AMD FreeSync is a display technology developed by Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) designed to reduce screen tearing and stuttering during video playback and gaming by synchronizing the refresh rate of a compatible display with the frame rate output of a compatible graphics card. Introduced in 2014, FreeSync is based on the Adaptive-Sync standard, a feature of the DisplayPort 1.2a specification developed by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA).
FreeSync operates within a variable refresh rate (VRR) range, allowing the monitor to dynamically adjust its refresh rate to match the frame rate being rendered by the GPU. This synchronization minimizes visual artifacts such as screen tearing without requiring the frame rate to be capped at a fixed monitor refresh rate, as is common in technologies like vertical sync (V-Sync). FreeSync is primarily supported on systems using AMD Radeon graphics cards and compatible displays, which must be certified by AMD to meet specific performance and compatibility standards.
The technology supports both DisplayPort and HDMI interfaces, with FreeSync over HDMI being introduced in later versions. AMD has released several iterations of FreeSync, including FreeSync Premium and FreeSync Premium Pro, which add requirements such as low framerate compensation (LFC), a minimum refresh rate of 120 Hz (Premium), and improved color accuracy and HDR support (Premium Pro).
FreeSync competes with NVIDIA's G-Sync technology, although some FreeSync monitors have been approved for use with NVIDIA graphics cards through driver support, provided the monitor's timing and capabilities are compatible.
Accurate information is not confirmed regarding any proprietary components within FreeSync that are not publicly disclosed by AMD.