With gaming becoming increasingly demanding in terms of graphics and performance, hardware manufacturers are developing innovative solutions to deliver better frame rates, higher resolutions, and stunning visuals without the need for continuous hardware upgrades. Two of the most advanced technologies in this space are AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution 4 (FSR 4) and NVIDIA’s Deep Learning Super Sampling 4 (DLSS 4). Both technologies leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to upscale lower-resolution images, significantly improving visual quality and performance in supported games. But what makes these technologies different, and how do they compare? Let’s dive deep into a comprehensive comparison of FSR 4 vs. DLSS 4.
What is FSR 4?
FSR 4 is the latest version of AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR), a collection of upscaling techniques aimed at improving frame rates and image quality. FSR 4 marks a significant leap forward, as it introduces hardware-accelerated AI upscaling for the first time, supported by the latest RDNA 4 architecture on AMD’s Radeon RX 9000 series GPUs.
Key Features of FSR 4:
- AI-Powered Upscaling: FSR 4 uses AI-based upscaling to enhance performance and image quality. Unlike its predecessors (FSR 1, FSR 2, and FSR 3), which were algorithm-driven but not AI-powered, FSR 4 integrates hardware-accelerated AI via AMD's AI Accelerators to achieve superior results in demanding scenarios like 1080p to 4K upscaling.
- Hardware Acceleration: FSR 4 is exclusive to AMD's Radeon RX 9000 series, using the newly developed RDNA 4 architecture, which incorporates AI cores for faster AI calculations and upscaling. This hardware acceleration ensures better results than previous FSR versions.
- Image Quality and Performance: With FSR 4, users can experience a significant boost in both image stability and definition compared to FSR 3.1, especially in performance mode. The new algorithm delivers sharper visuals and more consistent frame rates, offering up to 3.7x frame rate improvements in supported titles.
- Compatibility: While FSR 4 requires Radeon RX 9000 series GPUs, it remains backward-compatible with FSR 3.1, meaning many games that already supported FSR 3.1 can easily upgrade to the new FSR 4 method.
What is DLSS 4?
DLSS 4, short for Deep Learning Super Sampling 4, is the latest iteration of NVIDIA’s DLSS technology. Unlike AMD’s FSR, which was initially developed as an open-source solution, DLSS uses deep learning and neural networks to upscale images, offering enhanced image quality and higher performance.
- Multi-Frame Generation: One of the key features of DLSS 4 is Multi-Frame Generation, which can generate additional frames based on a single traditionally rendered frame, boosting performance while maintaining low latency. This feature is exclusive to NVIDIA’s RTX 50 series GPUs, featuring NVIDIA’s fifth-generation Tensor Cores.
- Super Resolution: DLSS 4 uses a neural network to upscale lower-resolution images to higher resolutions (e.g., from 1080p to 4K), providing ultra-sharp visuals. The updated algorithm delivers fewer artifacts and improved image stability compared to previous versions.
- Enhanced Performance: DLSS 4 provides significant performance boosts without compromising on image quality. Multi-Frame Generation allows for a higher frame rate while maintaining low latency and enhancing the gaming experience, especially in action-packed games.
- Broad GPU Support: DLSS 4 is supported on a wider range of NVIDIA GPUs, including the RTX 20, 30, 40, and the new RTX 50 series. However, the Multi-Frame Generation feature is exclusive to RTX 50 series GPUs, giving these cards a significant edge in terms of performance.
FSR 4 vs. DLSS 4: Key Differences
| Feature | FSR 4 (AMD) | DLSS 4 (NVIDIA) |
|---|---|---|
| Core Technology | AI-powered upscaling using RDNA 4 AI cores | Deep learning upscaling with neural networks |
| GPU Compatibility | Exclusive to Radeon RX 9000 series GPUs | RTX 20, 30, 40, and 50 series (Multi-Frame Generation is exclusive to RTX 50 series) |
| Performance Gains | Up to 3.7x frame rate improvements | Enhanced frame rate with Multi-Frame Generation (exclusive to RTX 50) |
| Image Quality | Sharper visuals and better stability in demanding scenarios | Improved sharpness with fewer artifacts, especially in fast-moving scenes |
| Exclusive Features | Hardware-accelerated AI upscaling, exclusive to RX 9000 series | Multi-Frame Generation, exclusive to RTX 50 series |
| Implementation | Compatible with FSR 3.1 titles, offering a smooth upgrade | Uses Tensor Cores for advanced upscaling and additional frame generation |
| Target Audience | Radeon GPU users (RX 9000 series) | NVIDIA GPU users, especially those with RTX 50 series GPUs for best results |
Performance and Image Quality Comparison
When comparing FSR 4 vs. DLSS 4, performance and image quality vary based on the hardware being used and the games that support these technologies.
FSR 4 is optimized for AMD’s new RDNA 4 GPUs. It excels in ray-traced titles, leveraging the improvements in Ray Accelerators and Bounding Volume Hierarchies (BVH) for better efficiency in ray tracing. With FSR 4, AMD users can experience faster performance, especially at higher resolutions like 4K. For older AMD GPUs, FSR remains a great choice for performance scaling without upgrading hardware, but the full benefits of FSR 4 require the latest Radeon RX 9000 series.
DLSS 4, on the other hand, is tailored for NVIDIA GPUs. Its Multi-Frame Generation feature, exclusive to the RTX 50 series, offers an impressive performance boost that AMD’s FSR 4 cannot match. For NVIDIA’s RTX 50 series GPUs, DLSS 4 offers not only improved performance but also enhanced visual quality in action-heavy games that benefit from the technology’s ability to generate additional frames.
Which Should You Choose? FSR 4 or DLSS 4?
FSR 4 is an excellent option for AMD users or those who prefer a more open standard, as it works on a variety of AMD GPUs. If you’re a gamer who owns a Radeon RX 9000 series card, FSR 4 will provide significant improvements in performance and image quality, especially with hardware acceleration on RDNA 4 chips. It’s ideal for users who prioritize ray tracing and want an affordable upgrade path for enhancing gameplay.
DLSS 4 is the best choice for NVIDIA RTX 50 series owners looking for the most advanced upscaling technology. If you’re gaming on an RTX 50 series GPU, DLSS 4 with Multi-Frame Generation will provide cutting-edge performance and smoother frame rates, especially in visually demanding titles. For those with RTX 40 series or RTX 30 series GPUs, DLSS 4 still offers great image quality through Super Resolution, but the Multi-Frame Generation feature will not be available.
Conclusion
Both FSR 4 and DLSS 4 are revolutionary technologies that harness the power of AI to enhance gaming visuals and performance. AMD’s FSR 4 is ideal for gamers with Radeon RX 9000 series GPUs, offering superior upscaling and efficiency in ray-traced titles. Meanwhile, NVIDIA’s DLSS 4, especially with Multi-Frame Generation on the RTX 50 series, delivers unparalleled frame rate boosts and sharp visuals, setting it apart in terms of cutting-edge performance.
Ultimately, the choice between FSR 4 vs. DLSS 4 depends on your GPU and whether you prioritize frame rate improvements or image quality. Both technologies are impressive in their own right and will shape the future of gaming graphics for years to come.
Sources:
- AMD Official Announcement: Next-Generation RDNA 4 and FSR 4
- NVIDIA DLSS Technology Overview
- NVIDIA DLSS 4 Features
- DLSS 4 Technical Details - Wikipedia
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