FPS > Screen Refresh Rate

So, this might be a stupid question, but I actually have wondered this for a while.

Let's say my screen's refresh rate is 60hz, so it would update 60 times a second. If my game's fps is over 60, would I notice a difference between 61 and 150 fps? Since the game is producing over 60 frames per second and the screen can only update 60 times a second, would the screen not be able to keep up with the graphics card?

 

In a worst case scenario ... screen tearing would occur.
If such a case emerges, then it probably would be beneficial for you to activate V-Sync.
It will limit your FPS to screen refresh rate.

 

Yes, the screen would drop frames, or like Deks said, it will start displaying a new frame before it's finished displaying the current frame, what's known as 'tearing'. For most games, turn on vSync to improve the 'smoothness'. For things like shooters, leave off vSync. Even if the frame doesn't display it is still rendered, so things like moving and shooting will process faster and more accurately, even if it's not displayed.

 

I know in Source games, the cvar "fps_max" can be used to limit the number of frames that the game will render, effectively acting as Vsync without enabling it.
For a 60 Hz display like mine, I use fps_max 61.

 

The only advantage to having frame rate higher than your screen refresh rate is if the action hits hard and drops the frame rate it gives you a little "buffer" to fall back on.

Other than that nothing.

I always use Vsync on games that are in high FPS its easier on the computer because it limits how hard the cpu/gpu work, making it so they only render the frames needed, it also helps to prevent any tearing.

 

Agreed on the buffer part. SC2 will run at 60fps at the beginning but bog down to 30 or so during battles later on in the game for me. Question about VSync. Will it ultimately lower my overall fps trying to sync with my screen's refresh rate? Like only doing 30 when my GPU can actually do 40?

 

screen tear > turn on vsync to prevent this

 

Yes its possible to have that situation where it will limit to 30 when it can be doing 40.

But in a game like SC2 30fps is probably looking and performing just as smooth as 40. I would not worry about it unless its a "twitch" game like say Unreal Tournament or Counter Strike that requires incredibly fast screen movement or a game that cant keep the 30fps limit at all times as the next stop down is like 15fps and thats pretty bad in almost all game situations.

 

So, when playing online FPS games like Modern Warfare 2 or Team Fortress 2, would it help to enable V-Sync?

 

I would, if its an issue just turn it off.