AMD has revised the requirements for FreeSync, establishing 120Hz and 144Hz as the baseline targets for gaming monitors and TVs to reflect the industry's shift away from 60Hz.
FreeSync is AMD's variant of VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) for Radeon graphics cards, launched in 2015. VRR over HDMI has since been standardized with HDMI 2.1's VRR function. You can see which TV models support HDMI 2.1 VRR, AMD FreeSync, and G-Sync Compatible on FlatpanelsHD's updated list here.
- "AMD introduced AMD FreeSync in 2015 to enable tear-free, stutter-free experiences, and when 60 Hz was considered great for gaming. Since then, games have become more demanding, graphics cards are much more powerful, while new display resolutions and technologies have become available for gaming," said Oguzhan Andic, AMD Product Marketing Manager for FreeSync. "Considering all the changes that took place in the gaming world since 2015, we have decided to update our FreeSync technology tier requirements in September 2023 to reflect the latest standards and technologies in gaming."
AMD added that there are currently around 4000 displays certified for FreeSync.
144Hz monitors, 120Hz TVs
With the removal of 60Hz, AMD has set the minimum bar at 144Hz for monitors. Also, monitors with resolutions lower than 4K must now refresh at 200Hz or higher to obtain FreeSync Premium.
As for TVs, the situation is less clear. The updated specifications (see table below) mention 120Hz as the minimum requirement for TVs to obtain FreeSync Premium, the step-up tier. However, no minimum is listed for basic FreeSync. AMD has already certified a few 2024 TV models with 60Hz panels for basic FreeSync, according to the company's official list.
Also read: GeForce Now's 'Cloud G-Sync' pioneers VRR in cloud gaming
FreeSync Premium Pro still pertains to HDR picture quality, and AMD now says that "HDR requirements have been aligned with ecosystem specs", although it is unclear what this means exactly. FlatpanelsHD recommends not relying on certifications like DisplayHDR and FreeSync for HDR picture performance, as they have proven to be unreliable.
Also read: 240Hz 4K TVs are waiting in the wings
Here are the updated FreeSync requirements for monitors and TVs, as well as laptop displays:
Updated FreeSync requirements 2024
FlatpanelsHD
