During CES 2025, AMD introduced its new generation of RDNA 4 graphics cards in an unconventional fashion, unveiling details gradually post-announcement. However, recent independent testing by the Hardware Unboxed team presents a clearer picture, largely supporting AMD’s performance and quality claims.
The Hardware Unboxed team had the opportunity to experience AMD’s FSR 4 first-hand, comparing it with FSR 3.1 using the game Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart on the new Radeon RX 9070 GPUs. Their findings reveal notable enhancements in upscaling quality, showcasing sharper edges and superior anti-aliasing with reduced visual artifacts.
These improvements are especially striking in the 4K Performance mode, a challenge in previous FSR versions. FSR 4, unlike its predecessor, handles small, fast-moving elements like particles and intricate details such as Ratchet’s fur texture with remarkable clarity—though minor smoothing persists. Faraway details, like crowd guard rails, also gain clarity under FSR 4, along with holographic and reflective surfaces, which show less distortion compared to earlier FSR versions.
One of the standout features of FSR 4 is its incorporation of machine learning — a technique similar to Nvidia’s DLSS, previously seen as the superior option. If FSR 4 can consistently deliver enhanced visual quality, it may significantly impact upcoming gaming handhelds utilizing RDNA 3.5 iGPUs. The catch is whether AMD will enable FSR 4 on these iGPUs, currently limited to RDNA 4 technology.
Although the analysis was conducted on a single game and scene, the results hint at AMD’s promising advancements in AI-driven upscaling. The eagerly awaited Radeon RX 9070 XT and other 9070 series GPUs are anticipated to hit the market in Q1 2025.
For those keen on updating their PC builds sooner, the AMD Ryzen 9 9800X3D, currently available, is a great choice, illustrating AMD’s ongoing commitment to pushing technological boundaries to enhance user experience across various platforms. With a long-standing interest in technology, I explore innovations in laptops, smartphones, and emerging tech trends, believing they should ultimately enrich everyday lives.
