Vertical Sync?
Should this setting be on or off for best graphics? The description is unclear. Thanks!
Forum Discussion
- In my experience, leaving it on is easier on my computer. If I turn it off, my computer gets hotter. I have a gaming desktop, so if your on a laptop or a computer without a graphics card, I'm not sure which is better. Try both ways and see which work best. See which one looks smoother, and keep an eye on your computer's temperature. If it seems like it gets too hot, turn it on.
(Long technical description in the spoiler)Spoiler
Vertical Sync locks the game frame rate to the refresh rate of your computer monitor.
Every monitor has a refresh rate. The refresh rate is how many times the screen "refreshes" itself in one second. Many monitors are 60hz refresh rate, some go up to 120hz.
Frame rate is how many times your game refreshes the picture that it sends to the monitor, measured in frames per second.
Think of the signal going to your computer like an old fashioned roll of movie film. Each film slide has a different picture (frame) on it. Play them all in a row really fast and you have a moving picture. Computers, TVs, anything with a screen works the same way.
Basically, vertical sync makes sure that your computer is not sending frames (pictures) to the monitor faster than it can show on the screen The purpose of it is to prevent "screen tearing" (where half of the picture looks offset from the other half) Turning it off may make everything move more smooth on screen, but it depends on the computer and the monitor. Try both ways and see which works best for you. Honestly, what I just said is probably less clear than the description. Sorry, I'm a computer geek. :#
Hope this helps. - It basically limits your FPS (frame rate) to max out at 60, which is generally all you actually need for a smooth experience. It's a positive thing, because it keeps your GPU cool. Keep it on.
There aren't any actual benefits to having more than 60 FPS, especially for a game like The Sims. - Awesome, thanks guys!
