GPU upscaling technology has transformed PC gaming. Where raw resolution once determined image quality, smart upscaling algorithms now let you render games at lower resolutions and reconstruct near-native quality — with the performance headroom to push frame rates dramatically higher. In 2026, the three main contenders are NVIDIA DLSS 3.5, AMD FSR 3.1, and Intel XeSS 1.3. Here’s how they compare and which one you should use.
How Upscaling Works
All three technologies work on the same fundamental principle: render the game at a lower internal resolution (e.g., 1080p), then use a spatial or temporal algorithm to reconstruct a higher-resolution image (e.g., 4K) before displaying it. The quality of the reconstructed image depends on the algorithm’s sophistication.
Spatial upscaling (older, simpler) looks at just the current frame. Temporal upscaling uses data from multiple previous frames — including motion vectors — to reconstruct detail. Temporal methods produce substantially better results but require the game engine to provide accurate motion vector data.
NVIDIA DLSS 3.5
DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) is NVIDIA’s proprietary solution, exclusive to GeForce RTX cards (RTX 2000 series and newer). Version 3.5 introduced Ray Reconstruction, which uses AI to replace hand-tuned ray tracing denoisers with a neural network that understands temporal data and produces cleaner reflections, shadows, and global illumination.
DLSS 3 also includes Frame Generation, which uses the Optical Flow Accelerator (a dedicated hardware block on RTX 40 series GPUs) to synthesize entirely new frames between rendered frames. In supported titles, this can double perceived frame rates.
DLSS quality modes:
| Mode | Internal Resolution (4K output) | Performance Gain |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | 2160p → 4K (1.5x) | ~40% |
| Balanced | ~1800p → 4K (1.7x) | ~55% |
| Performance | 1440p → 4K (2x) | ~75% |
| Ultra Performance | 1080p → 4K (3x) | ~100%+ |
Strengths: Best image quality in most titles, excellent temporal stability, Ray Reconstruction improves ray-traced scenes noticeably, Frame Generation provides massive FPS boosts in GPU-limited scenarios.
Weaknesses: RTX-only — AMD and Intel GPU owners can’t use it. Frame Generation adds latency (mitigated by NVIDIA Reflex). Quality varies by game implementation.
AMD FSR 3.1
AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution is the open, hardware-agnostic alternative. FSR 3.1 works on any GPU — AMD, NVIDIA, or Intel — making it the universal option. It uses a spatial algorithm (FSR 1) or a temporal algorithm (FSR 2/3), plus optional Frame Generation that, unlike DLSS, runs on any GPU.
FSR quality modes:
| Mode | Internal Resolution (4K output) | Performance Gain |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | 2160p → 4K (1.5x) | ~35% |
| Balanced | ~1800p → 4K (1.7x) | ~50% |
| Performance | 1440p → 4K (2x) | ~70% |
| Ultra Performance | 1080p → 4K (3x) | ~90%+ |
FSR 3.1 improved ghosting artifacts and shimmering compared to FSR 2, though it still falls behind DLSS 3.5 in temporal stability in fast-moving scenes with fine details like hair or foliage.
Strengths: Works on all modern GPUs, open-source, widely supported, Frame Generation available without requiring new hardware, excellent for AMD RX 7000/9000 series users.
Weaknesses: Image quality generally trails DLSS 3.5, particularly on Quality mode; ghosting can appear around fast-moving objects; no dedicated hardware acceleration.
Intel XeSS 1.3
Intel’s XeSS (Xe Super Sampling) uses AI upscaling via machine learning. On Intel Arc GPUs, it runs on dedicated XMX AI engines for maximum quality. On other GPUs, it falls back to a DP4a shader path with reduced quality — comparable to FSR 2 in most tests.
XeSS 1.3 added adaptive sharpening and improved motion handling. Game support is growing but still narrower than DLSS or FSR.
Best for: Arc GPU owners who want maximum quality from their hardware; otherwise, it offers few advantages over FSR on AMD or NVIDIA GPUs.
Head-to-Head: Image Quality
In practical testing across titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Alan Wake 2, and Dying Light 2:
- DLSS 3.5 Quality produces the cleanest, most temporally stable image — often nearly indistinguishable from native in static scenes
- FSR 3.1 Quality is close in static scenes but shows more shimmer on foliage, chain-link fences, and hair during movement
- XeSS (Arc mode) sits between the two on Arc hardware; DP4a mode trails FSR slightly
- Frame Generation (DLSS and FSR): both work well, but DLSS FG produces slightly fewer artifacts at the edges of fast-moving objects
Which Should You Use?
If you have an RTX GPU: Use DLSS 3.5 whenever available. It offers the best image quality and, with Frame Generation on RTX 40 series, the highest performance ceiling. Enable NVIDIA Reflex alongside it to keep latency in check.
If you have an AMD or Intel non-Arc GPU: FSR 3.1 is your best option. Enable it in FSR 3 Quality mode for the best balance of performance and image quality. Frame Generation on FSR works surprisingly well even on older AMD RX 5000/6000 series cards.
If you have an Intel Arc GPU: Use XeSS when available in supported titles; fall back to FSR otherwise.
Enabling Upscaling in Games
Most modern games expose upscaling settings under Graphics > Quality or Graphics > Resolution Scaling. Look for:
- “DLSS” with a quality dropdown
- “AMD FSR” with a quality dropdown
- “XeSS” with a quality dropdown
Some games support multiple technologies and let you choose. In the NVIDIA Control Panel, you can also enable DLSS Super Resolution for older games that don’t natively support it, though the implementation is less polished.
For Frame Generation specifically: in DLSS 3, it’s a separate toggle labeled “Frame Generation” and requires an RTX 40 series GPU. In FSR 3, it’s labeled “Fluid Motion Frames” or “FSR Frame Generation” depending on the game.
Conclusion
In 2026, DLSS 3.5 leads in image quality and raw performance gain for RTX users. FSR 3.1 earns its place as the democratic choice — good enough quality for every GPU on the market, with the added bonus of universal Frame Generation support. If you have an RTX card, always choose DLSS. If you don’t, FSR 3.1 Quality mode is an excellent alternative that will genuinely improve your gaming experience.