What is Lossless Scaling?
Lossless Scaling emerges as a versatile standalone application, designed to enhance the gaming experience by offering upscaling and frame generation capabilities across a wide range of PC games, regardless of the graphics card in use. This means that even gamers without the latest Nvidia or AMD hardware can benefit from its features.
Initially developed to elevate the resolution of older pixel graphics games through integer scaling, Lossless Scaling has evolved significantly over the years. It now provides a suite of enhancements that improve both the visual fidelity and performance of games, akin to the benefits offered by DLSS for Nvidia users and FSR for those with AMD cards.
The application boasts several built-in upscalers that utilize various algorithms, including FSR, LS1, and Integer scaling. While these options primarily serve as alternatives for games lacking support for advanced technologies like DLSS or FSR, they remain valuable tools for gamers seeking to optimize their gameplay experience.
One of the most transformative features of Lossless Scaling is its support for Frame Generation. With the introduction of the LSFG algorithm, gamers can potentially double, triple, or even quadruple their frame rates, depending on their preferences. For those who find that a 2x boost suits their gaming style, the results can be quite impressive, while others may revel in the additional frames available.
However, it’s important to note that Lossless Scaling shares some limitations with the frame generation techniques of AMD and Nvidia. Users may experience slightly increased latency when employing Frame Generation, and some generated frames may not be “real.” As such, it is advisable to reserve this feature for single-player experiences rather than competitive multiplayer scenarios.
For enthusiasts of space simulation games like Kerbal Space Program, Lossless Scaling can be a revelation. Even with high-end hardware like the 7950X3D CPU and RX 7900 XTX GPU, performance can dip significantly when numerous mods are installed. With Lossless Scaling, frame rates can soar from around 90 FPS to a stable 140 FPS, while complex scenes involving massive spaceships can see improvements from the low 50s to the high 90s. This enhancement results in a noticeably more responsive gaming experience, particularly during camera rotations.
Additionally, Lossless Scaling proves advantageous for console ports that impose frame rate caps. In titles such as Need For Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered, where the frame rate is limited to 60 FPS, activating 2x Frame Generation can elevate the experience to a smooth 120 FPS. While it may not match native performance and some input lag persists, the visual fluidity is markedly improved.
While Lossless Scaling is not without its quirks—such as odd visual artifacts during initial loading or the overwhelming array of scaling options—it offers a substantial enhancement to the PC gaming experience for those willing to invest the time to master its functionalities.
