Graphics have taken a huge leap forward this generation in more ways than just traditional rasterization improvements. In addition to the improved performance of the hardware itself, software is making noteworthy progress in delivering better experiences. Nvidia’s machine learning-based DLSS is certainly the best example at this point. This is due in thanks to the huge framerate boosts it offers without affecting visual quality (when implemented properly). AMD has been keen to offer its own improved version of resolution upscaling with FidelityFX Super Resolution, but it has yet to detail how exactly the feature will work or when it will be ready for its Radeon GPUs.
AMD released an update to its Radeon Software Adrenalin app this week. It added features like remote gaming functionality, an improved UX design, and more customization options, yet nothing was said about FidelityFX Super Resolution. Just last week, AMD Senior Product Manager Adrian Castello declined to comment on the feature, instead stating that “when the time’s right, and the time’s appropriate” AMD will provide more information. Needless to say, Radeon users are disappointed about the lack of support for the DLSS-like feature given how much time has passed since the launch of Big Navi GPUs.
The company initially started talking about Super Resolution back when it started playing up its marketing for the Radeon RX 6000 Series. AMD knew it had to say something about its DLSS competitor, but it seems marketing got a little too far ahead of the engineers in this case. More than six months later, we still haven’t seen or heard anything noteworthy about it.
What is FidelityFX Super Resolution?
Aside from the early comments from AMD about the feature, we do know that FidelityFX Super Resolution will not require machine learning to work. We speculate it will at least offer some type of improved sharpening effect for lower-resolution gaming, but the rest is still up in the air. The strangest thing of all is that AMD itself doesn’t seem to know how exactly it will implement the feature. According to Scott Herkelman (via PC World), the CVP and GM of AMD Radeon, the team is still trying to decide which techniques to implement for the best results. With that in mind, it doesn’t seem like we’re going to see a spring release like what was previously rumored.
The company now has the hardware, but it needs the software to back it up soon.
Given that graphics cards likely won’t remain in stock for the foreseeable future, AMD seems to be taking advantage of the opportunity to make FidelityFX Super Resolution the best it can be. In normal times, many consumers would likely favor Nvidia over AMD due to the additional features. DLSS is certainly a killer feature at the moment. Competition is a bit out of whack though due to supply shortages, so AMD isn’t facing the pressure it might normally face to launch the feature.
Time will tell what comes of FidelityFX Super Resolution, but AMD will need it to be successful if it wants to compete with Nvidia in things like ray tracing and high-refresh gaming. DLSS should eventually become a common working feature in games. That will spell big trouble for AMD, despite its recent success with the Radeon RX 6000 Series.
