DLSS 4 introduces significant advancements in gaming technology, focusing on enhancing performance, image quality, and ray tracing. Here’s a summary of the key features:

1. Multi Frame Generation

One of the most impactful features of DLSS 4 is Multi Frame Generation, which significantly improves game performance by generating up to three additional frames for every rendered frame. This works alongside existing DLSS technologies to boost frame rates, delivering up to 8x the performance of traditional rendering.

• How It Works: It uses AI to generate frames by analyzing motion vectors and depth data. This results in smoother, more fluid gameplay, even in demanding ray-traced games like Cyberpunk 2077.
• Performance Boost: On GeForce RTX 5090, this can enable 4K 240 FPS gaming with full ray tracing.

2. Transformer AI Model

DLSS 4 upgrades its AI models with transformer architecture, moving beyond the previous CNN (Convolutional Neural Networks) model. The new vision transformer allows better analysis of the entire frame for pixel generation, improving stability, motion detail, and reducing ghosting.

• Improved Image Quality: The transformer model enhances clarity, reduces artifacts like ghosting, and ensures smoother edges and better detail in motion.
• Example: In Alan Wake 2, it stabilizes reflections and lighting, reducing visual inconsistencies.

3. Ray Reconstruction

Ray Reconstruction enhances the quality of ray-traced effects, such as reflections, shadows, and lighting. This feature helps stabilize ray-traced visuals, eliminating artifacts that can occur due to complex lighting scenarios.

• Image Stability: This improves lighting accuracy, reduces visual glitches, and ensures smoother, more immersive ray-traced scenes.
• Example: In Cyberpunk 2077, this feature improves reflective surfaces, making them more lifelike.

4. Super Resolution

DLSS 4’s Super Resolution technology allows gamers to experience higher resolutions without the need for a powerful GPU. It upscales lower-resolution images (like 1080p) to look like native 4K visuals, improving image clarity and performance.

• Better Quality at Lower Resolutions: This feature lets games run more efficiently by rendering at a lower resolution and upscaling to achieve high-quality visuals, enhancing performance and reducing GPU workload.

5. Reduced VRAM Usage

DLSS 4 improves VRAM efficiency, lowering memory usage by up to 30%. This reduction is achieved through better AI models and optimizations in the Multi Frame Generation process.

• More Efficient Gaming: This means you can play at higher resolutions and settings without exhausting the VRAM of your GPU, allowing smoother gameplay with less strain on the system.
• Example: In Warhammer 40,000: Darktide, DLSS 4 saves 400MB of VRAM at 4K while maintaining high performance.

6. Faster Frame Rates and Lower Latency

DLSS 4 reduces latency and enhances frame pacing for smoother gameplay. The Blackwell hardware and Flip Metering technology optimize the timing of frames, ensuring smoother and more consistent frame delivery.

• Lower Input Latency: Faster generation of frames means more responsive gameplay, critical for fast-paced, competitive titles.
• Improved Frame Pacing: The new pacing system helps avoid stuttering and inconsistencies in frame delivery, leading to smoother experiences.

7. Backward Compatibility and DLSS Override

DLSS 4 is backward compatible with GeForce RTX 40 and 30 Series GPUs, allowing older hardware to benefit from the transformer models for Ray Reconstruction and Super Resolution.

• DLSS Override Feature: Through NVIDIA’s app, users can enable Multi Frame Generation and other DLSS 4 features on older GPUs, even if the game doesn’t officially support it yet.
• Broader Support: GeForce RTX 40 Series users can use the latest features like Super Resolution and Ray Reconstruction with any supported title.

8. Support for 75 Games and Apps

DLSS 4 will be supported in 75 games and apps at launch, including popular titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Alan Wake 2, and Star Wars Outlaws.

• Future Updates: More games will integrate Multi Frame Generation and transformer models over time, and older games will be updated through DLSS Override options.

Conclusion

DLSS 4 represents a significant evolution in NVIDIA’s AI-driven graphics technology, offering major improvements in performance, image quality, and efficiency. With features like Multi Frame Generation, transformer models, and ray reconstruction, DLSS 4 provides a smoother and more visually stunning experience, whether you’re playing the latest ray-traced games or using older GeForce GPUs.