.1 input port.
HDMI 2.1 is Generally Found on 4K @ 120Hz Monitors
A QHD 144Hz monitor with G Sync. Unfortunately neither G Sync nor VRR will work on this monitor. PS5 does not support G Sync and VRR only works with HDMI 2.1 ports. This monitor has an HDMI 2.0 port only.
Now, unfortunately, in the majority of the cases, FHD and QHD monitors DO NOT offer the HDMI 2.1 input port. Even 4K @ 60Hz monitors offer only an HDMI 2.0 port.
HDMI 2.1 is generally found on expensive monitors with 4K @ 120Hz or higher specs. As such, you will NOT be able to utilize the PS5’s VRR feature on budget to mid-range monitors with HDMI 1.4 or 2.0 ports.