What is DLSS and FSR? How is it better?

What is the difference between AMD FSR technology and Nvidia DLSS technology? How do DLSS and FSR work? Here is the ultimate guide to help you understand.

Nvidia DLSS and AMD FSR technologies are shown as one of the important features that affect gamers today. Gamers looking to buy a new GPU are having a hard time choosing between DLSS and FSR. What to choose AMD for FSR or Nvidia for DLSS? To answer this question, we need to consider the advantages and disadvantages of both technologies.

Both technologies are used to temporarily resize an image. Although the purpose of these two technologies is the same, they use a completely different process to implement them. But how?

How do DLSS and FSR work?

Let’s say we have a 4K monitor. Both technologies first lower the resolution you get. The image is then upgraded to 4K resolution using machine learning and artificial intelligence processes. Through this process, the low frame rate in 4K standard definition is scaled up to more frames through processes such as machine learning. So you can play higher FPS games on a 4K monitor even if your GPU is HD resolution.

Deep Learning Super Samling, abbreviated as DLSS, makes this complex process only available on graphics cards with tensor cores. This Tensor core is used for the speed of processing and computation in the process.

FidelityFX Super Resolution, or FSR for short, does not require any basic or similar requirements. AMD implements this technology in software with support for algorithms such as brightness and contrast.

What is more compatible?

We basically answered the question above. Nvidia DLSS technology works on RTX 2000, 3000 and 4000 series GPUs with Tensor Cores. On the other hand, FSR works on all AMD and Intel graphics cards. It is also compatible with select Nvidia GTX series and all RTX cards. Since FidelityFX Super Resolution is an algorithmic process, it can be adapted.

What do the FSR and DLSS versions mean?

Both technologies are offered in various versions. On the AMD side, the first version was FSR, while FSR 2.0 and currently FSR 2.1 is in use. In terms of DLSS, DLSS 2.0, DLSS 2.3, and currently DLSS 3.0 have been released. Changing technology versions does not change the goals of increasing FPS. But using the updated version will give you more FPS and smoother technology.

What games are supported by DLSS and FSR?

The list of games that support DLSS and FSR continues to grow day by day.

Nvidia DLSS technology is supported by many games including Red Dead Redemption 2, Doom Eternal, Battlefield 2042, Cyberpunk 2077, Call of Duty Warzone, Fortnite, Rust and Death Stranding. You can access a list of all DLSS-enabled games from the link below.

The situation with AMD FSR technology is not much different. Supported by leading games such as God of War, Far Cry 6, Deathloop, Dying Light 2, Cyberpunk 2077 and Resident Evil: Village. You can access a list of all FRS-enabled games from the link below.

DLSS or FSR? How is it better?

This war between AMD and Nvidia looks set to continue in the coming years. Some features such as FSR and DLSS affect users prior to purchasing GPUs. So which one makes more sense to the user? Is DLSS better or FSR? To answer these questions, let’s take a closer look at this topic under a few headings:

• Image quality: The Nvidia Tensor core and deep learning network provide better performance than FSR. DLSS processes more data to produce high quality images.
• Performance: Both Nvidia’s DLSS and AMD’s FSR offer the same levels of FPS and performance gains. The performance values ​​here are related to which settings are used. (Like performance, balanced and quality modes)
• Game support: FSR is open source. The process of integrating DLSS into games is more complicated and there is no access to source codes.
• Hardware support: FSR is more beneficial here, as it is supported by many video cards. DLSS is supported on the RTX series.

Both technologies have advantages and disadvantages. If you already have an RTX graphics card, DLSS is useful. On the other hand, we recommend that you also use FSR. But sometimes the native resolution can still be the best. In some games, DLSS performance is better, while in others, FSR can perform well. However, at best, DLSS is typically 12% faster. Therefore, we recommend owners of Nvidia GPUs with Tensor-equipped cards to use DLSS, as it provides a slight performance advantage and, in some cases, better image quality. Let’s not forget here that AMD and Nvidia are working with game studios to offer better optimizations.

As a result, DLSS and FSR are not perfect technologies yet. As we said above, sometimes local results can give better results than these technologies in some cases.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4