Experimented with Nvidia's DLSS Transformer Model in gaming - visual enhancements observed sans cost.
Nvidia's latest innovation in Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) technology, the DLSS 4 transformer model, is revolutionising the gaming world for RTX GPU owners. This model, unveiled at CES 2025, offers significant improvements over the previous convolutional neural network (CNN)-based model.
The key functionality and benefits of this transformer-based DLSS are:
### Functionality
The transformer model employs a novel approach to image reconstruction, using a "vision transformer" to evaluate the relative importance of each pixel across the entire frame, over multiple frames. This holistic approach allows it to understand complex spatial and temporal details better.
The transformer model also boasts twice as many parameters as the prior CNN DLSS model, enabling more sophisticated image reconstruction. Combined with DLSS 4's AI-driven Multi Frame Generation, the transformer model helps generate up to three AI frames per rendered frame, significantly boosting frame rates without sacrificing visual quality.
### Benefits compared to previous CNN DLSS models
The transformer model delivers greater pixel stability, reduced ghosting, higher detail, and smoother edges, leading to visuals closer to native rendering quality. By evaluating pixel importance across multiple frames, the transformer reduces frame-to-frame artifacts, providing more consistent and stable images, especially in motion.
Despite its increased complexity, optimizations in DLSS 4 reduce VRAM consumption by about 20-30% compared to previous models, making it more efficient. The combination of the transformer model with multi-frame generation allows for substantial FPS gains while maintaining or improving image fidelity.
### Availability and Compatibility
The DLSS transformer model is available on all Nvidia RTX GPUs from the RTX 20-series up to the RTX 50-series. The transformer model was released in beta for early adopters in January 2025 and left beta on June 5, allowing Nvidia RTX laptop and desktop GPU owners to take advantage of the latest tech without needing to opt in.
Steam users are flocking back to a once-hated game in huge numbers - and it's only $4. Cyberpunk 2077, which is already DLSS 4 enabled, and Monster Hunter Wilds, which only has DLSS 3.7 by default, were tested with the transformer model and the old neural network model. In most cases, the transformer model performed comparably to the old convolutional neural network model, within 3-5 fps, during benchmark tests.
If your game doesn't offer DLSS 4 as an option, you can force the game to use DLSS 4 by using the Nvidia app. To enable the transformer model, simply install the latest Nvidia drivers. The Nvidia app allows you to select the transformer model in "DLSS Override Model Presets."
The GeForce RTX 5050 brings next-gen gaming to the masses with Blackwell laptops starting at $999. If you have an RTX 50-series laptop or are planning to get one, you can benefit from prettier frames and multiframe generation for smoother gaming experiences.
In essence, Nvidia’s DLSS 4 transformer model shifts from local, CNN-based upscaling to a global, transformer-based AI approach that delivers superior image quality, more stable visuals, and improved performance with greater efficiency. This model forms the foundation for future advancements in Nvidia's AI upscaling technology.
- In gaming, the DLSS 4 transformer model from Nvidia, unveiled at CES 2025, is revolutionizing the sector for RTX GPU owners, offering significant improvements over the previous CNN-based model.
- The transformer model's holistic approach, employing a "vision transformer" to evaluate the relative importance of each pixel across the entire frame, over multiple frames, allows it to understand complex spatial and temporal details better.
- This model boasts twice as many parameters as the prior CNN DLSS model, enabling more sophisticated image reconstruction and generating up to three AI frames per rendered frame, significantly boosting frame rates without sacrificing visual quality.
- The transformer model is available on all Nvidia RTX GPUs from the RTX 20-series up to the RTX 50-series, with improved performance, greater efficiency, and reduced ghosting, higher detail, and smoother edges compared to previous CNN DLSS models.
- In the world of technology and gadgets, the GeForce RTX 5050 brings next-gen gaming to the masses with Blackwell laptops, starting at $999, allowing RTX 50-series laptop owners to benefit from the prettier frames and smoother gaming experiences.
