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DLSS vs FSR: Which Upscaler Should You Use?

9/22/2025 · Graphics · 8 min

DLSS vs FSR: Which Upscaler Should You Use?

TL;DR

  • DLSS gives the best combination of image quality and performance on supported NVIDIA RTX GPUs, especially at higher upscaling factors.
  • FSR is platform agnostic and works on more GPUs and consoles, with FSR 2 and 3 delivering temporal upscaling that closes the quality gap.
  • XeSS from Intel offers another high quality option on compatible hardware and via DP4A software paths on many GPUs.
  • Best picks by need:
  • Competitive esports: enable the fastest upscaler mode that preserves clarity, usually a low-latency DLSS or FSR setting.
  • Best image quality: DLSS Quality or FSR 2/3 Quality modes, or XeSS when available.
  • Broad compatibility and console parity: FSR is safest.

What is upscaling and why it matters

Upscaling renders the game at a lower internal resolution and reconstructs a higher resolution image for your screen. This trades some native detail for big frame rate gains. For gamers with midrange GPUs or high refresh monitors, upscalers let you hit higher FPS without cranking settings down. For creators, temporal upscalers can speed up viewport performance while keeping acceptable visual fidelity.

How DLSS works

  • DLSS uses machine learning models running on NVIDIA tensor cores to infer missing pixels and temporal detail.
  • It combines spatial and temporal data with a neural network trained on high quality ground truth.
  • Best results come on RTX hardware that supports the model version used by the game.

How FSR and XeSS work

  • FSR 1 used a spatial-only sharpening approach. It was fast but lower quality than temporal methods.
  • FSR 2 and FSR 3 use temporal data and jittered rendering to reconstruct detail across frames, improving quality a lot over FSR 1. FSR 3 can include frame generation for extra FPS on supported titles.
  • XeSS uses either XMX acceleration on Intel hardware or DP4A software paths usable on many GPUs. It offers competitive quality and is expanding support.

Image quality comparison

  • Native vs upscaled: Native rendering usually wins for tiny fine detail, but modern temporal upscalers can be visually close at Quality and Balanced presets.
  • DLSS vs FSR 2/3 vs XeSS: DLSS historically led in fine detail reconstruction thanks to ML models, but FSR 2/3 and XeSS have narrowed the gap. At Performance presets differences are obvious; at Quality they are subtle on many titles.
  • Look for edge clarity, temporal stability, and artifacting when judging quality. Some games show ghosting or shimmer with certain upscalers or settings.

Performance and latency

  • Upscaling gives bigger FPS gains the higher the resolution gap is between rendered and display resolutions.
  • DLSS can be very efficient on RTX cards, but requires tensor core work. FSR runs on shaders and has wide device compatibility.
  • Frame generation features like FSR 3 or DLSS Frame Generation increase perceived FPS but can add latency or interpolation artifacts. Test in your game.

Compatibility and platform support

  • DLSS: NVIDIA RTX 20/30/40 series and newer. Game must include DLSS integration.
  • FSR: Works across NVIDIA, AMD, Intel, and consoles. FSR 2 and 3 require engine integration but are broadly available.
  • XeSS: Best on Intel Arc cards with XMX, but also supports other GPUs through DP4A path where supported.

Practical testing tips

  • Start with Quality mode, then step to Balanced or Performance if you need FPS.
  • Compare in real gameplay rather than static scenes because temporal methods use frame history.
  • Pay attention to motion clarity for fast camera movement and competitive play.
  • If your GPU supports multiple options, try each at the same apparent FPS to judge image quality differences.

Which should you choose

  • If you have an NVIDIA RTX card and the game supports DLSS, enable DLSS Quality or Balanced for the best mix of fidelity and FPS.
  • If you are on non RTX hardware or want cross platform consistency, use FSR 2 or FSR 3 where available. FSR gives the best compatibility.
  • If you use Intel Arc or your favorite game supports XeSS, try XeSS Quality for a competitive alternative.
  • For esports and low latency scenarios, prioritize the lowest latency mode that keeps target FPS, and test frame generation features carefully.

Quick settings checklist

  • Target frame rate and monitor refresh.
  • Use Quality mode for best visuals, Performance for max FPS.
  • Test motion and artifacting in actual gameplay sequences.
  • Enable or disable sharpening post process to taste.
  • If frame generation is available, test input feel and artifact profile before enabling for competitive play.

Bottom Line

Modern temporal upscalers mean you can get much better FPS with small visual tradeoffs. DLSS remains the leader on supported NVIDIA hardware, while FSR and XeSS give excellent cross platform options. The best choice depends on your GPU, the game you play, and whether you favor raw fidelity or maximum frame rate. Test presets in your own titles to find the sweet spot for your setup.

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