Independent testing of AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution 4 (FSR 4) reveals impressive strides in upscaling quality and performance, powered by a new machine learning-based approach.
This breakthrough has the potential to redefine visuals for AMD’s next-generation GPUs, with early benchmarks showcasing remarkable improvements over FSR 3.1.
Enhanced Visual Fidelity
YouTube channel Hardware Unboxed conducted a detailed comparison of FSR 4 and FSR 3.1, running Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart on AMD’s newly unveiled Radeon RX 9070 series. The results were striking, with FSR 4 delivering significant enhancements in:
- Sharper edges and improved anti-aliasing.
- Reduced visual artifacts, especially in high-motion scenes.
- Greater detail in small, intricate elements like particle effects and fur textures.
- Improved clarity for reflections, transparency, and holographic visuals.
Performance Mode Redefined
One standout observation was FSR 4’s performance in 4K Performance mode, previously a challenging area for AMD’s upscaling technology.
The machine-learning model now excels at maintaining the clarity of fast-moving objects and preserving the fine detail of complex surfaces, addressing key limitations of its predecessor.
Machine Learning Integration: A Big Step Forward
FSR 4’s adoption of a machine-learning model, akin to NVIDIA’s DLSS, marks a significant evolution for AMD’s upscaling technology.
Early analysis suggests this shift could make FSR 4 a game-changer for gaming handhelds powered by RDNA 3.5 iGPUs, though current compatibility is limited to the RDNA 4 architecture.
Cautionary Context
It’s worth noting that this early evaluation is based on testing a single game in specific scenarios, so broader performance results may vary. However, the findings underscore AMD’s significant progress in advancing its upscaling capabilities.
Release Timeline
The AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT and other 9070-series GPUs, which will debut with FSR 4, are set to launch in Q1 2025, offering gamers a glimpse of the future in high-performance upscaling.
Source: Hardware Unboxed’s YouTube
