AMD’s latest foray into upscaling technology, FSR 4, has sparked interest among gaming enthusiasts, particularly in light of its performance metrics compared to its predecessor, FSR 3. Recent tests conducted by tech aficionado Osvaldo Pinali reveal a modest performance dip, with FSR 4 delivering 276 frames per second (fps) against FSR 3’s 290 fps on the Radeon RX 9070 XT. This 5% difference, while seemingly minor, could become more pronounced in scenarios involving lower frame rates or less powerful GPUs.
Despite this slight setback, FSR 4 continues to shine in terms of visual fidelity. The improvements over FSR 3 are striking, establishing it as a commendable alternative to Nvidia’s DLSS 4, even if it doesn’t quite match its rival’s prowess. In fact, FSR 4 has already outperformed DLSS 3 in super-resolution quality, marking a significant achievement for AMD.
Performance Insights
The nuances of FSR 4’s performance are particularly relevant for users of RDNA 4 GPUs, where the 5% difference may have a more substantial impact, especially in demanding gaming environments. The tests indicate that while FSR 4 incurs a 37% increase in GPU usage, it remains a small fraction of the overall frame time, suggesting that the trade-off may be worthwhile for those seeking enhanced visual quality.
As AMD navigates the competitive landscape dominated by Nvidia, the potential for backporting FSR 4 to older GPUs could significantly alter the dynamics of the upscaling market. Currently, FSR 4 is exclusive to RDNA 4 GPUs, which limits its reach. However, if AMD can extend its capabilities to older hardware, it could position itself more favorably against Nvidia’s offerings, particularly in the realm of handheld gaming PCs utilizing RDNA 3.5 integrated graphics.
While the immediate implications of these developments may not resonate with all users—especially those currently utilizing Nvidia GPUs—the evolving landscape of upscaling technology promises to keep both companies on their toes as they strive to enhance gaming experiences for a diverse audience.
