AMD shows FSR 4 at CES 2025: Improved image quality and fewer artifacts

AMD showcased the latest iteration of its upscaling technology, FidelityFX Super Resolution 4 (FSR 4), along with the upcoming RDNA 4 GPU series at CES 2025. The focus was on demonstrating advances over the previous version, FSR 3.1, with particular emphasis on the Radeon RX 9070 GPUs. The optimizations should offer a noticeable improvement in image quality, less ghosting and a reduction in shimmering effects.

Improvements in detail: FSR 4 vs. FSR 3.1

During the event, AMD demonstrated various scenarios in which FSR 4 was able to show off its strengths. Using games such as Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, clear differences between the FSR 3.1 and FSR 4 versions became apparent. Significant improvements were achieved, particularly in performance mode, which often showed significant quality losses in the previous version.

Example 1: Transparency and particles

In a scene with a transparent green chamber containing particles, FSR 4 provided much clearer details. While FSR 3.1 showed visible artifacts and a spongy display, FSR 4 was characterized by a more stable display of the particles. This is a remarkable development, especially for performance modes where image quality is sacrificed in favor of higher frame rates.

Example 2: Reduction of ghosting

A well-known problem of FSR 3.1, ghosting, has been noticeably reduced in FSR 4. In scenes with falling particles or fast movements, FSR 4 was the clear winner. Objects and effects were displayed in a more stable manner, whereas the previous version still showed disturbing artifacts and motion blur. This was particularly noticeable in stadium scenes, where spectators appeared more detailed and natural in FSR 4.

Example 3: Shimmering on edges

Another example of FSR 4’s progress was demonstrated on stairs. With FSR 3.1, noticeable shimmering effects occurred, which were almost completely eliminated with FSR 4. Overall, the display appeared smoother and more realistic, which was particularly noticeable during dynamic camera movements.

Practical areas of use and future titles

FSR 4 will soon be available to gamers and will be implemented in upcoming AAA titles such as Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart. This shows that AMD has not only made technical progress, but also wants to put it into practice quickly. Especially in combination with the new Radeon RX 9000 GPUs, which are based on the RDNA-4 architecture, FSR 4 promises to be an interesting alternative to NVIDIA’s DLSS approach.

Conclusion: A consistent further development

AMD has made a significant leap forward with FSR 4. The reduction of ghosting and shimmering, coupled with an overall more stable image quality, shows that the FidelityFX super-resolution technology is maturing. Although it remains to be seen how FSR 4 will fare against the competition in independent tests, the scenarios presented at CES 2025 look promising. Especially in the often problematic performance modes, AMD is setting an example that could convince gamers and developers alike.

Source: Hardware Unboxed