Can NVIDIA Cards Use FSR? A Deep Dive into AMD’s Upscaling Tech

The short and definitive answer is yes, NVIDIA cards can use FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution). AMD designed FSR as an open-source, cross-platform technology, meaning it’s not exclusive to their own Radeon GPUs. Any graphics card that supports shader model 5.0 or higher – which includes all modern NVIDIA GPUs – can technically run FSR.

Understanding FSR and Its Open Nature

FSR’s appeal lies in its accessibility. Unlike NVIDIA’s DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), which relies on dedicated Tensor Cores found only on NVIDIA RTX cards, FSR utilizes spatial upscaling. This makes it compatible with a wider range of hardware, including older GPUs from both NVIDIA and AMD, and even some integrated graphics solutions. The beauty of spatial upscaling is that it examines the current frame and uses algorithms to reconstruct a higher-resolution image from a lower-resolution input, without requiring specialized hardware. This accessibility is a core principle of AMD’s approach, making FSR a valuable tool for improving performance across a broader spectrum of systems.

How FSR Works on NVIDIA Cards

When you enable FSR in a game, the game renders at a lower resolution than your monitor’s native resolution. FSR then kicks in, analyzing this lower-resolution image and applying upscaling algorithms to reconstruct a higher-resolution image that’s closer to your monitor’s native resolution. This process reduces the load on the GPU, resulting in increased frame rates. On NVIDIA cards, this process works virtually identically as it does on AMD cards. The performance gains and visual quality will depend on factors like the specific game, the chosen FSR quality preset (e.g., Ultra Quality, Quality, Balanced, Performance), and the specific NVIDIA GPU being used.

Performance and Image Quality on NVIDIA vs. AMD

While FSR works on both NVIDIA and AMD cards, the performance and image quality can vary. Generally, newer FSR versions (e.g., FSR 2.0 and later) tend to provide better image quality than the original FSR 1.0, and are often seen as more competitive with DLSS. That said, it is not an NVIDIA-optimized technology and the results may vary. DLSS uses temporal upscaling, meaning it leverages information from multiple frames, as well as machine learning, to achieve its results. The specific AMD or NVIDIA GPU in question is also a factor. A high-end NVIDIA card paired with FSR may produce better results than a low-end AMD card also running FSR, and vice versa.

Comparing FSR with DLSS on NVIDIA Cards

Since NVIDIA cards already have access to DLSS, you might wonder why someone would choose FSR. Here’s a breakdown:

• Availability: DLSS is only available in games that specifically support it. FSR, being more easily implemented, tends to appear in a wider range of titles, especially those developed by smaller studios or indie developers. Also, frame generation (FG) in DLSS version 3 is exclusive to NVIDIA RTX 4000 series cards, while FSR 3 will include frame generation for a broader set of GPUs.
• Image Quality: In many cases, DLSS offers superior image quality compared to FSR, particularly in its higher quality modes. This is due to its use of temporal data and machine learning. However, FSR has significantly improved over time, and newer versions can deliver visually impressive results, even rivaling DLSS in some scenarios.
• Performance: Performance gains from FSR and DLSS can vary depending on the game, the chosen quality preset, and the GPU being used. Generally, both technologies provide substantial performance improvements, allowing you to run games at higher frame rates or with more demanding graphical settings.
• Hardware Requirements: As previously mentioned, FSR’s biggest advantage is its compatibility with a broader range of hardware. DLSS requires NVIDIA RTX cards with Tensor Cores, limiting its availability.

In summary, if a game supports both DLSS and FSR, and you have an RTX card, DLSS is often the better choice for image quality. However, FSR remains a valuable alternative, especially in games that don’t support DLSS or if you’re using an older NVIDIA GPU.

FSR Implementation and Settings

Implementing FSR is relatively straightforward for game developers. AMD provides a software development kit (SDK) that allows developers to easily integrate FSR into their games.

Within games, FSR typically offers several quality presets:

• Ultra Quality: Offers the best image quality, with a smaller performance gain.
• Quality: A good balance between image quality and performance.
• Balanced: Further prioritizes performance over image quality.
• Performance: Provides the largest performance boost, but with the most noticeable reduction in image quality.

The best setting will depend on your individual preferences and the capabilities of your hardware. Experimenting with different presets is recommended to find the optimal balance between image quality and performance.

FSR: An Evolving Technology

AMD continues to develop and improve FSR, with newer versions offering enhanced image quality and performance. FSR 2.0 introduced temporal upscaling, a significant improvement over the original FSR 1.0. FSR 3 promises even greater performance gains through the inclusion of frame generation technology, similar to DLSS 3. These ongoing improvements solidify FSR’s position as a competitive upscaling solution for a wide range of GPUs, including those from NVIDIA.

FSR: A Win for Gamers

Ultimately, the availability of FSR as an open-source, cross-platform technology is a win for gamers. It provides a viable alternative to DLSS, especially for those using older GPUs or playing games that don’t support DLSS. As FSR continues to evolve, it will likely become an even more compelling option for improving performance and image quality in PC games.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about FSR and NVIDIA Cards

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify how FSR works with NVIDIA GPUs:

1. Will using FSR on an NVIDIA card damage my GPU?

No, using FSR on an NVIDIA card will not damage your GPU. FSR is a software-based upscaling technique that operates within the normal operating parameters of the GPU.

2. Is FSR better or worse than DLSS on NVIDIA cards?

Generally, DLSS offers better image quality on NVIDIA RTX cards due to its use of temporal data and machine learning. However, FSR is more widely available and can still provide significant performance improvements. The “better” choice depends on the specific game and your priorities.

3. Can I use FSR and DLSS at the same time?

No, you cannot use FSR and DLSS simultaneously. Games typically offer one or the other, but not both.

4. How do I enable FSR on my NVIDIA card?

Enable FSR within the game’s graphics settings. Look for an option labeled “FSR,” “FidelityFX Super Resolution,” or something similar. Choose your desired quality preset (Ultra Quality, Quality, Balanced, Performance).

5. Does FSR work on all NVIDIA cards?

FSR is compatible with any NVIDIA card that supports shader model 5.0 or higher, which includes most modern NVIDIA GPUs.

6. Will FSR give me the same performance boost on an NVIDIA card as it does on an AMD card?

Performance gains can vary depending on the specific game, the chosen FSR quality preset, and the GPU being used. There may be some differences in performance between NVIDIA and AMD cards, but FSR generally provides a significant performance boost on both.

7. How do I update FSR? Is it a driver update?

FSR is integrated directly into the game’s code. To “update” FSR, you need to update the game itself. FSR is not part of a driver update for your graphics card.

8. What is the difference between FSR 1.0, FSR 2.0, and FSR 3?

• FSR 1.0: Uses spatial upscaling. It’s simpler but produces lower image quality than later versions.
• FSR 2.0: Uses temporal upscaling, leveraging information from previous frames to improve image quality. A significant upgrade over FSR 1.0.
• FSR 3: Includes frame generation technology, similar to DLSS 3, promising even greater performance gains.

9. Does FSR require ray tracing to be enabled?

No, FSR does not require ray tracing. It is a separate upscaling technique that can be used independently of ray tracing.

10. Can FSR improve image quality even if I’m not trying to boost performance?

While FSR primarily focuses on improving performance, using the “Ultra Quality” setting can sometimes result in slightly sharper image quality compared to native resolution, although this effect is often minimal.

11. Is FSR open source, and does that matter to me as a user?

Yes, FSR is open source. This means developers can freely integrate it into their games without licensing fees, leading to wider adoption. It also allows for community contributions and potential improvements to the technology.

12. Are there any downsides to using FSR on my NVIDIA card?

The main downside is that FSR’s image quality might not be as good as DLSS in some games, especially in the lower quality presets. Some users also report minor visual artifacts or blurring in certain scenarios. Experiment with different settings to find the best balance for your setup.