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- DLSS 4 uses a new AI model for smoother visuals and sharper images and supports all RTX cards.
- It reduces GPU strain but doesn’t fully eliminate input delay, especially in competitive gaming.
- Nvidia sets a new standard with DLSS 4, delivering better performance and visuals across setups.
Nvidia stole the show at CES 2025 by introducing a new graphics card, the RTX 5090, priced under $2,000. While the success wasn’t solely dependent on groundbreaking graphics technology, Nvidia showcased many new advancements, including DLSS 4, paired with the latest graphics card.
The DLSS 4 promises to boost game performance by up to 4X across over 75 supported games thanks to its new multi-frame generation feature. Despite DLSS 4 hype, many are unaware of how it works and how it differs from earlier versions. Let’s clarify the myths surrounding DLSS 4.
What’s New And How DLSS 4 Works
Nvidia made major improvements in DLSS 3 and introduced DLSS 4 with its new graphics card. One of the biggest changes is its new multi-frame generation feature, which creates extra frames between two rendered ones, making gaming visuals much smoother.
Nvidia’s CEO claimed that DLSS 4 can “predict the future,” which sounds futuristic but not as it claims. This refers to frame interpolation, a method used in DLSS 3, AMD’s FSR 3, and others. Frame interpolation calculates a new frame between two rendered ones, saving processing power and improving animation smoothness.
Jensen Huang’s statement is a simplified or exaggerated phrase meant to help a broader audience understand the concept behind the frame generation process. While DLSS 4 builds on existing methods, it brings significant advancements. This marks a major leap for Nvidia’s GPUs, built on years of research and testing.
What Gamers Need To Know About Latency
Latency is the delay between your actions and what you see on the screen. Some may think that extra frame generation between the already rendered ones will cause higher latency, but this is not the case.
Each frame stays on screen for about 16.6 milliseconds when you’re playing at 60 fps. DLSS 3 doubles the frame rate to 120 fps, but the time between frames stays the same.
DLSS 4 goes even further, increasing the frame rate to 240 fps, and the time between frames doesn’t change either. The delay caused by adding extra frames is always the same, no matter how many new frames are added.
According to tests by Digital Foundry, DLSS 4 might slightly increase the delay with extra frame generation, but buffering the first frame causes more delay than the extra frames created later. So, the latency of DLSS 3 and DLSS 4 is the same, and extra frames don’t cause a huge increase in input lag.
Nvidia’s Reflex technology reduces latency by ensuring that frames are shown and inputs are processed at the same time, so the game feels smooth and responsive with DLSS 4 as well. Enjoy the gaming experience without worrying about slow reactions.
What Makes DLSS 4 Different?
DLSS 4 makes a huge difference in performance and visual appearance due to its new AI model. The vision transformer model, a new AI model in DLSS 4, replaces the old method, Convolutional Neural Network. This method brings two important improvements: self-attention and scalability.
Self-attention means that if a specific part of your image is flickering or shimmering, the model will focus on that to provide a better result. As a result, your image will look sharper and more stable, and you will experience fewer visual problems and a smoother experience with DLSS 4.
Scalability is another advantage of the new transformer model. The new model can handle more complex tasks because it has more power compared to the old method. This scalability allows DLSS 4 to work well on a wide range of Nvidia RTX graphics cards, from the latest 50-series cards to older ones.
DLSS 4 For Every Gamer
The main advantage of DLSS 4 is that it reduces GPU strain by helping games run smoother at higher resolutions. If you have a mid-range computer, you can still play demanding games on ultra settings. However, remember that input delay won’t be eliminated due to frame interpolation, especially in competitive games.
Additionally, Nvidia has confirmed that the new AI model will be compatible with all RTX graphics cards, although some features may be limited depending on the card. This ensures that more players can enjoy the technology without needing to buy the latest hardware.
As we await the launch of the RTX 50-series, one thing is clear: DLSS 4 is set to redefine gaming, setting a new benchmark for performance and quality. Whether you’re a casual player or a competitive enthusiast, this technology promises to enhance your gaming experience in previously unimaginable ways.
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[Comparisons Expert]
Shehryar Khan, a seasoned PC hardware expert, brings over three years of extensive experience and a deep passion for the world of technology. With a love for building PCs and a genuine enthusiasm for exploring the latest advancements in components, his expertise shines through his work and dedication towards this field. Currently, Shehryar is rocking a custom loop setup for his built.
Get In Touch: shehryar@tech4gamers.com
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