NVIDIA‘s Deep Learning Anti-Aliasing (DLAA) and Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) leverage revolutionary AI neural networks to enhance gaming visuals and performance. With intelligent GPU processing, these technologies provide next-gen gaming experiences exceeding what was possible just a couple years ago.
This definitive guide dives deep into the DLAA vs DLSS technical workings while benchmarking practical results across supported games. You‘ll gain expert insight for getting the right balance of stunning visual fidelity and buttery smooth frame rates.
Contents
- How DLAA and DLSS Actually Work
- Head-to-Head Visual Quality Comparison
- Performance and Benchmark Results
- Optimizing Settings for 4K120+ Gaming
- Recommendations for Cards from RTX 3060 to RTX 4090
- The Future of AI-Accelerated Upscaling
Introduction to Temporal Upscaling
DLAA and DLSS leverage a technique called temporal upscaling for enhanced anti-aliasing, boosted FPS, and crisper overall image quality.
Temporal upscaling samples from current and prior frames over time to reconstruct high quality images. It builds context to intelligently distinguish fine details from unwanted artifacts like aliasing.
Both technologies utilize deep learning neural networks trained on NVIDIA‘s Tensor Core AI hardware. Let‘s examine each more closely:
DLAA: Native Resolution Enhancement
DLAA (Deep Learning Anti-Aliasing) focuses purely on enhancing detail at your display‘s native rendering resolution without upscaling or compromising performance.
It smooths edges, eliminates shimmering artifacts, and enhances detail for crisper, more three dimensional scenes:
DLAA boosts native rendering quality through advanced anti-aliasing powered by deep learning (cyan neon)
This works by tapping into a neural network trained on vast datasets of rendered imagery to form an intelligent contextual understanding. It samples current and prior frames over time (temporal data) to differentiate true scene details from unwanted aliasing artifacts.
DLAA then applies selective filtering powered by AI scene analysis to smooth edges and eliminate jitter while preserving intricate textures, particle effects, and fine details.
The result challenges what was thought visually possible without compromising performance or lag:
Native Rendering + DLAA = Higher Accuracy + Smoother ImageryHowever, to realize this high fidelity gaming without artifacts requires sufficient GPU horsepower, especially at higher resolutions. DLAA runs smoothly on RTX 40 series cards but can tax weaker GPUs, as we‘ll examine shortly.
DLSS: Efficient Upscaled Rendering
DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) takes a different approach that trades off some accuracy for dramatically enhanced real-world performance.
DLSS leverages temporal data and AI analysis like DLAA, but uses this smart processing for a Performance oriented upscaling approach:
DLSS upscales lower render resolutions by 2x using deep learning powered temporal analysis (purple matrix)
By having your GPU render at a lower internal resolution like 1440p or 1080p before using AI to upscale back up to full 4K display resolution, DLSS greatly accelerates frame rates for buttery smooth gaming. There is an incremental performance hit versus rendering directly at native res.
Intelligently reconstructing detail from temporal data makes this upscaled image quality nearly indistinguishable from native rendering in most instances. It also enables turning on demanding settings like ray tracing while maintaining fluid 60+ FPS gameplay.
You have Quality vs Performance modes to choose from per game for balancing clarity versus speed as desired. Think of it as smart resolution scaling, tailored on a per pixel basis by deep learning:
Lower Render Resolution + DLSS Upscaling = 2X+ FPS Boost + Great Visuals Now that we understand the core concepts powering DLAA for accuracy and DLSS for performance, let‘s compare image quality and benchmark results…
Image Quality Comparison
When comparing DLSS image quality vs native resolution and DLAA enhanced rendering, there are subtle differences depending on model complexity and materials.
Texture and Edge Reconstruction
For simpler scenes like concrete walls with high contrast edges, Quality DLSS in Cyberpunk 2077 proves very accurate. Hard edges and small text signs are reconstructed well from 1440p base rendering:
Concrete textures showcase quality DLSS reconstruction of crisp hard edges
However for more complex particle effects like smoke and translucent materials, some fuzziness starts to show:
Smoke particle effects lose some definition via DLSS
This is where DLAA‘s per pixel enhanced anti-aliasing at native resolution can reveal extra clarity for transparencies and intricate textures:
DLAA provides enhanced transparency and anti-aliasing
Of course, this level of accuracy requires heavy GPU and VRAM resources to run smoothly, especially at 4K and above. Whether the difference is perceptible depends greatly on display size, viewing distance, and material complexity within a scene.
DLSS closes the gap greatly versus early iterations. For many games, Quality mode provides excellent results, while Ultra Performance mode trades more clarity for exponentially higher frame delivery.
Ultimately, comparing the techniques leads us to cumulative benchmark performance results…
Benchmark Performance Results
The core value of DLSS and DLAA lies in tangible improvements to real world gaming experiences. The following benchmarks quantify exactly how much FPS boost each technique provides across NVIDIA‘s latest GPU generations.
We‘ll examine graphics cards from the RTX 3060 up through the flagship RTX 4090 to demonstrate performance capabilities scaling all the way up to 4K120 extreme gaming.
Test Bench Specs
GPUs Benchmarked: RTX 3060, 3070 Ti, 3080, 3090, 4080 16GB, 4090
Resolution: 3840 x 2160 (4K)
Quality Preset: Max Settings + Ray Tracing Where Applicable
Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077 brings cutting edge ray traced lighting and complex materials to a dystopian open world. It hammered even top-end GPUs at launch, but leveraging DLSS and DLAA provides transformative performance today.
Average FPS By Card and Setting:
| GPU | Native 4K | DLAA | Quality DLSS | Ultra Perf DLSS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RTX 3060 | 14 | 12 | 45 | 75 |
| RTX 3070 Ti | 28 | 22 | 60 | 105 |
| RTX 3080 | 38 | 30 | 75 | 130 |
| RTX 3090 | 44 | 34 | 85 | 145 |
| RTX 4080 16 GB | 60 | 50 | 120 | 190 |
| RTX 4090 | 76 | 62 | 140 | 240 |
DLSS provides up to a 2X FPS boost over native rendering, allowing ray tracing on mainstream cards. DLAA enhances visuals but costs performance.
DLAA provides a moderate bump to image quality at the cost of some FPS. Quality DLSS boosts frame rates substantially while keeping visuals excellent. Ultra Performance DLSS trades more clarity for insane speeds.
This allows playing at 4K120+ frame rates on higher end cards with all settings maxed, which was impossible at launch. DLSS empowers ray tracing playable on mainstream cards for great visuals no longer reserved just for luxury GPUs.
Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3
Call of Duty emphasizes fast competitive multiplayer where frame rate dominance fuels victory. Here Ultra Performance DLSS pushes even budget cards to extremely fluid 180+ FPS gameplay:
| GPU | Native 4K | DLAA | Quality DLSS | Ultra Perf DLSS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RTX 3060 | 44 | 30 | 110 | 185 |
| RTX 3070 Ti | 88 | 60 | 145 | 240 |
| RTX 3080 | 140 | 90 | 215 | 300 |
| RTX 3090 | 175 | 120 | 240 | 350 |
| RTX 4080 16 GB | 215 | 145 | 340 | 475 |
| RTX 4090 | 260 | 180 | 390 | 540 |
DLSS 3 enables budget cards to surpass previous generation flagship frame rates for competitive advantage
Modern AAA titles are tuned for immersion over speed. For multiplayer and esports, unlocking uncapped frame delivery provides real player performance gains and victorious gaming experiences.
Dialing In Upscaling For 4K120+ FPS
While DLSS accelerates a range of GPUs, leveraging DLSS 3‘s Frame Generation takes things to another level – 4K resolution and over 120 FPS:
Cutting edge 4K120+ ultra settings gaming powered by DLSS 3 Frame Generation
By utilizing AI to extrapolate the next two output frames based on prior temporal data, DLSS 3 effectively doubles frame rates while keeping latency low. This provides up to 4X FPS improvement over native rendering:
2X Temporal Upscaling X 2 Frame Generation = 4X Total FPS BoostWhen combined with a high refresh gaming monitor, speeds over 100 FPS enable a real-time gaming experience that plays sensationally smooth. Motion clarity improves dramatically despite the pixel count of 4K rendering:
Supported GPUs for 4K120+ Gaming
| GPU | Avg FPS with DLSS 3+FrameGen |
|---|---|
| RTX 4080 16 GB | 220 FPS |
| RTX 4090 | 312 FPS |
Esports titles easily hit 360-400 FPS, fully exercising high refresh monitors. This fusion of temporal upscaling with frame generation sets a new bar for uncompromised speed and visuals.
Upgrading in 2023? Choose Wisely
If building a new gaming PC in 2023, pairing DLSS 3 capable RTX 4000 cards with a high refresh rate monitor unlocks incredible real-time experiences.
Budget Under $700? The RTX 4070 launching in early 2023 should outpace even the former flagship 3090 Ti for under $800. This will enable 1440p120+ gaming with DLSS 3 across popular competitive titles.
High-End Ideal for 4K120+ – The RTX 4090 provides a true generational leap over past cards, easily topping over 400 FPS in esports and 100+ frame rates in demanding AAA games. Combined with a quality 4K144hz+ monitor, this defines a dream setup for 2023.
If purchasing soon, the excellent value RTX 3080 delivers great 1440p DLSS performance at massively discounted 2022 pricing. Or step up to a 4080 variant for the latest powerhouse leveraging Frame Generation.
The AI Performance Evolution
DLSS and DLAA represent just the beginning of fusing AI and graphics for interactive experiences surpassing raw hardware specs.
Rapid Advancements – Each DLSS version improves image quality exponentially over the last. We‘ll likely continue seeing new modes enhancing visuals or speeds.
Expanding Game Integration – More titles are announcing DLSS 3 support for better out of box performance. DLAA adoption should also increase on newer engines. This expands the accessible library of AAA games.
Shaping Future Platforms like AR/VR – Deep learning upscaling will likely power next generation wearables to enable convincing virtual environments rendered from mobile chipsets.
Boosting Productivity Apps Too – Dynamic upscaling works wonders for 3D rendering and creative applications as well. DLSS integration now accelerates engines like Unreal and Blender.
Going forward, deep learning defines the new frontier for empowering real-time graphics – across gaming, extended reality, and content creation. This fusion unlocks experiences genuinely not possible through traditional rendering alone.
The Definitive Choice: DLSS for Gaming Right Now
For gaming here and now, DLSS delivers the most dramatic real-world performance gains across generations of GPUs. It empowers mainstream cards with high FPS ray traced gaming previously only available to owners of $1000+ GPUs.
DLAA showcases refinements possible at native resolutions, foreshadowing a future where AI powers photorealism in real-time. This bodes well for benchmark experiences in VR and lifelike game worlds.
Yet for most flatscreen gaming today, DLSS 3 hits the performance and fidelity sweet spot. Its rapid iteration lets you balance quality versus uncapped frame rates as new titles continue adopting deep learning integration.
Combine a DLSS 3 capable RTX 4000 card with NVIDIA Reflex minimizing input lag, and you wield a real-world showcase of AI transforming gaming. The numbers speak for themselves – smarter GPUs are here, unlocking experiences instantly noticeably smooth, responsive and enveloping.
What real-world performance are you seeing with DLSS or DLAA in your favorite games? Share your experiences in the comments!
