AMD Introduces Enhanced Sync on Crimson ReLive 17.7.2 Drivers

The latest Radeon Crimson ReLive 17.7.2 driver update is the most feature-full yet from AMD. It delivers the next level of sync with Enhanced Sync. It does not replace Radeon’s FreeSync but rather compliments it. This feature is the equivalent to NVIDA’s FastSync. In comparison to Vertical Sync which minimizes screen tearing by making the video card create more frames, Enhanced Sync takes a different approach. With this feature enabled, there are tearing when frame rates dip below the monitor’s refresh rate, but the stuttering is minimal. This is ideal for shooter games since Vsync often introduces input pag.

As an example, AMD picks Overwatch which can benefit with 92 percent less stutter when the Sync Enhancement is enabled. AMD is not revealing any technical information yet on how this mechanism works exactly. When gaming in conjunction with FreeSync, AMD’s variable refresh rate technology, it should give Radeon users the smoothest experience yet.

Aside from the Sync features on the Crimson ReLive 17.7.2 drivers, the update also improves the Radeon Software. It polishes many of its core capabilities including an increase in bitrate recording for higher qualit videos. There is also a camera transparency option for streamers. New audio controls are also present which gives users the ability to control microphone volume and boost recordings. The Crimson ReLive 17.7.2 update also reduces the framerate overhead while using the software by 33 percent in a game like CoD: Infinite Warfare for example.

Radeon Chill

AMD is pushing their Radeon Chill further into the open, now found in the Game Manager interface. This feature intelligently scales down GPU usage when not in use, lessening heat output and power needs. AMD also expands the Radeon Chill support to 30+ titles in 2017, and it just keeps on growing.

Although the Radeon WattMan overclocking software loses the Chill feature, it gains the ability to underclock in the latest update. Users have granular P-state controls which helps dial down the power consumption.

Radeon Software Vanguard

AMD is also launching their Radeon Software Vanguard beta tester program in conjunction with the Crimson ReLive 17.7.2 release. It gives Radeon fans early access to Radeon Software drivers, submit bug reports, provide feedback and ideas directly to the Radeon team.

The latest drivers can be downloaded directly on AMD’s website at: http://support.amd.com/en-us/download