Screen tearing is a common visual artifact that occurs when a display shows portions of multiple frames in a single screen draw, typically happening when the frame rate output by the GPU is not synchronized with the monitor's refresh rate. This results in a disjointed image that can be particularly disruptive in fast-paced video games or videos. Fortunately, several effective methods exist to prevent or minimize screen tearing.

One of the most traditional and widely supported methods is Vertical Synchronization, or V-Sync. This technology works by forcing the graphics card to wait for the monitor to complete its current refresh cycle before sending a new frame. By capping the frame rate to match the monitor's refresh rate (e.g., 60 FPS for a 60Hz monitor), V-Sync eliminates tearing. However, a significant drawback is the potential introduction of input lag and stuttering if the frame rate drops below the refresh rate.

To address the limitations of V-Sync, hardware-based adaptive sync technologies were developed. NVIDIA's G-Sync and AMD's FreeSync are the two leading standards. These solutions require a compatible monitor and graphics card. Instead of the GPU adjusting to the monitor, the monitor's refresh rate dynamically adapts to the exact frame rate being output by the GPU. This real-time synchronization virtually eliminates screen tearing, stuttering, and input lag, providing a much smoother visual experience.

Another practical approach is to adjust in-game settings to achieve a stable frame rate. If your system cannot consistently output frames at your monitor's maximum refresh rate, manually limiting the frame rate to a stable, slightly lower value can help reduce the occurrence of tearing. Some users also find that enabling a "Fast Sync" option (an advanced form of V-Sync) or using a frame rate cap in conjunction with triple buffering can offer a good balance between smoothness and responsiveness.

For console gamers, enabling the provided display settings is often sufficient. Most modern consoles have an option to automatically select the best output resolution and refresh rate for your TV or monitor, which often includes support for variable refresh rate (VRR) technologies similar to FreeSync or G-Sync.

In summary, the most common methods for preventing screen tearing are enabling V-Sync, utilizing adaptive sync technologies like G-Sync and FreeSync, and manually managing your frame rate for stability. The best solution depends on your specific hardware setup and whether you prioritize absolute visual fidelity or minimal input lag.