AMD has finally lifted the curtain on its next-generation RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 GPUs, but the real showstopper is the latest version of its upscaling technology, FSR 4. This significant update brings machine learning to the table, promising a substantial boost in image quality. However, this new feature comes with a caveat: you’ll need a brand-new RX 9070 or RX 9070 XT card to take advantage of it.
FSR 4’s machine learning models have been trained on AMD Instinct data center GPUs and are accelerated by RDNA 4’s architecture. This combination is expected to deliver much-improved image quality, rivaling that of Nvidia’s DLSS. Initial screenshots provided by AMD showcase the technology’s capabilities, with finer details like foliage and textures appearing crisper and more defined. The improvements are particularly noticeable in Performance mode, where FSR 3.1 often struggled to maintain image quality.
The performance gains are equally impressive, with AMD claiming a massive 3.5x frame rate uplift in Space Marine 2 running at 4K with FSR set to Performance. This level of performance enhancement has the potential to significantly improve the gaming experience, especially in demanding titles. However, it’s essential to note that the true test of FSR 4’s capabilities will be in real-world gameplay, where motion and fast-paced action can often expose upscaling technology’s limitations.
AMD has also announced that over 30 games will support FSR 4 at launch, including Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, God of War: Ragnarok, and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. An additional 75 games are expected to follow suit later this year. This level of adoption is crucial for the success of FSR 4, as it will provide gamers with a wide range of options to take advantage of the technology.
The company has also upgraded its AMD Fluid Motion Frames 2.1 technology, which will be available on RX 6000, 7000, and 9070-series GPUs, as well as AMD Ryzen AI 300 series processors. This technology is designed to improve frame generation image quality, reducing ghosting and improving temporal tracking. The HYPR-RX suite has also been improved, featuring AMD Radeon Anti-Lag 2, which reduces latency in supported games like Apex Legends, Counter Strike 2, DOTA 2, and Ghost of Tsushima.
A latency measuring tool will be included in the AMD Adrenaline drive suite, allowing users to track the performance gains. This level of transparency will enable gamers to fine-tune their settings and optimize their gaming experience. With FSR 4, AMD is taking a significant step forward in upscaling technology. While it may still trail behind Nvidia’s DLSS, the improvements are undeniable.
The real question now is whether FSR 4’s enhancements will be enough to sway gamers to choose AMD’s RX 9070-series GPUs over Nvidia’s offerings. The answer will depend on various factors, including the gaming community’s reception of FSR 4, the level of adoption among game developers, and the overall performance of the RX 9070-series GPUs. One thing is certain, however: AMD has raised the bar with FSR 4, and the competition will be watching closely.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the importance of upscaling technology cannot be overstated. With the increasing demand for high-resolution gaming and the growing popularity of 8K resolutions, the need for efficient and effective upscaling solutions has never been greater. AMD’s FSR 4 is a significant step forward in this regard, offering a compelling alternative to Nvidia’s DLSS.
The implications of FSR 4’s machine learning capabilities are far-reaching, with potential applications extending beyond gaming. The technology’s ability to improve image quality and reduce noise could have significant benefits for various industries, including healthcare, finance, and education.
In conclusion, AMD’s FSR 4 is a groundbreaking technology that has the potential to revolutionize the gaming industry. With its machine learning capabilities, improved image quality, and reduced noise, FSR 4 is poised to become a game-changer in the world of upscaling technology. As the gaming community continues to evolve and grow, it will be interesting to see how FSR 4 is received and how it will shape the future of gaming.
