New vSync options in rFactor 2 - advantages/disadvantages

[davidan]

I noticed in the rFactor Config there are now some new options in rFactor 2 for vSync. Used to be you could only check the box.
Now there is the setting for choosing software, video, or GPU. anyone know pros/cons of each?
I have tried each of them and not telling a huge difference but does seem smoother for me with either video or GPU checked.

curious if anyone has found an explanation on these.

[davidan]

also after a little more testing this morning I realized there was FXAA support in the new build, here is a good video explanation.
I seem to be getting a boost in FPS and smoothness when using FXAA and software v-sync option. In fact when I tried to set the FXAA with the GPU/video settings it was as if it turned off vsync. So, still curious how this all fits together and the pros/cons of the settings.

This build is certainly a big step forward, great to see them making such good progress, been lapping at Sears 1.3 test release which is fun.

[Almsfan]

Can you add Sears Point to the server David?

[davidan]

I sure will, I will do that now ... might setup a test race there too for us to get the group together again for some more testing and fun.

[smokee]

Software sync: a timer is used to limit frames drawn to one per vsync period, based on your refresh rate setting. Caps the frame rate at no higher than refresh rate without the notch effect of hw vsync. testing has apparently shown this to be the best option for lowest latency.

GPU: this is the plr file's "flush previous frame" option moved to the UI. this will lower your frame rate in exchange for smoothness. don't use with SLI.

Video: standard hw vsync. only use if your frame rate is consistenly higher than the refresh rate of your monitor, and you object to the tearing effect.

[davidan]

Software sync: a timer is used to limit frames drawn to one per vsync period, based on your refresh rate setting. Caps the frame rate at no higher than refresh rate without the notch effect of hw vsync. testing has apparently shown this to be the best option for lowest latency.

GPU: this is the plr file's "flush previous frame" option moved to the UI. this will lower your frame rate in exchange for smoothness. don't use with SLI.

Video: standard hw vsync. only use if your frame rate is consistenly higher than the refresh rate of your monitor, and you object to the tearing effect.

Thanks Aaron, much appreciated.

[corsa]

For what it's worth, on my system when I installed the update, my FPS immediately DROPPED from 57-60 on Spa to 40 fps on Spa, which is the opposite what most people on the forum were reporting.

I checked the new sync settings and by default it was set to Software. I tried both GPU and Video, and had the same results. I then turned off sync altogether, and now I'm at 61 fps on Spa.

When I have more time, I'll try messing around with FSAA and the sync settings some more, but if anyone sees an FPS drop with the new update, try turning off sync.

[smokee]

Software sync created this crazy FPS fluctuation for me, back to video solved it.

I didn't notice a change in my FPS until I deleted my .plr file and started with a fresh one. Where I was getting 40-50 FPS with low settings, with a new .plr file I am getting a rock solid 60 fps on medium settings with 12 cars. Really big performance improvement there. This is without FSAA and HDR.

However while testing my video card decided it was done Now playing any game causes a crash with crazy colors in the display, resetting the PC (not turning it off) brings up the BIOS with the same crazy colors. Power cycle clears it until I play another game (any game). So I think she is done for.

Since the vid card is the newest piece of kit in my PC, and I am at the min specs for rF2, I think I am just going to pull the trigger and go crazy at Fry's this afternoon.

[Troy Dalton]

After my huge disappointment with the recent update, I tried all the "Sync" settings and there was no improvement. I will say this, before the update I had steady low FPS, but now it stutters badly and I get a 30-40 FPS fluctuation. So...yea...it's undriveable.

[steviejb]

Whilst it sucks for you Troy, I'm glad to see I'm not the only one suffering worse performance in the update. It is unacceptable how bad it is running. Project C.A.R.S runs so much better and smoother, as does Battlefield 3, as does F1 2011. In fact, every game I play runs better than rFactor 2. Every game I've stated there runs smooth and consistently with medium to max settings, but with rFactor 2? Crazy slow downs with stuff turned right up or turned right down.