What is variable refresh rate (VRR)?

Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) is a revolutionary display technology that offers a more fluid and seamless visual experience by dynamically adjusting the refresh rate of monitors in real-time. This technology provides a significant advantage, especially for fast-paced content such as action movies or video games, resulting in smoother frame rates and reduced visual artifacts like tearing and stuttering.

VRR works by synchronizing the refresh rate of the monitor to the output of the graphics card or console. This means that the monitor can refresh at different rates depending on the content being displayed. For instance, during intense action sequences, the refresh rate can increase to keep up with the fast-moving frames. Conversely, during still images or less demanding activities like web browsing or document editing, the refresh rate can lower to save energy and reduce visual clutter (NVIDIA study).

The benefits of using VRR are numerous. First, it significantly enhances the gaming experience by providing more responsive and accurate visual feedback. This results in improved user experience and perceived visual quality, with some studies suggesting that the difference is up to 10%. Additionally, since VRR reduces tearing and stuttering, it makes fast-paced content more enjoyable and immersive.

Many modern monitors support VRR technology, such as those using Adaptive Sync or FreeSync. These technologies ensure that the monitor’s refresh rate is always synchronized with the graphics card or console output, providing a seamless visual experience. To enjoy the full benefits of VRR, it is recommended to upgrade your setup with one of these monitors.

Implementing VRR can be achieved through various methods depending on the specific hardware and software configuration. In some cases, it may require updating drivers or using specific game settings.