Since its introduction, AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) has been trailing behind Nvidia in the realm of image reconstruction, but with its latest version, FSR 4, AMD is determined to bridge that gap. By integrating machine learning techniques similar to those used in Nvidia’s DLSS and Intel’s XeSS, FSR 4 is expected to deliver significantly enhanced performance.
According to insights from Digital Foundry, FSR 4 represents a major leap forward from its predecessor, FSR 3. One of the key improvements is in the handling of particle effects; games like Horizon Forbidden West and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart display minimal ghosting issues now. Similarly, there have been noticeable advancements in transparency effects on surfaces like glass and water, showcasing more realistic visuals.
FSR 4 also enhances texture clarity and detail, leading to sharper and cleaner images during testing. Issues with pixelation and anti-aliasing that plagued FSR 3 have been effectively addressed, resulting in a significant upgrade in image stability during motion. By comparison, where FSR 3 struggled to maintain a stable image, FSR 4 performs remarkably better, offering smooth visuals without visible artifacts.
When compared to Nvidia’s older DLSS model, which relied on Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), FSR 4 offers superior image quality, preserving more detail and ensuring greater image stability. However, Nvidia’s latest DLSS “Transformer” model still holds an edge over FSR 4, producing more detailed images with enhanced anti-aliasing.
This distinction becomes even more pronounced in scenarios involving extreme motion. For instance, in Horizon Forbidden West, the DLSS Transformer model surpasses FSR 4 in maintaining image stability.
However, the enhanced image quality of FSR 4 comes with a performance hit. In testing scenarios, such as running Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart in 4K, the RX 9070 XT struggles with performance issues when compared to FSR 3 and DLSS CNN, although Nvidia’s DLSS Transformer is also resource-intensive.
In summary, FSR 4 marks a substantial improvement over previous versions, addressing most of the issues faced by FSR 3. Owners of RDNA 4 hardware can now enjoy a high-quality image reconstruction solution, closing the gap significantly with Nvidia’s offerings while keeping in mind the trade-off in performance. Overall, it’s an exciting advancement for AMD, promising better visuals for gaming enthusiasts.
