Fake Frames or not Fake Frames

NVIDIA's latest innovation, DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation, has sparked debate within the gaming community. This technology employs AI to generate up to three additional frames for every traditionally rendered one, significantly boosting frame rates. The Verge

The Evolution of Frame Generation

Screenshot from Nvidia’s website of the RTX 5090 running Cyberpunk 2077 Maxed out at 4K.

Screenshot from Nvidia’s Website with the RTX 4090 also running Cyberpunk 2077 at 4K

Traditional rendering relies on rasterisation, where each frame is individually processed. DLSS 4's approach, often referred to as "frame blending," uses AI to predict and create intermediary frames, enhancing perceived performance without the GPU rendering every single frame. This method has led to discussions about the authenticity of these "AI-generated" frames, with some critics labeling them as "fake." Recent comparisons between NVIDIA's RTX 4090 and the upcoming RTX 5090 highlight the complexities of relying solely on frame rates as performance indicators. Reports suggest that without AI enhancements, the RTX 4090 achieves 21 FPS on average, while the RTX 5090 reaches 28 FPS on average in CyberPunk 2077 Ultimate at 4K. This marginal difference has led to speculation about the true capabilities of high-end GPUs, especially considering the RTX 5090's substantial price tag.

The Future of Gaming Graphics

While DLSS 4's frame generation offers impressive frame rate improvements, it's essential to recognise that these metrics don't fully represent a GPU's performance. Factors such as input latency, visual fidelity, and consistency play crucial roles in the gaming experience. Over-reliance on AI-generated frames may introduce challenges, including potential input lag and visual artefacts, even with Nvidia’s Reflex technology in place. Gamers often buy GPUs for the raw power they can deliver immediately, not dependent on whether a game developer decides to integrate DLSS 4 functionality in the future. One must also consider that modders have stepped in to fill the gaps where official support is lacking. For instance, in Starfield, modders introduced AMD’s FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution) and NVIDIA’s DLSS 2 before the developers officially implemented the feature. This showcases that while DLSS and similar technologies offer a lot of promise, their integration isn't always guaranteed or timely, leaving users waiting for the software to catch up with their hardware investments.

The practical limitations of DLSS 4 become even clearer when considering games like Behaviour’s Dead By Daylight. This widely popular title for both PC and console boasts ultrawide support and a strong FPS cap of 120 frames per second on all systems. Even a GPU from NVIDIA’s 30 Series can comfortably hit 120 FPS at 2K resolution with settings maxed out. Despite the inclusion of some DLSS and FSR support, its implementation is minimal, as much of the game’s player base uses lower-end rigs, such as 10 Series GPUs, that cannot fully utilise these features.

This highlights the gap between cutting-edge technologies and their accessibility or relevance to a broader audience. NVIDIA's DLSS 4 represents a significant advancement in AI-driven graphics rendering, potentially redefining performance standards. However, it's vital for consumers and industry professionals to consider a holistic view of GPU capabilities, beyond just frame rates, to make informed decisions in this rapidly evolving landscape.

Regardless, if you need a GPU intallation to get you better frame rates, fake or not, please consider getting in touch as depending on where you are based, I can offer a home visit to install your new kit at a time that suits you.