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Why VRR is not a magic bullet for fixing poor performance


Variable refresh rate is game-changer - but it has it limits and doesn't automatically fix performance problems. Digital Foundry reports.

Assuming the time taken to calculate the frame is similar in duration to the last one, you can effectively run at arbitrary frame-rates and the perception of the user is of smooth, consistent, tear-free gaming without being married to any particular performance target. However, VRR remains a crucial technology in that you no longer need to doggedly pursue a fixed performance target for consistent gaming - and in turn this radically diminishes the importance of frame-rate as a metric. The challenge is in establishing metrics that are readily understandable by an audience that's come to accept FPS as the default measurement of performance for decades now - but this is important enough for us to put considerable time and effort into getting right, and change has to come, sooner or later.

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