What Is NVIDIA DLSS? Everything About This Tech

What Is NVIDIA DLSS
Screengrab: NVIDIA DLSS

First off, DLSS denotes Deep Learning Super Sampling; it’s a machine learning technology used by NVIDIA to upscale images and boost frame rates in video games. NVIDIA has advertised DLSS as the prime feature of the RTX 20 series graphics cards.

Meanwhile, if you’re searching for NVIDIA graphics cards, you might know about DLSS; if not, let us tell you what exactly DLSS is.

What is DLSS?

DLSS or Deep Learning Super Sampling is NVIDIA’s alternative to TAA (temporal anti-aliasing). DLSS is an AI tech that smoothes out the jagged edges of rendered graphics. The technology helps improve the graphics by putting less pressure on the GPU and rendering the original image at a lower resolution. Afterward, it uses DLSS to upscale the image to give the impression that the game is being run at a higher resolution.

What NVIDIA’s DLSS does is add extra pixels to the output imagery, resulting in amazing visuals without putting a load on the GPU and having FPS drops. For instance, picture yourself playing a game on a 4K monitor; while the game is natively running at 1080p, the DLSS tech is upscaling and presenting the same at 4K, making it better to look at without compromising on the FPS.

How well does the DLSS performs?

According to NVIDIA, DLSS 2.0 can boost frame rates by 200%-300%; while DLSS’s older version is found in a few games, the AI can boost frame rates by over 70%. As for NVIDIA’s older GTX graphics cards, DLSS is not available; the graphic boosting AI is only available with NIVIDA’s RTX series graphics cards.

In addition, Ray Tracing puts pressure on graphics cards resulting in choppy performance. NVIDIA’s DLSS deals with the issue, allowing users a smooth and crystal clear gaming experience. DLSS features three default setting modes: performance, quality, and balance.

While it is pretty clear with their naming, the performance mode is optimized for a boost in the frame rates. On the other hand, quality mode triggers all to bring out the amazing visuals and deliver crystal clear 4K outputs. Lastly, the balance is the best of the two, for those who want the best of both worlds, better visuals with decent frame rates.

While DLSS isn’t perfect, the tech has shown potential and constantly improves. With NVIDIA providing multiple settings for users to work around and tweak DLSS’ performance according to their liking. NVIDIA’s DLSS is not just restricted to gaming, but the tech has also used 3D rendered images and videos for fields like architecture and media.

If you like this simple explainer, check out our Short Bytes section. We take complex tech topics and break them into short, easy-to-understand articles.

Similar Posts