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Should I Turn VRR On or Off on PS5? A Gamer’s Deep Dive

The short answer is almost always YES, you should turn VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) ON on your PS5. The benefits, including reduced input lag, smoother frame rates, and minimized screen tearing, overwhelmingly outweigh the potential drawbacks for most gamers and most games. But like any advanced technology, VRR isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Understanding the nuances and potential issues is crucial to maximizing your gaming experience. Let’s explore when and why VRR shines, and when you might consider disabling it.

Understanding VRR and Its Impact on PS5 Gaming

VRR is a technology that dynamically adjusts your display’s refresh rate to match the frame rate output of your PS5. Traditionally, displays refresh at a fixed rate (e.g., 60Hz or 120Hz). When the PS5’s frame rate doesn’t perfectly align with this fixed refresh rate, you can experience screen tearing (a visual artifact where parts of the image are out of sync) and stuttering (uneven frame pacing). VRR eliminates these problems by ensuring the display refreshes in lockstep with the PS5’s output, resulting in a smoother, more responsive gaming experience.

The PS5 leverages HDMI 2.1 to deliver VRR. Therefore, you’ll need a TV or monitor with HDMI 2.1 support to take advantage of this feature. Many modern gaming monitors, like the EX2710U or EX3210U, are equipped with dual HDMI 2.1 ports, designed to accommodate the PS5’s capabilities.

The Pros of Enabling VRR on PS5

Reduced Input Lag: A primary benefit, especially for competitive multiplayer games. By syncing the display with the console’s output, VRR minimizes the delay between your actions and what you see on screen. This can provide a crucial edge in fast-paced games.
Eliminated Screen Tearing: Say goodbye to distracting horizontal lines slicing through the image. VRR eliminates screen tearing, creating a cleaner and more visually pleasing gaming experience.
Smoother Frame Rates: Even if a game’s frame rate fluctuates, VRR helps maintain a consistent and fluid feel. This is particularly noticeable in games that struggle to maintain a steady 60fps.
Improved Image Quality: By allowing the PS5 to output a more stable signal, VRR can improve the perceived clarity and sharpness of the image.

The Cons and Caveats of Using VRR on PS5

Compatibility Issues: Some games may experience graphical glitches or instability when VRR is enabled. This is relatively rare, but it’s something to be aware of.
Display Limitations: Older TVs or monitors may not support VRR, or may have limited VRR ranges. A display that doesn’t fully support VRR can lead to unexpected issues.
Local Dimming Problems: Certain LCD TVs may exhibit issues with local dimming when VRR is active. This can result in poor black levels and reduced contrast.
Black Frame Insertion (BFI) Incompatibility: Some TVs disable BFI when VRR is enabled. BFI can improve motion clarity, so losing this feature may be a drawback for some users.
Potential Unsmooth Camera Movements: In a few isolated cases, VRR can introduce minor unsmoothness in camera movements, especially in games with already unstable frame pacing.

When to Consider Turning VRR Off

While VRR is generally beneficial, there are specific scenarios where you might want to disable it:

Game-Specific Issues: If you encounter graphical glitches or performance problems in a particular game with VRR enabled, try disabling it in the PS5 settings to see if that resolves the issue.
Display Incompatibility: If your TV or monitor doesn’t properly support VRR, or if you’re experiencing visual artifacts, disabling VRR may be the best option.
Preference for a Locked Frame Rate: Some players prefer the consistent feel of a locked frame rate, even if it means sacrificing the benefits of VRR. In such cases, disabling VRR and relying on the game’s built-in frame rate limiter might be preferable.

How to Enable or Disable VRR on PS5

Go to Settings on your PS5.
Select Screen and Video.
Select Video Output.
Find VRR.
Choose Automatic to enable VRR for supported games or Off to disable it. You can also choose Apply to Unsupported Games, but use this feature with caution as it may cause issues with some titles.

The Importance of HDMI 2.1

The PS5 utilizes the HDMI 2.1 standard to deliver VRR at its full potential. HDMI 2.1 offers a significantly higher bandwidth (48Gbps) than previous HDMI versions, allowing for higher resolutions, faster refresh rates, and advanced features like VRR and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM).

If you want to maximize your PS5’s graphical capabilities, it’s essential to use an HDMI 2.1 cable and connect to a display that supports HDMI 2.1.

Maximizing Performance: 120Hz and VRR

For the best possible gaming experience on PS5, aim for a display with a 120Hz refresh rate that supports VRR over HDMI 2.1. This combination allows the PS5 to output up to 120 frames per second, while VRR ensures that the display refreshes in perfect sync with the console’s output, eliminating screen tearing and stuttering.

VRR and 1440p Resolution

The PS5 now supports VRR at 1440p resolution, which is great news for gamers who use monitors with this resolution. This means you can enjoy the benefits of VRR without sacrificing image clarity.

The Relationship Between VRR and Frame Rate

VRR does not directly increase your frame rate. Instead, it ensures that your display refreshes at the same rate as the game’s frame rate, preventing screen tearing and stuttering. In some cases, VRR can indirectly improve performance by allowing the PS5 to dynamically adjust its resolution targets, potentially leading to slightly higher frame rates. As the article mentioned, “activating VRR results in performance gains of 12-13%, and as much as 25% in some cases, over the old 40fps limit.”

List of VRR Optimised Games

While applying VRR can extend to unsupported games, here’s a list of games that have been specifically optimized for VRR:

Astro’s Playroom PS5
Back 4 Blood PS5
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War PS5
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 PS5
Call of Duty: Vanguard PS5
Deathloop PS5
Destiny 2 PS5
Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition PS5

The Future of VRR and Gaming

VRR is becoming increasingly prevalent in the gaming world, and we can expect to see even more games and displays supporting this technology in the future. As consoles become more powerful and displays become more advanced, VRR will play an even more crucial role in delivering smooth, responsive, and visually stunning gaming experiences. Institutions like the Games Learning Society are researching and developing ways to use these technologies to enhance education and learning (GamesLearningSociety.org).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does VRR increase FPS?

No, VRR doesn’t directly increase the frames per second (FPS) your PS5 outputs. It synchronizes your display’s refresh rate with the game’s frame rate to prevent screen tearing and stuttering. In some situations, it can allow for a more stable and consistently higher FPS by removing the constraints of a fixed refresh rate, but it’s not a performance booster in itself.

2. Will VRR work on any TV?

No, VRR requires your TV or monitor to support the technology, usually through HDMI 2.1. Check your display’s specifications to confirm VRR compatibility.

3. Is VRR the same as 120Hz?

No. 120Hz is the refresh rate of your display—how many times per second the screen updates. VRR is a technology that allows your display’s refresh rate to dynamically adjust to match the frame rate output of your PS5. You can have a 120Hz display without VRR, and VRR is most effective when paired with a high refresh rate like 120Hz.

4. Does VRR introduce input lag?

VRR is designed to reduce input lag. By syncing the display’s refresh rate with the PS5’s output, VRR minimizes the delay between your actions and what you see on screen.

5. Should I use VRR with a 60Hz display?

While VRR can still provide some benefits on a 60Hz display, it’s most noticeable and effective when paired with a higher refresh rate like 120Hz. On a 60Hz display, the range of refresh rate adjustment is limited.

6. Why does my screen go black when I enable VRR?

This can happen if your HDMI cable is not of high enough quality to support HDMI 2.1 or if your display has compatibility issues with VRR. Try using a certified HDMI 2.1 cable and ensuring your display’s firmware is up to date. As one part of the original article mentioned, “Alex’s Samsung NU8000 TV showed a black screen when launching a game with VRR enabled.”

7. Does VRR affect image resolution?

VRR doesn’t directly affect resolution. However, by allowing for more stable frame rates, VRR can sometimes enable the PS5 to maintain higher dynamic resolution targets, leading to a slightly sharper image.

8. Can I use VRR on games that don’t officially support it?

Yes, the PS5 allows you to apply VRR to games that don’t officially support it. However, this may cause graphical glitches or performance issues in some games. It’s best to test and see if it works well on a per-game basis.

9. Is VRR worth it for single-player games?

Yes, VRR is beneficial for single-player games as it can smooth out frame rate fluctuations and eliminate screen tearing, resulting in a more immersive and visually pleasing experience.

10. How do I know if VRR is working correctly?

Most displays have an on-screen display (OSD) that shows the current refresh rate. You can use this to verify that the refresh rate is dynamically adjusting based on the game’s frame rate. Also, if screen tearing is gone, it’s working.

11. Does VRR drain more power?

VRR can sometimes reduce power consumption, especially at idle or when displaying less demanding content. However, the difference is usually minimal.

12. What settings should I use with VRR on my PS5?

Ensure your PS5 is set to output the highest resolution and refresh rate supported by your display. Enable HDR if your display supports it. Experiment with different game modes and picture settings to find what looks best to you.

13. Does VRR work with all PS5 games?

No, not all PS5 games are optimized for VRR. However, you can enable VRR for unsupported games in the PS5 settings, but be aware that this may cause issues in some titles.

14. Is VRR a must-have for PS5 gaming?

While not strictly essential, VRR is highly recommended for PS5 gaming. It significantly enhances the visual experience by reducing screen tearing and stuttering, resulting in a smoother, more responsive, and more immersive gameplay experience.

15. What’s the best HDMI cable for VRR on PS5?

Use a certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable (also known as HDMI 2.1 cable). These cables are designed to support the higher bandwidth required for VRR, 4K resolution, and 120Hz refresh rates.

In conclusion, VRR is a valuable technology that can significantly enhance your gaming experience on the PS5. While there are some potential drawbacks and compatibility issues to be aware of, the benefits of reduced input lag, smoother frame rates, and eliminated screen tearing generally outweigh the risks. Experiment with VRR on your PS5 and see how it improves your gaming experience!

Should I turn VRR on or off PS5?