Tag: FSR 4

  • AMD FSR 4 Evidence Grows, AMD Zen 6 iGPU Stays with RDNA 3.5

    AMD FSR 4 Evidence Grows, AMD Zen 6 iGPU Stays with RDNA 3.5

    Key Takeaways

    1. RDNA 4 architecture is confirmed to be exclusive to desktop discrete GPUs, with no application in mobile discrete GPUs or Zen 6 iGPUs.
    2. Upcoming Ryzen APUs, including Medusa Halo and Medusa Point, will utilize the older RDNA 3.5 architecture instead of RDNA 4.
    3. The Medusa Halo iGPU is expected to offer a significant performance boost, potentially up to 50% over the Strix Point 8060S iGPU.
    4. Despite the limitations of the Zen 6 iGPUs, AMD’s FSR 4 technology may still be adapted for older hardware, including devices with RDNA 2.
    5. FSR 4 could become compatible with older devices like the Valve Steam Deck and the original AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme after optimizations.

    AMD previously mentioned that the RDNA 4 GPU architecture, which powers the impressive Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT GPUs, wouldn’t be applied to mobile discrete GPUs. However, it now appears that RDNA 4 will be limited to desktop discrete cards, with even the upcoming Zen 6 iGPUs not receiving an upgrade to RDNA 4.

    RDNA 4 Confirmed for Desktop Only

    A recent update to AMD’s GPUOpen driver code on GitHub, brought to light by @Kepler_L2 on X, reveals that RDNA 4 is marked as “dGPU only.” This effectively reinforces earlier speculations that RDNA 4 will not be included in future iGPUs for the Zen 6 Medusa Halo or Medusa Point APUs. Instead, it appears that these forthcoming Ryzen APUs will utilize RDNA 3.5, as previously reported. Even with this reliance on what may seem outdated hardware, rumors suggest that the Medusa Halo iGPU could deliver up to a 50% performance improvement over the Strix Point 8060S iGPU found in the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU, which is already a powerful iGPU.

    Impact on Gaming Experience

    While this news might be disheartening by itself, it has broader implications for gamers using current or future AMD iGPUs. The Zen 6 iGPUs sticking to an older GPU architecture adds to the growing evidence that, despite AMD’s statements, it will eventually port its new FSR 4 technology. A recent interview by Digital Foundry with Eurogamer suggested that some version of FSR 4 could run on the PS5 Pro, which is built on RDNA 2 hardware. This implies that FSR 4 could also be compatible with standard consumer-grade PCs that support RDNA 2 and earlier.

    Possible Compatibility with Older Devices

    This means that, after some optimizations, FSR 4 might be adapted for devices as old as the Valve Steam Deck and the original AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme, which can be found in products like the Asus ROG Ally X (currently priced at $799.99 at Best Buy).

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  • OptiScaler Mod Adds FSR4 Support to DLSS2 and XeSS Games

    OptiScaler Mod Adds FSR4 Support to DLSS2 and XeSS Games

    Key Takeaways

    1. The modding community has created OptiScaler, allowing FSR 4 to work in games that support DLSS 2 or XeSS.
    2. OptiScaler enables users to swap between different upscaling technologies for better performance on compatible GPUs.
    3. The mod functions as a mediator using API methods, enhancing frame generation and reducing lag.
    4. Current support for FSR 4 is experimental and limited to Nightly builds, which may have performance issues.
    5. Users have reported significant performance improvements, such as over 60 FPS at 1440p in Cyberpunk 2077 using FSR 4 with OptiScaler.

    The modding community has once again stepped up where companies like Nvidia, Microsoft, and AMD have fallen short. Recently, they created a mod that introduces FSR 4, or AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution, to any game that already supports DLSS 2 or XeSS. Currently, this mod is limited to the latest Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT GPUs, allowing more games to perform better on systems with these graphics cards, instead of just the few that currently offer the upscaling feature.

    Mod Details

    Uploaded by user cdozdil on GitHub, the mod is named OptiScaler. It enables games that have support for Nvidia’s Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) 2, FSR 2, or Intel’s XeSS to swap out these technologies for any of the other upscalers, including FSR 4. It also works in reverse; for games that only support FSR or XeSS, the mod lets users add support for DLSS, which might perform better on systems with RTX GPUs. This functionality allows players to utilize the frame generation technology that these upscalers provide, even if the game developers haven’t officially included support.

    How It Works

    The GitHub page explains that OptiScaler functions by using the API methods from these different upscaling technologies and acting as a mediator to direct the game to select the user’s desired upscaler. When used with other mods like OptiFG, Nukem’s dlssg-to-fsr3, and FakeMichau’s FakeNvapi, it can facilitate frame generation and Anti-Lag 2.

    Current Limitations

    It’s important to mention that the support for FSR 4 is still in the experimental phase and can only be used through Nightly builds. This means there might be some issues, and the overall performance might not be as refined as when using the other upscalers. However, one user reported impressive results with FSR 4 through OptiScaler while playing Cyberpunk 2077, achieving over 60 FPS at 1440p with full Path Tracing, which is one of the most demanding settings in the game. Since the game does not officially support FSR 3.1, it’s unlikely there will be any official backing for FSR 4 either.

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  • FSR 4 vs FSR 3 vs DLSS: FSR 4 Outperforms FSR 3 in Quality

    FSR 4 vs FSR 3 vs DLSS: FSR 4 Outperforms FSR 3 in Quality

    Key Takeaways

    1. Major Improvements in FSR 4: AMD has significantly improved FSR 4 compared to FSR 3, resolving many previous issues and enhancing overall image quality.

    2. Enhanced Visual Effects: FSR 4 addresses ghosting and improves transparency effects, offering sharper images and richer textures in games like Horizon Forbidden West.

    3. Motion Stability Advancements: FSR 4 shows better motion stability and rectifies pixelation and anti-aliasing issues, outperforming FSR 3 and the previous DLSS CNN model.

    4. Competitive Landscape: Despite improvements, Nvidia’s DLSS “Transformer” model still offers superior image quality and anti-aliasing compared to FSR 4, particularly in extreme motion scenarios.

    5. Performance Trade-off: While FSR 4 shows significant advancements, it comes with a performance cost, running slower than both FSR 3 and DLSS CNN in certain scenarios.

    Ever since the introduction of FidelityFx Super Resolution (FSR), AMD has been trailing behind Nvidia in the realm of image reconstruction. The gap in quality has been significant, but with the launch of FSR 4, AMD is determined to bridge this divide. The new FSR 4 has adopted a machine-learning approach similar to Nvidia’s DLSS and Intel’s XeSS, indicating that FSR 4 could finally match the latest version of DLSS.

    Major Improvements Noted

    Digital Foundry conducted an analysis that shows AMD has significantly enhanced FSR 4 when compared to its predecessor, FSR 3. Their testing reveals that FSR 4 has resolved many of the problems that were evident in FSR 3, and in some cases, completely eliminated them.

    Enhanced Visual Effects

    For example, FSR 4 has addressed the ghosting issues seen in particle effects that were problematic in FSR 3. DF observed a clear enhancement in particle effects in games like Horizon Forbidden West and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart. Moreover, the transparency effects on materials such as glass and water have also made notable progress.

    Furthermore, FSR 4 delivers a much higher quality of images with richer textures and surface details. In DF’s tests, the visuals generated by FSR 4 in Horizon Forbidden West appear sharper and significantly cleaner.

    Motion Stability Improvements

    When it comes to motion image stability, FSR 4 again shows a significant advancement over FSR 3. DF highlights that FSR 4 rectifies pixelation and anti-aliasing issues, which is very clear in Horizon Forbidden West. While FSR 3 struggles to maintain a stable image during movement, FSR 4 offers a vastly improved performance without visible artifacts.

    According to DF, FSR 4 outperforms the previous DLSS Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) model in terms of image quality. AMD’s transition to machine learning has enabled FSR 4 to produce superior visuals compared to DLSS CNN. For instance, FSR 4 retains more details and a steadier image in Horizon Forbidden West than its DLSS counterpart.

    A Competitive Landscape

    That said, the new DLSS “Transformer” model is still said to be a step ahead of FSR 4. Nvidia’s latest DLSS technology yields images with greater detail and superior anti-aliasing compared to FSR 4, resulting in a clear difference in image quality between FSR 4 and the DLSS Transformer.

    This trend continues when all three image reconstruction techniques are tested under conditions of extreme motion. In Horizon Forbidden West, for example, FSR 4 does not keep up with the DLSS Transformer regarding motion stability.

    While it is clear that FSR 4 represents a substantial improvement over FSR 3.1 and is also superior to the DLSS CNN model, the new machine-learning technology does come with a performance trade-off. DF shows that the RX 9070 XT runs Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart at 4K with FSR 4 performance significantly slower compared to both FSR 3 and DLSS CNN. However, it’s worth noting that the DLSS Transformer also has a higher cost than DLSS CNN.

    In summary, the new image reconstruction technologies from both Nvidia and AMD have advanced beyond their predecessors, but they do incur performance costs.

    To sum things up, FSR 4 is a considerable leap forward from FSR 3. AMD has made substantial improvements and resolved nearly all issues that plagued earlier versions of FSR. Thus, owners of RDNA 4 cards can finally enjoy a much better image reconstruction solution.

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    FSR 4 vs FSR 3 vs DLSS: FSR 4 Outperforms FSR 3 in QualityFSR 4 vs FSR 3 vs DLSS: FSR 4 Outperforms FSR 3 in QualityFSR 4 vs FSR 3 vs DLSS: FSR 4 Outperforms FSR 3 in Quality
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  • AMD Discusses FSR 4, Hypr-RX, and Adrenalin Software Updates

    AMD Discusses FSR 4, Hypr-RX, and Adrenalin Software Updates

    Key Takeaways

    1. FSR 4 Transition: AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) 4 moves to a fully machine learning-based approach, enhancing upscaling calculations and frame generation using dedicated FP8 units in RDNA 4 architecture.

    2. Architectural Advancements: RDNA 4 features second-generation AI accelerators that optimize FSR 4, distinguishing it from older Radeon cards which may not support this technology immediately.

    3. Performance Boost: FSR 4, along with updated features like Anti-Lag 2 and Radeon Super Resolution, is expected to deliver up to a 3.7x FPS boost at 4K with ray tracing enabled through the Hypr-RX functionality.

    4. Game Support: At launch, FSR 4 will support 30 games, with plans for over 75 additional titles to adopt the technology by 2025.

    5. Adrenalin Software Enhancements: Radeon Software Adrenalin Edition 25.3.1 introduces AI-driven features such as Radeon Image Sharpening 2, AMD Chat, and Image Inspector, providing a comprehensive suite of utilities for improved user experience and performance.

    Along with revealing performance figures and explaining the RDNA 4 architecture in the newly launched Radeon RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 graphics cards, AMD is providing insight into its upcoming upscaling technology stack, led by FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) 4.

    FSR Evolution

    Up to now, FSR versions, including 3.1, primarily focused on upscaling calculations, utilizing machine learning mainly for generating fluid motion frames (FMF). However, with FSR 4, AMD is transitioning to a fully machine learning-based approach. This process begins with training game models on Instinct GPUs and utilizes dedicated FP8 units on the new RDNA 4 cards for final rendering, frame generation, and Radeon Anti-Lag.

    Similarities with Nvidia

    Nvidia has moved to a transformer model with DLSS 4, which arguably provides better visuals than the earlier conventional neural network (CNN) used in previous versions. AMD is also making similar advancements with FSR 4. The company states that FSR 4 takes advantage of the FP8 capabilities of RDNA 4’s second-generation AI accelerators. This means that older Radeon cards will not benefit from this tech, at least for the time being. While there is potential for backporting FSR 4 or its elements to older models, it’s prudent to not count on that just yet.

    DLSS vs. FSR

    On the flip side, DLSS 4 can be utilized by RTX GPUs dating back to the Turing generation, although the multi-frame generation feature is confined to the RTX 50 series Blackwell cards. FSR 4 employs a proprietary model that combines the strengths of CNN and transformer architectures, as claimed by AMD.

    With updates to AFMF bringing it to version 2.1, alongside Anti-Lag 2, Radeon Boost, and Radeon Super Resolution — all grouped under the Hypr-RX banner — FSR 4 is expected to provide up to a 3.7x FPS boost at 4K with ray tracing activated. Essentially, Hypr-RX allows users to activate all these features in a game with just one click in the Adrenalin driver.

    Game Support and Software

    At launch, AMD assures FSR 4 will support 30 games, with over 75 more expected to adopt this technology through 2025. The RDNA 4 cards will come equipped with Radeon Software Adrenalin Edition 25.3.1, which introduces several handy AI-driven features while keeping a familiar user interface.

    The new Adrenalin version includes Radeon Image Sharpening 2, which provides system-wide image sharpening without relying on any external API. It also supports up to 8K 75 FPS video codec acceleration and hardware flip metering, leveraging updates to RDNA 4’s media engine.

    Additional Utilities

    AMD is including several utilities with Adrenalin 25.3.1, such as AMD Chat, Image Inspector, and AI Apps Manager. AMD Chat is akin to Nvidia’s Chat RTX and functions locally as an LLM, allowing users to chat about GPU-specific questions. It can also assist with local image generation, but users should be ready to allocate 25 GB of disk space for this feature.

    The AI Apps Manager categorizes AI-accelerated applications separately from the rest of your game library. Meanwhile, AMD Image Inspector enables users to capture rendering errors and report them directly to AMD as part of the AMD User Experience program, which is completely optional. It may introduce a slight performance overhead during gaming, but actual performance will be confirmed when we have a chance to test it ourselves.

    AMD Chat and Image Inspector can be customized through the new AMD Install Manager, which also helps ensure that your AMD chipset drivers are up to date. Furthermore, AMD’s ROCm software stack is expected to receive some advancements tailored for RDNA 4, although details on that will be shared at a later date.

    AMD Discusses FSR 4, Hypr-RX, and Adrenalin Software UpdatesAMD Discusses FSR 4, Hypr-RX, and Adrenalin Software Updates
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  • FSR 4 Support for Radeon RX 9070: Monster Hunter Wilds & Marvel Rivals

    FSR 4 Support for Radeon RX 9070: Monster Hunter Wilds & Marvel Rivals

    Key Takeaways

    1. Players are eager to learn the pricing for the RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 during the February 28 reveal on YouTube.
    2. FSR 4 is AMD’s AI-based upscaling technology aimed at competing with Nvidia’s DLSS 4, but it is limited to AMD’s new GPUs.
    3. An updated list of over 30 games compatible with FSR 4 has been shared, but not all games may support it at launch.
    4. Initial footage of FSR 4 shows improved image upscaling with fewer artifacts, enhancing graphical fidelity.
    5. Gamers are comparing the value of AMD’s RX 9070 series against Nvidia’s RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5070, especially concerning performance and availability.

    During the reveal on February 28 via YouTube, players are looking forward to discovering the pricing for the RX 9070 XT and RX 9070. AMD might also present some of the newest games that showcase the capabilities of the RDNA 4 architecture. FSR 4 is an AI-based upscaling technology that aims to compete with Nvidia’s DLSS 4. Unlike DLSS 4, however, the advantages of FSR 4 are limited to AMD’s upcoming GPUs. Game compatibility is also crucial, and VideoCardz has shared an updated roster of over 30 games that will be compatible with FSR 4.

    Game Compatibility Concerns

    It’s important to note that this game list isn’t finalized. Moreover, not every game may support FSR 4 when the RX 9070 series launches. However, many key titles are anticipated to take advantage of AMD’s frame generation tech. Capcom’s latest release stands out, especially given the performance challenges highlighted during the Monster Hunter Wilds open beta.

    Additionally, Marvel Rivals is included on the list, which typically performs well on less powerful setups. Nevertheless, not every player is happy with the optimization in the Unreal Engine 5 hero shooter. Other significant titles like Kingdom Come: Deliverance II and Civilization 7 could be utilized by AMD to showcase FSR 4. Previous reports have indicated that more than 75 games will support its features by the close of 2025.

    FSR 4 Technology Insights

    Initial footage of FSR 4 indicates that it upscales images with fewer artifacts and maintains graphical fidelity. This advancement can help FidelityFX Super Resolution narrow the gap with Nvidia’s DLSS 4, but the requirement for an RDNA 4 GPU can limit its attractiveness. On a brighter note, current games that utilize FSR 3.1 can be upgraded to FSR 4 without much hassle.

    Gamers are also eager to see if the RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT deliver more value for their pricing compared to the RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5070. Nvidia’s Blackwell cards rely heavily on DLSS 4 to achieve better performance than the RTX 40 series. However, if RDNA 4 cards are seldom available, support for FSR 4 in games won’t matter much.

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    FSR 4 Support for Radeon RX 9070: Monster Hunter Wilds & Marvel Rivals
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  • AMD FSR 4 and RX 9070 Enhance Compatibility with FSR 3.1 Games

    AMD FSR 4 and RX 9070 Enhance Compatibility with FSR 3.1 Games

    Recently, news has spread among gamers that the Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT are now set for a March release. While this may be a wait, those who enjoy AMD graphics can look forward to FSR 4 being compatible with the currently supported FSR 3.1 games. FSR 4 represents AMD’s newest AI-driven upscaling technology that enhances framerates while maintaining image quality. The well-known leaker Kepler_L2 has assured that the upgrade process should be easy for both AMD and its users.

    FSR 4 Exclusivity

    It’s important to note that unlike FSR 3.1, FSR 4 will only work with AMD GPUs built on the RDNA 4 architecture. This means that gamers will have to be patient and await the RX 9000 series to experience the latest advancements in upscaling. Nevertheless, PCGamingWiki has listed many games compatible with FSR 3.1 that could readily take advantage of these upgrades. According to Kepler_L2, the upgrade process is simple and requires just a swap of an older AMD driver file with a new FSR 4 DLL.

    AMD’s Future Plans

    The expectation that FSR 4 would improve upon FSR 3.1 isn’t shocking, especially after AMD’s CES 2025 presentation. When comparing it to Nvidia’s DLSS 4 demonstration, the details about how FSR 4 will enhance gaming performance were somewhat vague. Nonetheless, the updated upscaler is designed to work together with frame generation to boost framerates. Additionally, AMD Anti-LAG 2 is expected to decrease latency, which often follows upscaling. Toward the end of the CES preview slide, AMD indicated that FSR 4 will necessitate that games already support FSR 3.1.

    Implications of Delay

    The unexpected delay of the RX 9000 series provides AMD with additional time to fine-tune games. Recently, well-known titles such as The Last of Us Part 1 have received patches for FSR 3.1 support. Some gamers remain doubtful that FSR 4 will mark a significant advancement in upscaling technology, making the pricing and raw performance of AMD’s upcoming GPUs crucial factors to consider.

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    AMD FSR 4 and RX 9070 Enhance Compatibility with FSR 3.1 GamesAMD FSR 4 and RX 9070 Enhance Compatibility with FSR 3.1 Games
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  • AMD FSR 4 Review: Enhanced Quality and Detail with ML Technology

    AMD FSR 4 Review: Enhanced Quality and Detail with ML Technology

    AMD’s CES announcement about RDNA 4 was quite unusual, with Team Red sharing details about the new graphics card generation in bits and pieces after the main reveal. Recently, independent tests carried out by Hardware Unboxed on YouTube (you can view the full video below) have largely validated many of AMD’s touted performance and quality enhancements.

    Impressive Performance Observed

    The Hardware Unboxed crew managed to get a glimpse of how AMD’s FSR 4 compares to FSR 3.1 during the CES 2025 event, using demo systems that showcased Ratchet and Clank Rift Apart on the latest Radeon RX 9070 GPUs. Their findings indicated a noticeable boost in upscaling quality, featuring sharper edges, improved antialiasing, and a reduction in overall visual artefacts.

    Visual Enhancements in 4K Mode

    In addition to visual enhancements, these upgrades were particularly evident in 4K Performance mode, which has not been FSR’s strong suit in earlier assessments. The most obvious improvement is seen in small, fast-moving details, such as particles, where FSR 3.1 has difficulty with edges, resulting in pixelation and unclear details. The fur on Ratchet also shows a significant upgrade, with FSR 4 offering much finer hair texture compared to FSR 3.1, even though some smoothing is still present.

    Clarity in Distant Elements

    Elements that are further away, like guard rails in the crowd stands shown in the footage, are rendered much more distinctly with FSR 4 in contrast to FSR 3.1. Enhancements are clear in reflections, transparent surfaces, and holographic effects, which exhibit less detail distortion when utilizing FSR 4.

    One of the major updates in FSR 4 is that the upscaling technology now employs machine learning, akin to Nvidia’s DLSS, which has traditionally been seen as superior to AMD’s offering. If AMD’s FSR 4 can deliver the improved quality suggested by Hardware Unboxed, it may revolutionize the upcoming gaming handhelds equipped with RDNA 3.5 iGPUs—assuming AMD permits FSR 4 to function on those iGPUs, as it is currently restricted to RDNA 4.

    Limited Testing Scope

    It is worth noting that this evaluation was conducted on just one game and a singular scene, which means it might not fully represent overall performance. Nevertheless, it’s quite remarkable to witness AMD making such significant progress in AI-enhanced upscaling. The Radeon RX 9070 XT and other GPUs in the 9070 series are anticipated to launch sometime in Q1 2025.

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  • AMD Unveils RDNA 4, Radeon RX 9070 XT, and FSR 4 at CES 2025

    AMD Unveils RDNA 4, Radeon RX 9070 XT, and FSR 4 at CES 2025

    While Nvidia is set to showcase its Blackwell gaming powerhouse later today, AMD is kicking off CES 2025 with a wave of fresh announcements regarding its new RDNA 4 architecture. Although we still need to delve into the complex specifics of the architecture, we’re finally getting a glimpse of what AMD has in store for gamers this year.

    AMD’s RDNA 4 Unveiling

    AMD is at long last revealing RDNA 4. This fresh architecture is built on a TSMC 4 nm process and features 2nd generation AI accelerators, 3rd generation ray tracing units, and what seems to be enhanced media encoding capabilities.

    The improvements in media encoding are particularly noteworthy, as AMD’s AMF encoder has not typically kept up with Nvidia’s NVENC and Intel QuickSync. Moreover, broadcasting tools like OBS still lack proper support for AMF. It’s hoped that with RDNA 4, this will finally change.

    New Features and Technologies

    In addition, there’s FidelityFX Super Resolution 4 (FSR 4) on the horizon, which now utilizes the new AI accelerators in RDNA 4 cards and machine learning (ML) to enhance upscaling.

    This might bring significant advancements over FSR 3, which was mainly just about upscaling mathematics, with ML features only utilized for fluid motion frames (FMF) generation.

    AI is seeping into Radeon Adrenalin too with Adrenalin AI. This new feature allows users to create images, request document summaries, and receive support information.

    Branding and Product Lines

    AMD is also rolling out branding changes with the RDNA 4 generation. The company wants to imitate the naming conventions used by competitors to make it easier for users to make comparisons.

    With the launch of RDNA 4, AMD is confirming that the RX 9000 series will represent the new architecture, while the RX 8000 series will be reserved for RDNA 3.5 mobile.

    Today’s RDNA 4 announcement highlights AMD’s decision to pull back in the high-end GPU competition. Consequently, the only GPUs currently available from Team Red are the Radeon RX 9070 XT and the Radeon RX 9070.

    These GPUs are expected to hit the market in Q1 2025, distributed by AMD’s add-in board (AiB) partners, which now includes Acer, a company that also manufactures Intel’s Arc series of discrete GPUs.

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