Nvidia has unveiled the latest iteration of its upscaling technology with the release of DLSS 4.5 in the Nvidia App. This update introduces a new Super Resolution upscaling model, accessible to over 400 games through the app’s DLSS Override feature. While the enhancements promise improved image quality, it is important to temper expectations regarding its capabilities, particularly when it comes to upscaling from extremely low resolutions like 240p—an ability that has been part of the DLSS toolkit for some time.
Advancements in Upscaling Technology
Despite the mixed reviews surrounding Nvidia’s DLSS and similar technologies from AMD and Intel, these upscaling methods have consistently demonstrated their value in various gaming scenarios. For instance, many titles on the Steam Deck operate at a resolution of 1280 x 800, often utilizing some form of FSR upscaling, underscoring the established utility of these technologies.
Turning back to DLSS 4.5, the spotlight has been on its forthcoming features, including a 6x frame generation mode and a dynamic frame generation capability. However, the current focus remains on the newly introduced Super Resolution upscaling model, referred to as Model M. This model employs a second-generation Transformer AI architecture, marking a significant evolution from the Convolution Neural Network (CNN) model used in earlier versions.
Nvidia’s transition to a Transformer model with DLSS 4.0 resulted in notable enhancements in image quality, and the company asserts that the new iteration will deliver even greater improvements. According to Nvidia, “This second-generation model is our most sophisticated yet, utilizing five times the compute power of the original transformer model.” The model has been trained on an extensive, high-fidelity dataset, which allows it to better interpret scenes and utilize game engine pixel sampling and motion data more effectively. This results in images with enhanced lighting, sharper edges, and improved motion clarity.
While these advancements are apparent upon closer inspection, the differences may be subtle in practical gameplay. Users may experience a slight performance impact, particularly on older graphics cards, though testing on an RTX 4080 Super has shown minimal frame rate drops. The balance between image quality and performance remains a critical consideration for gamers.
Recently, a video showcasing DLSS 4.5’s capability to upscale Red Dead Redemption 2 from 240p to 720p has generated buzz, transforming a previously unplayable image into a visually appealing one. However, this upscaling prowess is not exclusive to DLSS 4.5; earlier versions, including DLSS 4’s first-generation Transformer and even AMD’s FSR 3, have demonstrated similar capabilities.
For those eager to experience DLSS 4.5 firsthand, the process is straightforward. Users can update their Nvidia App and navigate to the Graphics > Global Settings section to select ‘DLSS Override – Model Presets.’ Here, they can experiment with the various models available, including the latest Preset M, DLSS 4’s Preset L, and earlier versions of the Super Resolution technology.
