The original technical standard "FreeSync" is open, but companies can pay a little to have it tested to achieve "certification." Many standards are that way - you can implement the technology, but if you want the logo, you have to pay for it.
Without paying for certification, you can declare you are "VESA Adaptive-Sync" compliant, but that's it.
And FreeSync 2 *isn't* open the way FreeSync (1) is. FreeSync 2 is the new standard that supports HDR.
From what I have gathered, if monitors are Free-Sync Certified your monitors are certified and tested to be compatible with AMD graphic cards. Bugs/Fixes/Updates on AMD graphic cards will work in conjunction with the certified monitors. I believe a lot of Korean and lesser-known branded monitors fall in this spectrum of "VESA Adaptive-Sync" monitors.
I groaned at first, but TBH it's a little better than what we had before. It was confusing that FreeSync and FreeSync 2 were concurrent standards.
At least now there will be some clarity between the basic junk you get with 60-75Hz FreeSync, high refresh rate FreeSync Premium, and the HDR bells-and-whistle Premium Pro.
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Valantar - Monday, January 6, 2020 - link
What does "FreeSync-certified" mean? I thought FS was an open standard available to anyone? Isn't certification limited to FreeSync 2?CharonPDX - Monday, January 6, 2020 - link
The original technical standard "FreeSync" is open, but companies can pay a little to have it tested to achieve "certification." Many standards are that way - you can implement the technology, but if you want the logo, you have to pay for it.Without paying for certification, you can declare you are "VESA Adaptive-Sync" compliant, but that's it.
And FreeSync 2 *isn't* open the way FreeSync (1) is. FreeSync 2 is the new standard that supports HDR.
handgelina - Monday, January 6, 2020 - link
From what I have gathered, if monitors are Free-Sync Certified your monitors are certified and tested to be compatible with AMD graphic cards. Bugs/Fixes/Updates on AMD graphic cards will work in conjunction with the certified monitors. I believe a lot of Korean and lesser-known branded monitors fall in this spectrum of "VESA Adaptive-Sync" monitors.Slash3 - Tuesday, January 7, 2020 - link
AMD just earlier today restructured the Freesync hierarchy, adding to the confusion.https://community.amd.com/community/gaming/blog/20...
Spunjji - Tuesday, January 7, 2020 - link
I groaned at first, but TBH it's a little better than what we had before. It was confusing that FreeSync and FreeSync 2 were concurrent standards.At least now there will be some clarity between the basic junk you get with 60-75Hz FreeSync, high refresh rate FreeSync Premium, and the HDR bells-and-whistle Premium Pro.