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How to Fix Screen Tearing and Unsmooth Gameplay: The Ultimate 2025 Guide

2/18/2025

How to Fix Screen Tearing and Unsmooth Gameplay: The Ultimate 2025 Guide 

From Basic Fixes to Advanced Tweaks for PC, Consoles, and Laptops

Screen tearing and choppy gameplay can turn even the most thrilling games into frustrating experiences. These issues stem from mismatches between your hardware's output and your display's capabilities, but solutions vary based on your setup. This guide covers proven fixes for all platforms, including niche scenarios, hardware hacks, and game-specific optimizations.

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1. Diagnose the Problem

Before fixing, identify the root cause:

  • Screen Tearing: Horizontal "split" frames during fast motion.

  • Stuttering: Irregular frame delivery causing hitches.

  • Input Lag: Delayed response to controls.

  • Low FPS: Consistently poor performance.

Tools to Diagnose:

  • MSI Afterburner (PC): Monitor FPS, GPU/CPU usage, and temps.

  • Xbox Game Bar (Win + G): Built-in FPS counter for Windows games.

  • Console Performance Modes: Enable 120Hz/FPS tracking in PS5/Xbox settings.

2. Platform-Specific Fixes

PC

  • Disable Fullscreen Optimizations:Right-click game .exe > Properties > Compatibility > Check Disable Fullscreen Optimizations.

  • Override High DPI Scaling:Same menu > Change high DPI settings > Check Override scaling behavior.

  • Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling (Windows):Enable in Settings > System > Display > Graphics.

Consoles

  • Enable 120Hz Mode:PS5: Settings > Screen/Video > Video Output > 120Hz.Xbox: Settings > General > TV & Display Options > Refresh Rate.

  • VRR (Variable Refresh Rate):Requires HDMI 2.1 and compatible TV (e.g., LG OLED CX).

Laptops

  • Disable Hybrid Graphics: Use dGPU-only mode via BIOS or OEM software (e.g., NVIDIA Optimus).

  • Power Plan: Set to High Performance and disable battery-saving throttling.

3. Adaptive Sync Deep Dive

G-Sync (NVIDIA) / FreeSync (AMD):

  • Check Compatibility:

    • NVIDIA: G-Sync Certified List

    • AMD: FreeSync Premium List

  • Enable Correctly:

    • NVIDIA: NVIDIA Control Panel > Display > Set up G-Sync.

    • AMD: Radeon Settings > Display > AMD FreeSync.

    • Always pair with V-Sync OFF in-game.

Intel Arc GPUs:

  • Use Adaptive Sync in Arc Control for HDMI/DP outputs.

4. Frame Rate Limiters: When and How to Use Them

  • In-Game Limiters: Prefer these (e.g., Fortnite, Apex Legends) for stability.

  • RTSS (RivaTuner): Best for games without built-in limiters. Set to 2-3 FPS below monitor's refresh rate.

  • NVIDIA/AMD Tools:

    • NVIDIA: Max Frame Rate in Control Panel.

    • AMD: Radeon Chill for dynamic capping.

5. Advanced Sync Alternatives

  • Fast Sync (NVIDIA): For high FPS (>2x refresh rate) scenarios. Reduces tearing without lag.

  • Enhanced Sync (AMD): Similar to Fast Sync for Radeon GPUs.

  • Low Latency Modes:

    • NVIDIA Reflex: Mandatory for competitive shooters.

    • AMD Anti-Lag: Enable in Adrenalin > Gaming > Graphics.

6. Game-Specific Fixes

  • Elden Ring / FromSoftware Games: Disable in-game V-Sync and force Borderless Fullscreen via Flawless Widescreen tool.

  • Cyberpunk 2077: Enable DLSS/FSR 3.0 Frame Generation + cap FPS to 60 for smoothness.

  • Emulators (e.g., Yuzu, PCSX2): Use Vulkan/OpenGL backend and enable Vsync in the emulator settings.

7. Hardware Upgrades on a Budget

  • Freesync Over HDMI: Many budget monitors now support adaptive sync via HDMI (e.g., AOC 24G2).

  • Used GPUs: Snag an RTX 3060 Ti or RX 6700 XT for under $250 to eliminate bottlenecks.

  • SSD Required: Replace HDDs to fix stuttering in open-world games (Red Dead Redemption 2).

8. Fixing "Microstutters"

  • Shader Compilation Stutter: Pre-compile shaders (e.g., DXVK Async for DX11/12 games).

  • Background Processes: Use Process Lasso to prioritize game CPU cores.

  • Mouse Polling Rate: Lower to 500Hz if stutters occur during mouse movement.

9. TV and Monitor Settings

  • Game Mode: Enable on TVs to disable post-processing (Samsung: Settings > General > Game Mode).

  • Overdrive Settings: Set to Medium to avoid ghosting (e.g., ASUS TUF Gaming monitors).

  • HDMI Black Level: Match RGB Limited (TV) with RGB Full (PC) to prevent washed-out colors.

10. FAQs

Q: Can I use FreeSync with an NVIDIA GPU? A: Yes! Most FreeSync monitors are "G-Sync Compatible." Enable in NVIDIA Control Panel.

Q: Does HDMI 2.0 support 144Hz? A: At 1080p/144Hz or 1440p/120Hz, yes. For 4K/120Hz+, use HDMI 2.1 or DisplayPort 1.4.

Q: Why is my game stuttering even at high FPS? A: Check for background apps, thermal throttling, or inconsistent frame pacing (use RTSS's Scanline Sync).

Final Checklist

  1. Enable Adaptive Sync (G-Sync/FreeSync).

  2. Cap FPS 2-3 below monitor's refresh rate.

  3. Update GPU drivers and disable conflicting overlays (Discord/Xbox Game Bar).

  4. Test in fullscreen mode with V-Sync OFF.

  5. Monitor temps/usage for thermal throttling.

Conclusion

Screen tearing and stuttering are solvable with the right mix of settings, hardware, and patience. Whether you're on a 500laptopora500laptopora3,000 gaming rig, this guide equips you to eliminate visual hiccups and reclaim buttery-smooth gameplay. Now dive back into your favorite titles-tear-free and stutterless! 🎮