AMD Expands FSR 4.1 Support to Radeon RX 6000, Handhelds and Consoles
AMD is broadening availability of its FidelityFX Super Resolution 4.1 upscaling technology to more desktop, laptop, handheld and console hardware, including Radeon RX 6000-series graphics cards.
The expansion brings FSR 4.1 to GPUs based on AMD’s RDNA 2 architecture, according to coverage of AMD’s announcement. That is notable for RX 6000 owners because the newer FSR model is designed to provide a higher-quality image than FSR 3.1 while retaining the performance benefits of rendering games at a lower internal resolution.
An optimized model for older hardware
Reports say AMD is using an int8-optimized FSR 4.1 model on RDNA 2 hardware rather than the FP8-oriented implementation used by newer architectures. The approach is intended to make the technology viable on hardware without the same acceleration capabilities as the latest Radeon GPUs.
Early third-party testing cited in the reports found the newer model produced a cleaner and sharper image than FSR 3.1, particularly at 1440p and in scenes with motion or detailed foliage. Those tests also indicate that FSR 4.1 can carry a higher performance cost than its predecessor, meaning results will depend on the game, quality setting and GPU.
Handheld and console rollout
AMD’s announcement covers desktop, laptop, handheld and console platforms. Reports say support is extending to selected APUs, including hardware used in newer Z2-series handheld systems, as well as Xbox Series X and Series S consoles and the Asus ROG Xbox handheld. Specific device support and timing may vary by manufacturer and game integration.
The updated technology is also said to improve frame pacing for FSR frame generation. More consistent frame timing can help generated frames appear smoother, although frame generation still depends on a game’s implementation and on sufficient base performance.
FSR 4.1 support for the Vulkan graphics API is another reported addition. That could extend the technology to games using Vulkan, alongside titles built around other supported graphics APIs.
The wider rollout gives older Radeon desktop GPUs and portable gaming systems access to AMD’s newer upscaling approach, but players will need game-level FSR 4.1 support or an applicable platform update before they can use it.
Sources
Internal sources
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