AMD Introduces FSR 4 — AI Upscaling That Will Make Images Look Better Than Native Rendering

AMD has introduced FSR 4 AI image scaling technology to increase not only the frame rate in games, but also image quality. In the new version, the developers focused on improving image quality. The technology is based on artificial intelligence algorithms trained on AMD EPYC processors and Instinct accelerators – it is optimized for the RDNA 4 architecture and will be available only on next-generation video cards at launch.

Image source: AMD

At the press conference before the presentation, AMD demonstrated the work of FSR 4, comparing it with FSR 3.1 and native rendering in 4K resolution using Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 as an example. As practice has shown, the image obtained using AMD FSR 4 is of higher quality not only in comparison with its predecessor, but also relative to native rendering – this is noticeable in the example of the spires on the tower. The game image turns out to be sharper both statically and in motion: it becomes more detailed, and the number of artifacts inherent in FSR 3.1 decreases.

AMD FSR 4 promises a performance boost in games with Super Resolution and Frame Generation. Measurements across several games showed a performance boost (frames per second) in Performance mode with both features enabled ranging from 2.1x to 3.7x. AMD FSR 4 with Super Resolution alone provided a 1.4x to 2x performance boost, depending on the game. In all cases, the games were run at 4K on an AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT graphics card.

At launch, FSR 4 will be supported by over 30 PC games, thanks to the AMD Upgradable FSR API tools introduced with FSR 3.1. By the end of the year, 75 games will receive FSR 4 support. It is noted that from day one, the technology will be compatible with most of the games recently ported to PC from Sony PlayStation.

AMD also mentioned HYPR-RX, a driver-level resolution and image quality enhancement technology that can be enabled with a single click. It can be useful in some cases, as it simultaneously enables features such as FSR/RSR (resolution enhancement), Anti-Lag (latency reduction), Radeon Boost (increased gaming performance and visual quality), and AFMF 2 (frame generation). Incidentally, the company has released an updated version of AFMF 2.1 with an improved algorithm, reduced ghosting, increased detail, and better detection and handling of overlays.