For enthusiasts constantly searching for optimum visual fidelity without sacrificing performance, upscaling technologies offer relief. AMD's latest release, FSR 4, may deliver a knockout punch. Early reports are buzzing, suggesting a massive leap forward.
FSR 4: Image Quality Revolution Beyond FSR 3
Tech experts at Digital Foundry recently provided a first look at FSR 4. First impressions are very impressive. This is not a minor tweak, but a whole new technology powered by machine learning. It is designed exclusively for upcoming RDNA 4 GPUs, like the RX 9000 series.
FSR 3 had deficiencies, including ghosting with fast-moving objects and loss of detail in certain textures. FSR 4 directly addresses these issues. Digital Foundry's analysis demonstrates significant improvements across the board.
Key Improvements in FSR 4
- Ghosting Eliminated: Distracting trails around particles and fast motion are reportedly gone with FSR 4.
- Transparent Textures Enhanced: Details in transparent surfaces, previously blurred in FSR 3, are now much clearer.
- Improved Sharpness: Objects with little movement now feature significantly improved surface detail, resulting in a crisper image.
- Motion Masterclass: FSR 4 "blows previous iterations out of the water" during fast action, producing a smoother and more detailed image during intense moments.
FSR 4 vs. DLSS: Closing the Performance Gap
The comparison to NVIDIA's DLSS is crucial. FSR 4 is exciting news for AMD fans. In many situations, FSR 4 seems to outshine earlier DLSS versions (CNN models), particularly with static or slow-moving images. AMD's technology resolves more detail in these scenarios. This is a significant advancement.
While the latest DLSS with its Transformer model may still have better detail overall, FSR 4 now compares with DLSS CNN model in handling motion. FSR has progressed from trailing behind to potentially trading punches with DLSS in visual quality during motion.
Performance Trade-off
Initial tests indicate a slight performance decrease of about 8% compared to FSR 3. However, Digital Foundry states that this small performance dip is "well worth" the enormous leap in image quality. Most gamers would likely accept this trade-off.
RDNA 4 Exclusive: A Reason to Upgrade
FSR 4 is primarily designed for RDNA 4 GPUs, such as the RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT. This could be a key selling point for AMD's next generation, providing a compelling reason for gamers to upgrade.
Early Verdict on FSR 4
Early indications suggest AMD FSR 4 could be a true game changer in image quality. It tackles major weaknesses of FSR 3 and challenges DLSS in critical areas. If these early reports are accurate, FSR 4 could be a major win for AMD and gamers, offering a fantastic upscaling solution for RX 9000 series GPUs. Continued observation of its performance in various games and real-world scenarios is warranted.
