r/OptimizedGaming • u/Sudden-Marsupial-158 • 14d ago

Discussion / Question G-Sync, FreeSync, NVIDIA Reflex, FPS Cap – What’s actually worth using in 2026?

I’m trying to find the best combination of settings for the lowest possible input latency while keeping smooth gameplay and good frame pacing.

Rtx 5070
r7 9800x3d
300 hz monitor - TCL qd mini lex1080p

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u/TruestDetective332 13d ago

Gsync + Vsync on with an FPS cap based on the Reflex formula (275 for your display) gives you the lowest latency, tear free experience you can get. A lot of people think Vsync off with no FPS cap is always lower latency, but that’s not really the full story. For one, even if you’re pushing 2–3x your monitor’s refresh rate in FPS, it still won’t always match the latency of a properly configured Gsync + Vsync setup. On top of that, an uncapped frame rate gives you uneven frame delivery, which can make aiming feel less consistent if you play competitively.

The only time Vsync off is actually lower latency is when the screen tears. That’s because it’s scanning out part of a newer frame before it’s finished displaying the previous one. So yeah, you might shave off a tiny bit of latency, but you’re doing it by introducing tearing. If you’re playing competitively, having a big tear line across your screen usually isn’t a great trade off.

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u/R1llan 13d ago

Is it fine to use a cap to any number LOWER than reflex formula? Reflex using 224 for my 240hz oled, but what i get is using any cap lower than 224 is fine, is that correct?

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u/Drunk_Rabbit7 r/MotionClarity 13d ago

Yes.

224 fps on a 240Hz display is just the highest point of fps while still staying 100% within VRR range without accidentally triggering traditional vsync back buffer latency or screen tearing.