One thing to sit up for: In contrast to Nvidia’s DLSS and Intel’s XeSS, AMD’s FSR upscaling know-how doesn’t depend on AI or machine studying. As a substitute, it makes use of a mix of spatial and temporal upscaling, anti-aliasing, and different methods to reinforce picture high quality from lower-resolution inputs. Whereas AMD’s resolution helps a wider vary of {hardware} than its opponents, it sometimes delivers decrease picture high quality. Nevertheless, AMD has now confirmed that it’s transferring ahead and has been working towards incorporating AI for a while.
Jack Huynh, senior vp of AMD’s Computing and Graphics Enterprise Group, not too long ago introduced that FidelityFX Tremendous Decision 4.0 (FSR 4) will use AI. This marks a major departure from earlier variations however probably opens extra questions than the affirmation solutions.
Competing upscaling options like Nvidia DLSS and Intel XeSS use AI and machine studying to upscale photographs whereas minimizing efficiency impression, although they require specialised {hardware} not present in sport consoles or older GPUs.
In distinction, the most recent model of FSR, FSR 3.1, makes use of spatial and temporal methods for upscaling and body era. It really works on almost any machine, however benchmarks present it produces much less secure photographs in comparison with AI-driven options.
Sony’s introduction of AI-based PlayStation Spectral Tremendous Decision as a key function of the PlayStation 5 Professional indicators a broader business shift towards AI upscaling – to not point out, the console is predicated on AMD’s graphics tech. Moreover, the upcoming successor to the Nintendo Change is anticipated to help DLSS.
At IFA 2024, Huynh defined that AMD had centered on analytical and filter-based methods with FSR 2 and three to speed up improvement, however an AI-based resolution has been within the works for round a yr.
Apparently, Huynh’s feedback on FSR 4 centered round maximizing battery life on handheld gaming PCs by way of body era. The timing means that FSR 4 may be optimized for the AMD Z2 Excessive cellular processor, which the corporate plans to launch early subsequent yr. The SoC’s next-generation NPU might be the cornerstone of AMD’s AI upscaling know-how.
Huynh didn’t point out whether or not FSR 4 could be out there on extra conventional merchandise like RDNA 4 graphics playing cards, that are anticipated to debut in 2025 (although it could solely make sense for that to be the case). It additionally stays unclear whether or not older AMD GPUs will help the brand new upscaling know-how.
Whereas AMD sometimes permits its software program to work throughout a wider vary of {hardware}, together with opponents’ units, all AI-based upscaling options thus far have required some type of devoted {hardware}.