AMD’s FSR 4.1 upscaling tech is coming to older graphics cards

TL;DR

AMD announced that its FSR 4.1 upscaling technology will be released for RDNA 3 GPUs in July 2024 and for RDNA 2 GPUs in early 2027. This expansion will enable older graphics cards to access enhanced upscaling features, improving performance and visuals across numerous games.

AMD has confirmed that its FSR 4.1 upscaling technology will be available for older RDNA 2 graphics cards starting in early 2027, with a rollout to RDNA 3 GPUs beginning in July 2024. This marks a significant expansion of the technology’s support, allowing a wider range of users to benefit from improved performance and visuals.

In an announcement on X (formerly Twitter), Jack Huynh, AMD’s head of computing and graphics, stated that FSR 4.1 will be introduced to RDNA 3 GPUs in July 2024, followed by support for RDNA 2 GPUs in early 2027. The update will enable more than 300 supported games, including popular titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Battlefield 6, and Assassin’s Creed Shadows, to benefit from AMD’s AI-powered upscaling tech, which aims to boost performance while delivering sharper visuals and smoother gameplay.

AMD launched FSR 4.1 support for its RX 9000-series earlier this year in March. However, RDNA 3 chips lack the hardware to run FSR 4.1 natively, requiring AMD to optimize and tune the model specifically for older GPUs. Huynh emphasized that AMD tested the update across hundreds of PC configurations and games to ensure compatibility and quality out of the box.

Why It Matters

This development is significant because it broadens access to AMD’s advanced upscaling technology, potentially extending the lifespan and enhancing the performance of older graphics cards. Gamers with RDNA 2 GPUs, such as those in the Steam Deck or earlier Radeon models, will soon be able to enjoy improved visuals and performance without hardware upgrades. This move could influence gaming performance standards and extend the relevance of older hardware in a competitive market.

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Background

AMD introduced FSR 4.1 support earlier this year for its latest RX 9000-series graphics cards, marking a major step in its upscaling technology. The current rollout plan indicates a phased support expansion, starting with RDNA 3 GPUs in July 2024, then extending support to RDNA 2 devices in early 2027. This approach addresses hardware limitations, as RDNA 3 chips lack the dedicated hardware for FSR 4.1, requiring software optimization for older GPUs. The move aligns with AMD’s broader strategy to enhance gaming performance through software updates, even on older hardware.

“We tested across hundreds of PC configurations in hundreds of games to ensure visuals are sharp and everything works out of the box.”

— Jack Huynh, AMD’s head of computing and graphics

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What Remains Unclear

Details are still emerging regarding the exact performance improvements and the full list of supported games for RDNA 2 GPUs in early 2027. It is also unclear how the software optimization process will impact the user experience or if any hardware limitations will restrict certain features.

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What’s Next

AMD will begin rolling out FSR 4.1 support for RDNA 3 GPUs in July 2024. The support for RDNA 2 GPUs is expected to follow in early 2027, with updates likely to be announced closer to the release dates. Users should watch AMD’s official channels for detailed timelines and compatibility lists.

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Key Questions

Which AMD graphics cards will support FSR 4.1 in July 2024?

Support will be available for RDNA 3-based graphics cards starting in July 2024. Specific models include the latest Radeon RX 7000-series GPUs.

Will older Radeon GPUs like RX 6000 series get FSR 4.1 support?

Support for RDNA 2 GPUs, including the RX 6000 series, is planned for early 2027, enabling these older cards to benefit from FSR 4.1 technology.

What games will support FSR 4.1 on older GPUs?

Over 300 games, including Cyberpunk 2077, Battlefield 6, and Assassin’s Creed Shadows, will support FSR 4.1 when it is available for RDNA 2 GPUs.

Does FSR 4.1 require specific hardware features?

No, FSR 4.1 is designed to be software-based and optimized to run on a wider range of hardware, including older GPUs, though performance may vary.

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