Upscaling tech is a great way for people to experience images, videos, and games at a better resolution than what it is originally available at. This has definitely changed the gaming and entertainment industry in a lot of ways, and it is only going to get better with time.
While the race to build the best GPU is constant, these upscaling features seem to have kicked off another race: To provide the highest-grade upscaling software that offers the best visual experience. To take things to the next level, AMD recently announced its FidelityFX Super i.e. FSR 2.0 tech, which is an upgrade from its FSR 1.0.
FSR 1.0 vs FSR 2.0: What changes?
While the premise remains the same, that it is an upscaling tech that uses specific algorithms rather than AI, there is one key difference between the two versions. FSR 2.0 uses temporal upscaling, whereas FSR 1.0 uses spatial upscaling. This is also in line with NVIDIA’s decision to shift DLSS from a spatial to a temporal upscaler. Additionally, FSR 2.0 is also compatible with competitor GPUs as well. The only catch is that it requires a GPU with higher specifications.
It is also substantially different from AMD’s RSR tech. See the image below to find out more:
FSR 2.0 on Deathloop
We had the opportunity to put the technology to the test with Deathloop, as that is one of the first few games to receive an FSR 2.0 patch. AMD has also released a list of other games that will receive FSR support along with Deathloop, starting May 12, 2022. The system specifications used for testing are mentioned below:
| CPU | R9 5900X 12-Core Processor |
| GPU | Radeon RX 6800 |
| Motherboard | ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero |
| RAM | 16 GB |
To test the effect of FSR 1.0 on the game performance, FPS, and improvement in graphics, we ran the game with Ultra settings at 4K, 1440p, and 1080p. Moreover, we have also made sure to test it with and without Ray Tracing enabled as well. We then compared the native resolutions to the upscaled ones that were achieved with the help of FSR 2.0 to see how the it boosts FPS and graphical performance.
In addition to the screenshots attached below, we have also included the imgsli links for the same so users can compare and view the images for themselves.
Important Note: While testing FSR 2.0 on Deathloop, Anti Aliasing isn’t available to use, as it will be replaced by FSR’s AA.
4K Native vs FSR 2.0 Balanced, Performance, and Quality – No Ray-Tracing at Ultra Settings
While on 4K Native, Deathloop suffered from a lot of stuttering issues, while the character was in motion, to the point where the FPS dropped to around 50. This issue was even present when RT was turned off as well. However, switching over to FSR 2.0 showed an immediate improvement in gameplay on all the modes, and the highest frame rate we could achieve was around 90 FPS, while using performance mode.
4K Native vs FSR 2.0 Balanced, Performance, and Quality – With Ray Tracing at Ultra Settings
With ray tracing enabled, the native resolution saw an immediate drop to 41 FPS. With FSR 2.0, the frame rate only improved slightly in balanced and quality modes. But, it reached a decent 65 FPS in performance mode.
An important thing to note would be that Native 4K and FSR 2.0 Quality mode might look very similar, and the best way to experience the actual difference would be to play the game at these settings rather than looking at these still images. You might be able to minor differences but it is a completely different experience once you actually play the game.
1440p Native vs FSR 2.0 Balanced, Performance, and Quality-With and Without Ray Tracing at Ultra Settings
The performance at 1440p was substantially better than 4K with RT turned on and off. The upscaled 1440p resolution at Quality setting offered a substantially better experience than the native settings while reaching around 104 FPS with no Ray-Tracing. Even with Ray tracing turned on, it managed to perform around 100 FPS. This leads us to believe that 1440p would be the ideal resolution to experience Deathloop with the new FSR 2.0 patch
1080p Native vs FSR 2.0 Balanced, Performance, and Quality-With Ray Tracing at Ultra Settings
Lastly, we also tested the game at a Native 1080p where FSR 2.0 manage to boost the FPS to a mammoth 139 on average. Native 1080p could achieve a maximum of 114 FPS. However, playing in Quality mode at 1080p was ideal with around 128 FPS and extremely smooth gameplay.
To compare the difference yourselves, check out the imgsli links below:
4K no RT: https://imgsli.com/MTA3NDg3
4K + RT: https://imgsli.com/MTA3NDg4
1440p no RT: https://imgsli.com/MTA3NDg5
1440p + RT: https://imgsli.com/MTA3NDkw
1080p no RT: https://imgsli.com/MTA3NDk4
Inferences and Verdict:
FSR 2.0 is definitely a substantial upgrade from FSR 1.0. It is also a great addition to AMD’s offerings, considering it is not dependent on a Machine-Learning based hardware, unlike NVIDIA’s DLSS. In addition to this, it is completely open source, so developers can take complete control of it to enhance the experience of their games even further. Along with that, its biggest USP is that it will be compatible with competitor GPUs as well.
However, achieving 4K and 1440p will require users to have a high-end graphics card. Also, every game will have to integrate it separately, which is also the case with NVIDIA’s DLSS as well. Despite this, FSR 2.0 is a great software. which has allowed AMD to close the gap on DLSS. The difference modes provide a great gaming experience and it is definitely only going to get better.
Upscaling is definitely one of the most exciting features considering it reduces the hardware dependency and still offers you an enhanced experience. With FSR 2.0, AMD has definitely managed to surpass its own limits and has created a nifty offering that will take your gaming experience to the next level.
