What is DLSS? Which Graphics Cards Support It?

What Is DLSS?

DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) is a family of AI-powered upscaling and image-enhancement technologies developed by NVIDIA to improve both performance and image quality in games. Using deep learning models and Tensor Cores, DLSS produces sharper frames.

How Does DLSS Work?

DLSS takes a frame rendered at a lower resolution and combines it with motion vectors, depth information, and data from the GPU’s Optical Flow Accelerator. The AI model then uses information from previous frames to generate a new, sharper image. Some versions can also generate additional frames to further boost FPS.

What Are the DLSS Versions and Their Features?

Below are the most commonly referenced components of the modern DLSS family. Each serves a different purpose; some prioritize image quality, some maximize performance, and many can work together.

• DLSS Super Resolution (DLSS 2): Uses AI upscaling to produce high-quality images from lower resolutions. All GeForce RTX users can benefit from this.
• DLAA (Deep Learning Anti-Aliasing): Uses the DLSS pipeline for high-quality anti-aliasing at native resolution rather than upscaling. It is quality-focused.
• Ray Reconstruction (DLSS 3.5): Replaces traditional ray-tracing denoisers with an AI model to improve reflections, shadows, and lighting quality; works on all GeForce RTX GPUs.
• Frame Generation (DLSS 3): Uses AI to insert new intermediate frames, significantly improving smoothness. Due to hardware requirements, it is limited to RTX 40 and RTX 50 series. NVIDIA Reflex aims to keep latency low.
• Multi Frame Generation (DLSS 4): The new model can produce multiple frames per rendered frame, offering the highest gains on RTX 50 series. Other DLSS components (SR, Ray Reconstruction, DLAA) are updated with a new transformer-based model for all RTX cards.

Which Graphics Cards Support DLSS?

Support varies depending on the feature. Below is a quick guide to “Which DLSS features can I use on which RTX GPU?”

DLSS Super Resolution, Ray Reconstruction, and DLAA: Supported on all GeForce RTX GPUs (RTX 20/30/40/50). (Also supported on RTX PRO Blackwell workstation GPUs.)

• DLSS Frame Generation (DLSS 3): Requires GeForce RTX 40 or RTX 50 series.
• DLSS Multi Frame Generation (DLSS 4): Exclusive to GeForce RTX 50 series.

What DLSS Modes Are Available?

DLSS includes modes such as Quality, Balanced, Performance, and Ultra Performance.
Quality mode prioritizes sharpness, while the performance modes provide higher FPS. DLSS 4 improves visual stability and clarity across all presets.

Does DLSS Increase Latency?

Super Resolution and Ray Reconstruction do not significantly affect latency.
Frame Generation can increase input latency due to its nature; NVIDIA Reflex integration helps mitigate this. Results vary by game, so testing is recommended.

How Do You Enable DLSS?

It is typically enabled through in-game settings. The following steps work in most titles:

1. Make sure your game and drivers (NVIDIA App/Game Ready Driver) are up to date.
2. Go to Settings > Graphics and find the DLSS option.
3. Choose a mode (Quality/Balanced/Performance) based on your needs.
4. For ray-traced games, enable Ray Reconstruction if supported.

Tip: DLSS 4 updates may arrive later in some games. DLSS Override options in the NVIDIA App can enable newer models outside of official game support when available.

What Is the Difference Between DLSS and FSR?

DLSS uses NVIDIA RTX-exclusive AI acceleration via Tensor Cores.
FSR, on the other hand, is designed to be hardware-agnostic.
Quality and performance can vary by game; both technologies aim to deliver substantial FPS boosts. (General differences are based on official documentation.)

Summary

With Super Resolution, Ray Reconstruction, Frame Generation, and Multi Frame Generation, DLSS transforms the modern gaming experience. In short:

• Choose SR/DLAA/RR for the best image quality.
• Choose FG/MFG for maximum FPS.
• Select features based on what your RTX 20–50 GPU supports.