Nvidia's DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) revolutionized PC gaming by significantly boosting performance and image quality. Its success hinges on support from an ever-growing number of games, maximizing the value and lifespan of Nvidia's RTX graphics cards.
Since its 2019 debut, DLSS has undergone substantial upgrades, impacting its functionality, effectiveness, and the distinctions between RTX generations. This guide dissects DLSS, explaining its mechanics, variations, and relevance, even for non-Nvidia users.
Additional contributions by Matthew S. Smith.
Understanding DLSS
DLSS intelligently upscales game resolutions to higher settings with minimal performance overhead, thanks to a neural network trained on extensive gameplay data. This "Super Sampling" initially formed the core of DLSS, but now encompasses several image quality enhancements: DLSS Ray Reconstruction (AI-enhanced lighting and shadows), DLSS Frame Generation and Multi-Frame Generation (AI-inserted frames for higher FPS), and DLAA (Deep Learning Anti-Aliasing, surpassing native resolution quality).
Super Resolution, DLSS's flagship feature (especially with ray tracing), renders games at lower resolutions for higher FPS, then uses AI to upscale to your native resolution. For instance, in Cyberpunk 2077 at 4K with DLSS Quality, the game renders at 1440p, then upscales to 4K, resulting in a substantial frame rate increase.
While DLSS surpasses older techniques like checkerboard rendering by adding detail unseen at native resolution, potential artifacts like "bubbling" shadows or flickering lines can occur. However, these issues have been significantly minimized, particularly with DLSS 4.
DLSS 3 vs. DLSS 4: A Generational Leap
The RTX 50-series introduced DLSS 4, utilizing a transformative Transformer model (TNN) instead of the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) used in DLSS 3 (including DLSS 3.5's frame generation). The TNN analyzes twice the parameters, providing a deeper scene understanding and enabling more sophisticated interpretation, including long-range patterns.
This leads to superior Super Resolution and Ray Reconstruction, preserving finer details and reducing artifacts. DLSS 4's Multi-Frame Generation generates four artificial frames per rendered frame, dramatically increasing frame rates. Nvidia Reflex 2.0 mitigates potential input lag.
While minor ghosting might occur, especially at higher frame generation settings, Nvidia allows users to adjust frame generation to match their monitor's refresh rate, optimizing performance and minimizing issues like screen tearing. Even without an RTX 50-series, the improved TNN model is accessible via the Nvidia app for Super Resolution and Ray Reconstruction, along with DLSS Ultra Performance and DLAA.
The Significance of DLSS in Gaming
DLSS is transformative for PC gaming, especially for mid-range or lower-end Nvidia GPUs. It unlocks higher graphics settings and resolutions, extending GPU lifespan and offering cost-effective performance improvements. While Nvidia pioneered DLSS, AMD's FSR and Intel's XeSS offer competing technologies.
DLSS vs. FSR vs. XeSS
DLSS surpasses competitors with superior image quality (especially DLSS 4) and low-latency multi-frame generation. While AMD and Intel provide upscaling and frame generation, DLSS generally delivers crisper visuals with fewer artifacts. However, DLSS is exclusive to Nvidia cards and requires developer implementation, unlike AMD FSR.
Conclusion
DLSS remains a groundbreaking technology, continuously improving and extending GPU longevity. While not flawless, its impact on gaming is undeniable. Though alternatives exist, DLSS's consistent refinement positions it as a leading technology. However, gamers should weigh GPU cost and features against their gaming preferences to determine optimal value.
