AMD updates FreeSync certification requirements

AMD has announced an update to the certification requirements for FreeSync. Under the new standards, there will be a significant reduction in the number of 1080P and 1440P displays that support FreeSync.

Introduced in 2015, FreeSync was presented by AMD as an alternative to NVIDIA G-Sync and VESA VRR, addressing issues such as screen tearing and stuttering through synchronization of the display refresh rate with the GPU, thereby enhancing the gaming experience. Over the years, FreeSync has evolved to become the largest gaming display ecosystem in the market, with over 4,000 certified displays compatible with a wide array of devices and platforms (including TVs, monitors, laptops, and gaming consoles) and supporting DisplayPort, HDMI, and USB connectors.

With the continuous advancement in display technology, FreeSync too has seen significant developments, such as the introduction of AMD FreeSync Premium Pro in 2017, which incorporated HDR features to ensure the brightness and color accuracy of certified displays. The increase in refresh rates represents a notable trend in the industry in recent years, moving from a rarity in 2015 to a point where most gaming monitors now offer at least 144Hz. To reflect the latest standards and technological advancements in the gaming sector, AMD has decided to update the technical requirements for FreeSync certification, indicating that the maximum refresh rates for monitors and TVs have been elevated to align with today’s elite standards, and HDR requirements have been harmonized with ecosystem specifications, while the criteria for laptops remain unchanged.