Intel Plans to Support AMD FreeSync




/ 9 years ago

intel_amd_nvidia

AMD may win the adaptive refresh format wars based on what Intel is planning to do. Despite being arch rivals in the desktop x86 CPU segment, Intel appears to be backing the VESA Adaptive Sync protocol, more commonly known as AMD’s FreeSync. This could spell trouble for rival Nvidia’s proprietary G-Sync solution. Supporting Adaptive-Sync makes sense for Intel as their iGPUs are still relatively weak and could use the variable refresh rate to support smoother gameplay.

Chief Graphics Software Architect David Blythe noted that Intel was favorable towards standards-based solutions like FreeSync which has been adopted by VESA as Adaptive-Sync. Intel will eventually support Adaptive-Sync with their iGPUs but there is no timeframe yet for when this feature will roll out.

While a source has indicated that current hardware is not capable of Adaptive-Sync, that might still change. Adaptive-Sync is an optional addition to Display Port 1.2a, which Broadwell and Skylake should support. If Intel’s iGPU hardware is capable of supporting Adaptive-Sync, it is possible that a driver update will enable Adaptive-Sync in the future. Of course, if the hardware is lacking as the source says it is, then we will have to wait till after Skylake.

While both Adaptive-Sync and G-Sync require additional hardware for the monitor (frame scaler or GSync module), Adaptive-Sync is generally cheaper to implement and does not require vendor lock-in to Nvidia. Intel does have a commanding position in terms of total GPU market share and even if Intel doesn’t enforce Adaptive-Sync for say, Ultrabooks, it can still be a huge boon for the standard and AMD, potentially forcing Nvidia to support Adaptive-Sync too.

Thank you TechReport for providing us with this information


Topics: , , , , , , , , ,

Support eTeknix.com

By supporting eTeknix, you help us grow and continue to bring you the latest newsreviews, and competitions. Follow us on FacebookTwitter and Instagram to keep up with the latest technology news, reviews and more. Share your favourite articles, chat with the team and more. Also check out eTeknix YouTube, where you'll find our latest video reviews, event coverage and features in 4K!

Looking for more exciting features on the latest technology? Check out our What We Know So Far section or our Fun Reads for some interesting original features.

eTeknix Facebook eTeknix Twitter eTeknix Instagram eTeknix Instagram
  • Be Social With eTeknix

    Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram Reddit RSS Discord Patreon TikTok Twitch
  • Features


Send this to a friend
})