A game can produce frames at one rhythm while the monitor refreshes at another. When parts of different frames appear in a single displayed image, you may notice a horizontal break during movement. VSync is one way of controlling when frames are presented to the display.
NVIDIA’s FrameView guide explains the distinction between synchronised presentation and testing with VSync disabled, where tearing can occur. A frame-rate figure therefore needs the presentation settings beside it before it becomes a fair comparison.
Test a repeatable camera movement
Choose a quiet scene where you can turn the camera past a vertical edge such as a doorway. Run the same movement with the setting off and on. Note tearing, the steadiness of motion and how the controls feel. Avoid changing resolution and several graphics options during the same test.
If you compare screenshots alone, you may miss the problem you are trying to evaluate. Frame presentation is a timing issue. A short repeatable movement is more informative than two unrelated still images.
Check which setting is actually in charge
A game setting, driver profile and display configuration can interact. Record whether you are using fullscreen or a windowed mode and whether variable refresh is enabled. Follow the guidance for your graphics driver, monitor and game rather than assuming every combination behaves identically.
Variable-refresh technologies and a conventional fixed-refresh VSync setting are related but not interchangeable labels. Likewise, a frame-rate cap controls a limit but does not by itself explain the entire presentation path.
Your preferred setting may depend on the game. A slow exploration title and a fast competitive match can make different tradeoffs feel important. Do not declare the lower displayed frame count a failure without checking whether the image is steadier and whether responsiveness remains suitable.
Save the result as a small per-game note. “VSync on, this display mode, less tearing, controls acceptable” is a useful observation. “Always turn it off” leaves out the equipment and experience that made the choice sensible.