Nvidia DLSS vs AMD FSR: Which Graphics Upscaling Technology Is Better?
Graphics upscaling technology has become a battleground for GPU makers, with AMD and Nvidia offering their own solutions to improve framerate in PC games. Nvidia’s Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) uses AI functionality to provide an effective upscaling solution, while AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) takes a different approach.
When it comes to performance boosts, both DLSS and FSR offer a comparable level of improvement in games at 1440p and 4K resolutions. DLSS tends to have a slight edge in ray-traced workloads, making games like Cyberpunk 2077 run smoother at maximum graphical settings. However, Nvidia recently released DLSS 3 for its RTX 4000 GPUs with a new feature called full frame generation, which can double the framerate at 4K compared to not using DLSS.
Meanwhile, AMD’s FSR is currently in its second incarnation and cannot keep up with the performance of DLSS 3. However, AMD is working on FSR 3.0, which will include frame-gen capabilities. The concern with FSR is that without AI-powered hardware acceleration, there may be added latency, which can negatively impact gameplay experience in fast-paced shooters.
In terms of compatibility, DLSS requires AI cores and is only functional on RTX 2000 and newer GPUs, limited to Nvidia GeForce GPUs. On the other hand, FSR is open-source and can run on any graphics card, including Nvidia’s. However, there are minimum hardware requirements for FSR, and older GPUs may not meet them.
Both Nvidia and AMD have been actively working with game studios to implement upscaling support in their games. DLSS is currently supported by almost 300 games, while FSR lags behind at around 150 games. DLSS has been available for a longer time, but both companies are adding new compatible games at a similar rate.
It is worth noting that FSR is easier for developers to implement due to its open-source nature. However, DLSS with frame generation is only supported by around 50 games currently. Third-party software, such as Magpie, allows FSR to be compatible with virtually any game but has certain limitations.
In conclusion, there is no clear winner between DLSS and FSR. DLSS is more widespread with better performance and game support, but it is limited to Nvidia GPUs and newer hardware. AMD’s FSR is catching up and may become more competitive with FSR 3.0. The choice between DLSS and FSR depends on your GPU and the games you want to play. If you have newer Nvidia GPUs, DLSS is the way to go. However, for older GPUs or AMD graphics cards, FSR is a viable option.
