The rivalry between AMD and NVIDIA takes another leap as AMD announces its latest FSR3. Designed to escalate video game performance through AI-assisted image generation, FSR3 is AMD's counterpunch to NVIDIA's DLSS3.
1. NVIDIA's DLSS: A Brief Recap
- DLSS Technology: NVIDIA's DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) primarily magnifies game images to resolutions higher than the actual computation by the graphics card. The essence is leveraging AI algorithms that utilize data from preceding frames to enhance scaling accuracy.
- DLSS3's New Frontier: The launch of the GeForce RTX 4000 series saw an evolved DLSS3 technology. In this iteration, AI doesn't just upscale the image but generates the entire frame, at least for alternate frames, leading to enhanced animation speed and graphics processor relief.
2. AMD's FSR Evolution
- The FSR Series: AMD's response to DLSS was the inception of the FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR). Parallel to NVIDIA's DLSS advancements, AMD unveiled FSR2 to challenge DLSS2, setting the stage for FSR3's competition with DLSS3.
- The Wait for FSR3: While AMD hinted at FSR3 during its Radeon RX 7900XT and Radeon RX 7900XTX announcement in December 2022, the subsequent months saw a lull. The prolonged anticipation culminated in the recent unveiling of FSR3, introducing what AMD terms as "fluid motion".
3. Distinguishing Features of FSR3
- Compatibility: AMD's approach deviates from NVIDIA's by promoting inclusivity. While FSR3 optimally supports the Radeon RX 7000 series, it also extends compatibility to the Radeon RX 6000 series. Taking inclusivity a notch higher, AMD's FSR3 is even compatible with NVIDIA's GeForce RTX series and Intel's ARC A7.
- Game Support: Presently, only Forspoken and Immortals of Aveum are FSR3-compatible. However, AMD's beta graphics drivers introduce a variation called AFMF (AMD's Fluid Motion Frames) which supports an additional 20 games, albeit with certain limitations.
4. Limitations and Cautions