Advantages of Using Triple Buffering in 3-D Games

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04/02/2024

With double buffering (and Vsync enabled), 3-D games must wait until the next vertical retrace before they can start rendering the next frame. Vertical retraces occur at the vertical refresh rate, typically in the 60–100 Hz range. If supported by the graphics controller, turning off Vsync eliminates this delay and provides the highest frame rate. However, it can cause a visual artifact called tearing.

With triple buffering enabled, the game renders a frame in one back buffer. While it is waiting to flip, it can start rendering in the other back buffer. The result is that the frame rate is typically higher than double buffering (and Vsync enabled) without any tearing.

You can turn on triple buffering in the graphics or video options of many games. No driver settings can enable this feature.