Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) technology, such as G-Sync and FreeSync, adjusts a monitor’s refresh rate to match the frame rate of games. While this improves gameplay smoothness, it can sometimes lead to issues like flickering, which is notably problematic on VA and OLED panels, though some IPS and TN screens may also experience it.
This flickering often results from the game’s fluctuating frame rates or sudden changes in frame time, particularly during shader compilation or when entering new areas in open-world games. VA panels are especially sensitive to voltage changes tied to refresh rate adjustments, making flickering more pronounced in these displays.
Although VRR enhances gameplay smoothness, it may lead to unwanted flickering. Reducing frame rates can often help alleviate this issue.
MSI
One straightforward solution to avoid flickering is to disable VRR. While this requires reverting to V-Sync (vertical synchronization) and accepting potential tearing, it consistently eliminates flickering issues. The bright side is that you can selectively turn off VRR for specific games in your GPU settings without affecting all your applications.
Alternatively, you might consider capping the frame rate in games that exhibit flickering. By setting a maximum frame rate that your GPU can consistently achieve, you can often prevent tearing. For games sensitive to slight frame rate fluctuations, limiting the frame rate to a stable 60 FPS may help mitigate the flickering.
Enabling V-Sync can help eliminate monitor flickering, though you may experience tearing as a trade-off.
IDG
If flickering is less prominent at higher frame rates, consider tweaking your graphics settings. By optimizing these settings, you may allow your graphics card to maintain frame rates above 75 FPS consistently. At frame rates reaching around 100 FPS or higher, VRR-related flickering should diminish significantly.
In the event that these solutions don’t resolve the flickering issue, the most drastic option would be to invest in a new monitor. If you’re currently using a VA panel, switching to an IPS panel may reduce susceptibility to VRR flickering. Conversely, if you have an OLED monitor, a move to a different display type might mitigate the problem since OLEDs are particularly prone to flickering.
However, it’s advisable to try the other methods before considering a purchase. Many times, simple adjustments to your settings can yield significant improvements and may completely eradicate flickering.