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Comparing Nvidia DLSS vs AMD FSR vs Intel XeSS
As new AAA titles push the limits of graphical fidelity, upscaling technologies have become increasingly important to achieve a smoother and better-looking gameplay experience. There are three popular upscaling technologies taking the gaming world by storm, Nvidia Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS), AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR), and Intel XeSS. In this guide, we compare these upscaling options to determine which one offers the best performance and image quality.
Overview of Nvidia DLSS, AMD FSR, and Intel XeSS
All three technologies use AI algorithms to upscale lower-resolution images to higher resolutions, enhancing the visual quality of games while maintaining a high frame rate. However, they function in drastically different ways.
Nvidia DLSS
Nvidia’s Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) is arguably the most advanced upscaling technology today. It renders games at lower-than-native resolutions to boost performance. Then, it uses artificial intelligence (AI) and neural networks to upscale the low-resolution images to native quality.
DLSS uses a neural network trained on high-resolution images to predict what the missing pixels in the lower-resolution image would look like. Using this data, it creates a higher-resolution version of that image. This results in smoother and more detailed visuals with improved texture quality. DLSS relies on Tensor cores to function, which makes it exclusive to Nvidia’s RTX series graphics cards. Its exclusivity is a double-edged sword. While it’s not available for everyone, it’s more optimized and offers better performance.
AMD FSR
FidelityFX Super Resolution, or FSR, is AMD’s answer to Nvidia DLSS. While it too uses AI algorithms to upscale lower-resolution images, it takes a different approach altogether. FSR uses a spatial upscaling algorithm to analyze a low-resolution image and create a higher-resolution version of that image. Additionally, it applies a sharpening filter to make visuals more detailed and crisp. FSR works on a wide range of GPUs, including those from Nvidia and Intel, making it a more versatile option for gamers.
Intel XeSS
Xe Super Sampling, or XeSS, is a relatively new upscaling technology developed by Intel. XeSS has two versions, the open-source version and XeSS on Intel Arc. The open-source version of XeSS works on any GPU that supports DP4a instruction set, which helps accelerate AI calculations. All Nvidia cards since the GTX 10 series and all AMD cards since the RX 5000 series should work with XeSS. XeSS on Intel Arc GPUs takes advantage of the dedicated XMX cores (AI cores similar to Nvidia’s Tensor cores) included in Intel Arc A770 and A750 GPUs to achieve better results. XeSS is still new, and few games support it at this time.
Performance: How Nvidia DLSS, AMD FSR, and Intel XeSS Compare in Real-World Tests
We tested DLSS 3, FSR 2, and XeSS on our test bench and found that XeSS offers the best image quality. DLSS does a fantastic job, too. On the other hand, FSR does a decent job but is comparatively worse than its rivals. While XeSS takes the lead in visuals, it loses out in performance, with both DLSS and FSR beating it by a significant margin.
Conclusion: Which Upscaling Technology is the Best?
Choosing the best upscaling technology comes down to personal preference and your GPU. Nvidia DLSS offers excellent performance and image quality but is only available on Nvidia’s RTX series graphics cards. AMD FSR, on the other hand, works on a wide range of GPUs, including those from Nvidia and Intel, making it a more versatile option for gamers. Intel XeSS is an excellent upscaling technology but is in its early stages of development and has limited game support.
FAQs
1. Are AI upscaling technologies like DLSS, FSR, or XeSS worth using?
Absolutely! There’s no reason not to use them. It’s a free upgrade, and it offers minimal loss in image quality while making games run 2 to 3 times faster, depending on which settings you have enabled.
2. Do AI upscaling technologies like DLSS, FSR, or XeSS cause graphical glitches?
In the past, there have been reports of blurry visuals and missing textures when using AI upscaling technologies. However, these technologies have matured considerably since then. Graphical glitches are not as big a problem as you might expect.
3. Which upscaling technology should I choose, DLSS, FSR, or XeSS?
Choosing the best upscaling technology depends on your personal preference and your GPU. Nvidia DLSS offers excellent performance and image quality but is only available on Nvidia’s RTX series graphics cards. AMD FSR works on a wide range of GPUs, including those from Nvidia and Intel, making it a more versatile option for gamers. Intel XeSS is an excellent upscaling technology but is in its early stages of development and has limited game support.
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