Screen tearing occurs when GPU frame rates mismatch monitor refresh speeds

Visual artifacts appear on screens

Screen tearing creates a jagged patchwork of imagery during gameplay. An in-game avatar might show its torso separated from its legs and head. This visual problem is common among PC gamers but can affect console users too.

Hardware mismatch causes the issue

The problem stems from a difference between how fast hardware renders frames and how fast displays show them. Many GPUs are not tethered to the monitor speed during operation. Sometimes a GPU will outpace the monitor while rendering video frames.

Technologies help coordinate frames

A combination of technologies now helps coordinate frames between graphics cards and monitors. These tools ensure that screen tearing is no longer a common scourge for players. Modern solutions allow the image rendering pipeline to function like a synchronized assembly line.