What Is DLSS? How It Works and When to Turn It On
What is DLSS? DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) is NVIDIA’s AI technology that raises your frame rate in games by rendering at a lower resolution and then rebuilding a sharp, high-resolution image. NVIDIA released it in 2019, and it only works on NVIDIA’s RTX graphics cards. In newer versions it can also generate extra frames, which boosts FPS even more. In this guide you’ll learn how it works, what each version does, which cards support it, and when to turn it on. bgr
What is DLSS in Simple Terms?
Rendering every pixel of a 4K game is expensive. DLSS cuts that cost. It lets most of the graphics pipeline run at a lower resolution, then infers a higher-resolution image that approximates the detail of rendering at the higher resolution. epfl
Think of it as an AI-powered shortcut: the GPU does less work, and a neural network fills in the detail. NVIDIA describes DLSS as a suite of neural rendering technologies powered by the Tensor Cores in GeForce RTX cards. That means it needs RTX hardware and a game that supports it. softwareone
How does DLSS work?
The process has four basic steps:
- The game renders at a lower resolution. For example, a 4K target may be rendered internally at 1440p or lower.
- DLSS takes in extra information: the low-resolution frame, motion data, and details from previous frames.
- An AI model reconstructs the image at your full output resolution, sharpening edges and restoring detail.
- You get a higher FPS because the GPU rendered fewer pixels.
NVIDIA trains the AI models on its own supercomputers and keeps improving them through driver and app updates, so a game’s DLSS often gets better over time without changes to the game.
DLSS versions explained
The name covers several different features, which is why it confuses people. This is how they fit together.
DLSS Super Resolution (upscaling)
The original feature. It renders at a lower resolution and upscales. The first and second generations work on all RTX cards in supported games. wikipedia
DLSS frame generation
Introduced with DLSS 3. It inserts AI-generated frames between the frames your GPU renders, which increases the FPS number. The third generation is exclusive to RTX 40 series cards. DLSS 3 also includes NVIDIA Reflex, which synchronizes the GPU and CPU to keep latency low. wikipediacorsair
DLSS Multi Frame Generation (DLSS 4)
Multi Frame Generation uses AI to generate up to three frames for every rendered frame, and it’s powered by the GeForce RTX 50 series. softwareone
DLAA
Deep Learning Anti-Aliasing uses the same AI approach to improve image quality at native resolution. It doesn’t boost FPS. It’s for people who want the best quality and already have performance to spare. softwareone
Ray Reconstruction
It uses AI to generate extra pixels in ray-traced scenes, replacing hand-tuned denoisers. It improves the look of ray tracing and path tracing. softwareone
What is DLSS 4.5?
DLSS 4.5 is the latest major update. NVIDIA announced it at CES 2026, adding a second-generation Transformer model for Super Resolution, Dynamic Multi-Frame Generation, and a 6x Multi-Frame Generation mode. The practical points: gamesmarket
- Better upscaling for all RTX cards. The new Super Resolution model is available for all GeForce RTX GPUs from the 20 series on up. multiplayer
- More generated frames on RTX 50. NVIDIA says it can generate up to five additional frames for every traditionally rendered frame on RTX 50 cards. mezha
- Dynamic Multi-Frame Generation adjusts the number of generated frames automatically, so the game holds a target frame rate. The official launch date for it was reported as March 31, 2026. multiplayer
Features and game support change quickly, so check NVIDIA’s official DLSS page for the current list.
Which GPUs support DLSS?
| GPU series | What you get |
|---|---|
| RTX 20 series | Super Resolution, DLAA, and the newer upscaling models |
| RTX 30 series | Same as RTX 20 |
| RTX 40 series | All of the above, plus Frame Generation |
| RTX 50 series | All of the above, plus Multi Frame Generation and the newest frame generation modes |
GTX cards, and AMD and Intel GPUs, don’t support DLSS. Which features you can use also depends on the game, so check the game’s settings menu.
Does DLSS Increase FPS?
Yes, in most supported games, especially at 4K, with ray tracing on, or on a mid-range card. The gain depends on the mode you choose, the game, and your hardware. NVIDIA said in January 2025 that more than 80% of RTX users turn DLSS on, which shows how common it is. Wikipedia
Keep in mind the difference between upscaling and frame generation:
- Upscaling raises FPS and also lowers the GPU’s workload, so the game genuinely runs faster.
- Frame generation raises the displayed FPS by adding frames, but input responsiveness still depends on your real, rendered frame rate. A game that runs at 30 real FPS can show a much higher number and still feel sluggish.
DLSS Quality vs Performance: which mode should you use?
Games offer several presets. The internal render resolution gets lower as you move down the list.
| Mode | Best for | Tradeoff |
|---|---|---|
| DLAA | Best image quality, with FPS to spare | No FPS gain |
| Quality | Most people, 1440p and 4K | Smaller FPS gain, best image |
| Balanced | A middle ground | Slight softness in some games |
| Performance | 4K on weaker GPUs, high-FPS targets | Noticeable softness at lower resolutions |
| Ultra Performance | Last resort, very demanding games | Clear quality loss |
A simple rule: start with Quality. If you need more FPS, step down one mode at a time until the game runs smoothly. At 1080p, lower modes look softer because there are fewer pixels to work with.
When Should You Turn DLSS on?
Turn it on when:
- you’re playing at 4K or 1440p and want higher FPS
- ray tracing or path tracing is on and your frame rate drops
- your GPU is the limit (it sits near 100% usage)
- you want to hit a high refresh rate, such as 144Hz or 240Hz
Leave it off, or use DLAA, when:
- your game already runs well above your monitor’s refresh rate
- you play competitive shooters where every millisecond of input response matters (especially with frame generation)
- the game has a poor DLSS implementation with visible ghosting or shimmering
Frame generation tip: it works best when your base frame rate is already reasonable (many people suggest at least 40 to 60 FPS before generation). If your base FPS is very low, it can feel laggy.
Does DLSS Fix a Bottleneck?
It depends on which part is the bottleneck. Our bottleneck guides cover the basics, and here’s how DLSS fits in.
- GPU bottleneck: DLSS helps a lot. It reduces the pixel load on your graphics card, so FPS goes up.
- CPU bottleneck: Upscaling helps little or not at all, because lowering resolution doesn’t reduce the CPU’s work. Frame generation can raise the displayed FPS in these cases, but your underlying responsiveness is still limited by the CPU.
- Mixed or balanced systems: DLSS can move you from a GPU limit to a CPU limit, which is when more FPS stops showing up.
If you’re not sure which part is holding you back, check CPU and GPU usage while you play. A GPU near 100% with a CPU well below it points to a GPU bottleneck, so DLSS is a good fit.
DLSS vs FSR and XeSS
- DLSS (NVIDIA): AI-based, needs an RTX card, and is generally praised for image quality.
- FSR (AMD): works on a wider range of GPUs, including non-AMD cards in many versions, which makes it useful if you don’t have RTX hardware.
- XeSS (Intel): works best on Intel Arc cards, with a fallback mode for other GPUs.
If your game supports several, test them on your own system, since the best option varies by game and by card.
DLSS and your monitor
DLSS pairs well with high-refresh monitors, particularly with frame generation. To get the most out of it:
- Use G-Sync or FreeSync so the display follows your frame rate. If you’re not sure what tearing is, read What Is Screen Tearing?
- Use a cable and port that can carry your resolution and refresh rate. Our HDMI vs DisplayPort guide explains which to pick.
- If your screen flickers while using adaptive sync, see our monitor flickering fixes.
How to Turn DLSS on
- Update your graphics driver and the NVIDIA app.
- Open the game’s graphics settings and find “DLSS” or “NVIDIA DLSS,” usually under Display or Graphics.
- Choose a mode (start with Quality) and turn on frame generation if available.
- Optionally use the NVIDIA app override. In the Graphics tab, the DLSS Override feature lets you pick Model Presets and choose “Latest” to use the newest model. Support varies by game. gamesmarket
Frequently asked questions
What does DLSS stand for?
Deep Learning Super Sampling.
Is DLSS only for NVIDIA graphics cards?
Yes. It needs an NVIDIA RTX card, because it runs on the Tensor Cores built into those GPUs.
Does DLSS reduce image quality?
It can slightly, especially in lower-quality modes, but at Quality settings many people find the image close to native, and sometimes sharper thanks to its anti-aliasing. Results vary by game.
Does DLSS add input lag?
Upscaling generally doesn’t. Frame generation can add some latency, which NVIDIA tries to offset with Reflex.
Is DLSS worth it on a mid-range GPU?
Often yes. Mid-range cards gain the most from upscaling at 1440p and 4K, and it can extend the life of an older RTX card.
What is the difference between DLSS and frame generation?
DLSS upscaling renders fewer pixels per frame. Frame generation adds extra frames between real ones. They can be used together, and they’re separate settings in many games.
Can I use DLSS with an RTX 30 series card?
Yes, for Super Resolution and the newer upscaling models. Frame generation needs an RTX 40 or 50 series card.
Is DLSS better than native resolution?
Not always. Native rendering is the reference image, but DLSS (especially DLAA or Quality mode) can look as good or better in some games, with much higher FPS in upscaling modes.
Does DLSS work on a 1080p monitor?
Yes, but the gain in image quality is smaller, because the upscaler has fewer pixels to reconstruct from. It’s most useful at 1440p and 4K.
Should I use DLSS in competitive games?
Many competitive players prefer native resolution with maximum real FPS and the lowest latency. If you use DLSS, upscaling alone is safer than frame generation.
Conclusion
DLSS is NVIDIA’s way of getting more frames out of your GPU by rendering fewer pixels and using AI to rebuild the picture, with newer versions adding frame generation on top. If you have an RTX card, it’s worth trying in any supported game, especially at 1440p or 4K, with ray tracing, or when your GPU is the limit. Start with the Quality mode, add frame generation if your base FPS is healthy, and step down the presets only if you need more speed.
If upscaling doesn’t help, you may have a CPU bottleneck instead, so check our bottleneck guides. And if you’re choosing a cable or monitor to match your new frame rates, read our HDMI vs DisplayPort guide.
