AMD FSR 4 employs artificial intelligence to deliver gaming performance enhancements of up to 3.7 times.

      AMD has finally disclosed the technical specifications and pricing for its new RDNA 4-based Radeon RX 9070 series GPUs. Following a rather unexciting announcement at this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the company conducted a special online event today to discuss architectural details and new features expected from the RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT graphics cards.

      In conjunction with the launch of the Radeon RX 9000 series, AMD also unveiled significant updates to its upscaling and performance enhancement technologies. FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) 4 signifies a major shift in AMD's strategy for image upscaling and frame generation, while HYPR-RX has received enhancements aimed at further optimizing gaming performance.

      FSR 4 represents a change from earlier versions by fully utilizing the AI accelerators within AMD’s RDNA 4 architecture. Unlike FSR 3.1, which employed traditional spatial upscaling methods, FSR 4 introduces AI-driven improvements for better image clarity and smoother motion. However, this new version will initially be exclusive to RDNA 4 GPUs, with uncertain potential compatibility for RDNA 3 and RDNA 2 in the future. AMD has stated it plans to continue supporting FSR 3.1.

      A notable feature of FSR 4 is its integration with frame generation, allowing the AI cores in the RX 9000 series GPUs to produce additional frames, akin to Nvidia’s DLSS frame generation. While AMD has not revealed whether FSR 4 utilizes a transformer-based neural network like DLSS 4 or a convolutional neural network (CNN), early image comparisons suggest a significant improvement over FSR 3.1. The update also includes AMD’s assertion that it is ready for neural rendering, hinting at prospective advancements that could incorporate Microsoft’s Cooperative Vectors.

      According to AMD, FSR 4 with frame generation can deliver a performance boost of up to 3.7 times. Furthermore, FSR 4 will be compatible with current games that support FSR 3.1, although the implementation method is still unclear. It may necessitate manual activation through driver settings instead of automatic integration.

      At launch, more than 30 games will support FSR 4, with AMD aiming to increase this number to over 75 titles by the end of 2025. As with all frame generation technologies, actual performance and responsiveness will rely on individual implementation.

      HYPR-RX, AMD’s one-click driver-level performance enhancement suite, is also receiving upgrades. This feature aggregates various performance-boosting technologies, including FSR/RSR, Radeon Anti-Lag, Radeon Boost, and AFMF 2, providing an all-in-one solution for users seeking to optimize FPS without manual adjustments.

      A key element of this update is AFMF 2.1 (AMD Fluid Motion Frames), which enhances frame generation by minimizing ghosting, refining fine details, and improving overlay detection. Although HYPR-RX can offer noticeable improvements in specific games, the performance gains will depend on individual titles and system setups.

      AMD’s updates to FSR 4 and HYPR-RX indicate a more assertive move into AI-driven gaming technologies, positioning them in direct competition with Nvidia’s DLSS and Reflex ecosystem. While the exclusivity of FSR 4 to RDNA 4 GPUs might restrict its initial uptake, its incorporation into existing FSR-supported games could motivate developers to adopt this new standard. In the meantime, the enhancements to HYPR-RX could provide a straightforward method for casual gamers to maximize performance with minimal effort. As these technologies become available, real-world benchmarks will help assess their effectiveness and influence on the gaming landscape.