In another round of updates, Nvidia released version 511.23 of its GeForce Game Ready drivers, aiming to extend compatibility to new graphics cards (which remain impossible to obtain at reasonable prices) and activate optimizations for the brand-new God of War PC port. However, that driver also includes an extra feature called Deep Learning Dynamic Super Resolution. In essence, it's an even more powerful version of the classic DSR, backed by the Tensor cores on GeForce RTX cards. The result? Higher image quality with a smaller performance hit.
Previously we explored two methods to play in 4K on a 1080p monitor: On the AMD side, the feature is called Virtual Super Resolution, while on Nvidia's side it goes by the name Dynamic Super Resolution. Beyond the labels, the goal is always the same: render frames at a higher resolution, and then apply a downsampling process so they can be displayed on our screens. The impact on performance is inevitable, but the quality improvement is so significant in some games that it's worth paying the price.
(Editor's note: Set the video to 4K if possible.)
Deep Learning Dynamic Super Resolution: Downsampling with GeForce RTX
That brings us back to Nvidia, and the launch of its new driver GeForce Game Ready 511.23. What's so different about it? The answer is DLDSR or Deep Learning Dynamic Super Resolution, a variant of Dynamic Super Resolution assisted by artificial intelligence. Just as DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) accesses Tensor cores to perform upscaling in compatible games, DLDSR uses that same hardware for its downsampling, minimizing performance loss and increasing the efficiency of the whole process. That means DLDSR can use smaller multipliers and deliver the same quality compared to conventional DSR.
To activate DLDSR you'll need to install the latest driver and a GeForce RTX 20 series or higher graphics card. Go to the Nvidia control panel, go to the Manage 3D settings section, and you'll find the new options under the DSR factors menu. Nvidia didn't make too much advertising for Deep Learning Dynamic Super Resolution, and YouTube comparisons don't make too much sense due to video compression, but it's clear that games that are a few years old will be among the most benefited. Give it a try!
Download Nvidia drivers: Click here
