Setting up a gaming PC and all of its peripherals is more in-depth than a console. Most people already have televisions, and consoles have locked frame rates. Depending on the computer equipment, frames can run into the hundreds. Not all monitors are capable of such high numbers. Things like V-Sync, G-Sync, and FreeSync all exist to help games match the capabilities of the monitor.
Finding a monitor with G-Sync can be daunting, especially with FreeSync and floating V-Sync. Here we've found powerful G-Sync monitors, so you don't have to. But first, a few explanations.
G-Sync vs V-Sync vs FreeSync
G-Sync is a new technology developed by Nvidia. According to its website, G-Sync offers the smoothest and fastest gaming experience possible. It synchronizes the display refresh rate with the GPU of a GeForce GTX powered PC. G-Sync eliminates screen tearing and reduces input stutter and lag.
G-Synch aims to remove the need for V-Sync, letting the computer and monitor work together instead of relying on software to do the job.
AMD has its own solution called FreeSync. As monitors are designed to work with your graphics cards, G-Sync only works with Nvidia monitors while FreeSync will only work with AMD. You'll need to know what type of card you have before looking into monitors.
According to Nvidia, there are three types of G-Sync monitors: G-Sync Compatible, G-Sync, and G-Sync Ultimate. As the name suggests, G-Sync compatible monitors are simply compatible and have been validated and no artifacts were found; G-Sync monitors will have no artifacts and are tested; G-Sync Ultimate is tested without artifacts and will have the best HDR. G-Sync Ultimate monitors have the highest prices while compatible ones are on the lower end of the cost spectrum.
Nvidia also has a list of all G-Sync monitors. At first it makes it easy to find the best ones, but the list is huge and quickly gets overwhelming unless you know what you're looking for.
Refresh rate:
When it comes to a monitor's refresh rate, the higher the better. If you have a monitor that only refreshes at 60Hz, your max frames are capped at 60. This is fine for most games but should be considered the minimum for gaming. Thirty frames are suitable for movies, but not for games. You don't want 30 frames in a fast paced environment if you can avoid it.
Best G-Sync Ultimate monitors:
G-Sync Ultimate monitors are expensive and, predictably enough, there are fewer of them. Many of them are also 4K monitors. Just because a monitor is 4K compatible doesn't mean it qualifies for gaming or for a G-Sync Ultimate monitor. A 4K monitor is capable of producing beautiful images, but if it only gets subpar images, there's no stopping screen tearing.
Acer Predator X35
The Acer Predator X35 is a massive curved gaming monitor that reaches a whopping 35 inches, sports a nice 200Hz refresh rate, which will give gamers crisp, clean frames. This is a G-Sync Ultimate monitor with VESA and HDR certification. The monitor has a response time of 2 milliseconds. While no one will likely notice a slower response time, the lower the better.
Asus PG35VQ
If you're not a fan of the Acer Predator, here's the Asus Rog Swift PG35VQ. It might be a mouthful of a name, but it was worth every letter and number. It's a serious, if more expensive, contender against the Acer Predator. It has the same 2 millisecond response time, 200Hz response, and ultra-wide HD resolution, but it has a higher contrast ratio. The higher ratio will show better colors.
Acer ConceptD CP7271K
Don't let the picture fool you, this 4K-capable monitor is more than enough to handle any game. Acer's ConceptD combines gaming needs with 4K displays. The monitor has a 144Hz refresh rate, G-Sync Ultimate, and a 4 millisecond response time. It's not a curved monitor, however, and that might be a deal breaker for some. It is a new model and has not had time to find its own niche.
Best G-Sync Monitor
G-Sync monitors, as opposed to their bigger Ultimate cousins, are halfway between high cost and quality. These monitors are common and always cost a bit expensive.
Acer Predator X34
Acer makes great monitors and hence they are all over this list. The Acer Predator X34 is a cheaper sibling to the first monitor and features a curved display, 4 millisecond response time, ultra-widescreen HD with 1440p and a refresh rate of 100 Hz. It's a huge screen at almost 33 inches. For quality and cost, we'd like to see a higher refresh rate for better images.
Alienware WA3420DW
Not on NVIDIA's list, but one that gets great reviews on Amazon. It's a late 2019 model that far exceeds expectations. It has a fast 2 millisecond response time, 120Hz refresh rate, and a gorgeous HD display.
If there's a downside to this monitor, it's the price. There are a few hundred extra dollars added to the cost due to the Alienware branding.
Another monitor not on Nvidia's official list is the LG UltraGear – a massive 38-inch curved display with a 144Hz refresh rate. The monitor is capable of overclocking to 175Hz. fantastic 1 millisecond response. It looks like a G-Sync Ultimate monitor, and unfortunately the cost too.
Best G-Sync Compatible Monitor
This is the most common type of monitor listed. They are simply compatible, but not tested to the levels of other monitors. There are many possible choices, and they tend to come at the lowest prices (although they can still cost a few hundred).
Asus VG278QR
Asus and Acer rule this list, sometimes letting others have their say. The VG278QR from Asus is a 27-inch G-Sync compatible monitor that won't immediately break your wallet. It has an incredible 0,5 millisecond response time that blows away the competition. If that wasn't enough, it offers powerful contrast for a beautiful screen, 1080p refresh rate and 165Hz.
LG 34GL750-B
LG's Ultraear is a large curved screen. Sitting at 34 inches, the screen is massive. It's technically a FreeSync monitor, but G-Sync compatible, making it the best of both worlds when it comes to adaptive sync technology. Its response time is a little sluggish at 5 milliseconds, but it won't be noticeable in the heat of battle. The refresh rate is 144Hz, and for the price and size, that's a respectable rate.
Razer Raptor 27
The Razer Raptor 27 brandishes the Razer title and name. This is another monitor that plays for both teams with FreeSync and G-Sync compatibility. It's a smaller 27-inch, non-curved monitor. It has a 1 millisecond response time and a 144Hz refresh rate. Colors are what we've come to expect from Razer products.
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