FSR 4 vs DLSS 4

AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution 4, or FSR 4 for short, marks a significant shift in AMD's scaling technology, moving from the traditional algorithm used in previous FSR generations to machine learning-based processing. This is a major transition for AMD and means that FSR 4 now uses a similar approach to NVIDIA's DLSS. But will this new approach enable AMD to compete with NVIDIA in image enhancement, scaling, and image generation technologies? Let's find out.

The neural network, likely a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), processes a low-definition rendered image and sends it to the network running in FP8. The neural network scales the image and, when possible, generates a new intermediate frame. As with previous versions of FSR, image degradation can be adjusted with three configurable levels – Performance, Balanced, and Quality – allowing users to find the best balance between frame rate and rendering quality depending on the game.

FSR 4 does not include Multiple Frame Generation (MFG) because AMD determined that the trade-off between in-game responsiveness and the time required for processing was not yet optimal. As a result, FSR 4 is more comparable to NVIDIA's DLSS 3 than DLSS 4.

For AMD, these interpolated frames do increase FPS but do not yet provide the same level of fluidity as native rendering at an equivalent frame rate. However, AMD can implement multi-frame generation and neural rendering in a future update, especially now that Microsoft has integrated neural rendering directly into DirectX.

Like DLSS 3 and 4, FSR 4 needs to use latency-reduction technology to maintain responsiveness. AMD Anti-Lag isn’t a new feature, either, as it was already integrated into FSR 3.

FSR 4 is currently only supported on Radeon RX 9000 Series graphics cards and limited to games that already feature FSR 3.1 support. AMD aims to surpass 75 games before the end of 2025.

DLSS 4 is fully compatible by the RTX 50 Series and is already supported by more than 75 games.

NVIDIA has a clear advantage over AMD in terms of game compatibility and support. However, both companies have restricted their latest technologies to their newest GPU generation, which may limit their practicality from a game developer's perspective.

On paper, AMD FSR 4 incorporates key elements that made DLSS 3 such a success. In the future, MFG and neural rendering may be added to FSR so that it can compete directly with DLSS 4's impressive list of features.

FSR 4 still suffers from limited game support and is currently restricted to just two GPU models.

Meanwhile, NVIDIA DLSS 4 can achieve significantly higher frame rates thanks to Multi-Frame Generation, but the question remains – do these extra frames truly enhance the visual experience for gamers? At lower base frame rates, latency remains a real concern, regardless of the FPS displayed. The bigger question is whether DLSS can maintain its lead now that AMD is closing the gap. It's an exciting time for gaming.