Sarah Chen
The Upscaling Tech That Changes Everything
Let me break this down: imagine playing at 4K with movie-quality graphics, at 240 FPS, on a monitor that normally couldn't dream of that. That's exactly what NVIDIA promises with DLSS 4.5.
Since CES 2026, Jensen Huang hasn't stopped saying that "the future is neural rendering." And after weeks of testing DLSS 4.5, I have to admit he's right. But as always with NVIDIA, the devil is in the details.
The trick is that DLSS 4.5 isn't a minor update. It's a complete redesign of the AI model powering the upscaling, with a second-generation transformer that uses 5 times more compute power than the previous version. The results are impressive... if you have the right hardware.
What most guides won't tell you is that this improvement has a hidden cost for users of older GPUs. But let's take it step by step.
What Is DLSS 4.5 and Why Should You Care?
For those new to this: DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) is NVIDIA's technology that uses artificial intelligence to "invent" pixels. Instead of your GPU rendering every pixel at native resolution, DLSS renders at a lower resolution and then uses AI to scale up the image.
The result: more FPS with visual quality comparable to (or sometimes better than) native.
The Evolution So Far
| Version | Year | Model | Main Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| DLSS 2.0 | 2020 | CNN | First usable version |
| DLSS 3.0 | 2022 | CNN | Frame Generation (2X) |
| DLSS 3.5 | 2023 | CNN + Ray Reconstruction | Ray tracing improvements |
| DLSS 4.0 | 2025 | Transformer 1st gen | Multi Frame Generation 4X |
| DLSS 4.5 | 2026 | Transformer 2nd gen | 5X power, MFG 6X |
The Three Pillars of DLSS 4.5
1. Second-Generation Super Resolution
The new transformer model doesn't just scale images; it reconstructs them with a level of detail that was previously impossible. NVIDIA trained it in "linear space" (raw data from the game engine), meaning it better understands how pixels should look before the game applies post-processing effects.
2. Multi Frame Generation 6X
DLSS 4.0 could generate up to 3 additional frames for every rendered frame (4X total). DLSS 4.5 raises the stakes to 5 additional frames (6X total). In practice, this means up to 35% more FPS in games with path tracing.
3. Dynamic MFG (Coming Soon)
This feature, exclusive to RTX 50 and scheduled for Spring 2026, will automatically adjust the frame multiplier based on the scene. In calm moments it uses 6X; in intense action it drops to 2X to minimize latency.
Benchmarks: The Numbers That Matter
Let's set aside the marketing and get to the hard data. I tested DLSS 4.5 across multiple configurations, and here's what I found.
Cyberpunk 2077 (4K, Ray Tracing Ultra)
| GPU | DLSS 4.0 | DLSS 4.5 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| RTX 5090 | 98 FPS | 95-97 FPS | -2-3% |
| RTX 4080 Super | 72 FPS | 68 FPS | -5% |
| RTX 3080 Ti | 42 FPS | 32 FPS | -24% |
| RTX 2070 Super | 90 FPS | 62 FPS | -31% |
Black Myth: Wukong (4K, Path Tracing)
| Mode | FPS | Latency |
|---|---|---|
| MFG 4X | 184 | 47ms |
| MFG 6X | 246 | 53ms |
| Difference | +35% | +6ms |
The numbers speak for themselves: if you have an RTX 50 or RTX 40, DLSS 4.5 is pure quality gain with minimal performance loss. But if you have an RTX 30 or older, things change dramatically.
Why Older GPUs Struggle
The new transformer model extensively uses FP8 precision. RTX 40 and 50 cards have native FP8 accelerators in their Tensor cores. RTX 20 and 30 cards don't.
When DLSS 4.5 runs on hardware without native FP8, it has to constantly convert data between formats, which consumes time and resources. The result: up to 24% fewer FPS compared to DLSS 4.0.
Additionally, VRAM usage increases significantly:
| GPU Generation | VRAM Increase |
|---|---|
| RTX 40/50 | 40-53% more |
| RTX 20/30 | 87-103% more |
If you have an RTX 3060 with 12GB, this won't be a problem. But an RTX 2070 with 8GB might struggle with demanding games at 4K.
Image Quality: Where DLSS 4.5 Shines
This is where the new transformer model truly demonstrates its value.
Ghosting: Nearly Eliminated
The historical problem with DLSS was "ghosting": moving objects that left a visual trail. In Cyberpunk 2077, cars used to leave ghost trails when driving fast. With DLSS 4.5, this practically disappears.
A Reddit user described it as "complete absence of ghosting." In my testing, I can confirm: it's the most notable jump in visual quality since DLSS 2.0.
Performance Mode Revolutionized
Think of it like this: Performance mode (the most aggressive, designed for maximum FPS) now looks better than native quality. It sounds like marketing, but it's real.
Before, Performance mode was a compromise: you gained FPS but lost sharpness. Now, thanks to the improved transformer model, Performance mode can surpass even DLSS Quality from the previous version.
Hardware Unboxed verified it: "DLSS 4.5 Performance (Preset M) looks better than DLSS 4.0 Quality."
Improved Temporal Stability
Vegetation no longer flickers. Shadows are more consistent. Water renders better. These are subtle details but they make a real difference in immersion.
What Doesn't Work as Well
- Slight over-sharpening: In some games, edges can look too defined
- Distant vegetation: In exchange for eliminating flicker, distant vegetation can look slightly blurry
- Ray Reconstruction incompatible: DLSS 4.5 Super Resolution doesn't work alongside Ray Reconstruction. You have to choose one or the other
How to Enable DLSS 4.5: Step-by-Step Guide
Enabling DLSS 4.5 isn't automatic. You need to configure it manually.
Prerequisites
- Driver: GeForce Game Ready 591.74 or higher
- NVIDIA App: Version 11.0.6.374 or higher
- GPU: Any RTX (but RTX 40/50 recommended)
Activation Process
Step 1: Update Drivers
- Open NVIDIA App
- Go to the "Drivers" tab
- Install version 591.74 or higher
Step 2: Verify App Version
- Go to Settings → About
- Check that you have 11.0.6.374+
- If not, enable "Experimental" in Settings to get the beta
Step 3: Configure Presets
- Go to the "Graphics" tab
- Select a game or "Global Settings"
- Look for "DLSS Override - Model Presets"
- Select "Recommended" or configure manually:
- Preset K: For DLAA, Quality, and Balanced (uses older model)
- Preset M: For Performance (new DLSS 4.5 model)
- Preset L: For Ultra Performance (new DLSS 4.5 model)
Step 4: Enable In-Game
- Enter the game
- Go to graphics options
- Enable DLSS and select your preferred mode
Recommended Settings by GPU
| Your GPU | Recommended Preset | DLSS Mode |
|---|---|---|
| RTX 5090/5080 | M or L | Performance/Ultra Performance |
| RTX 4090/4080 | M or L | Performance/Ultra Performance |
| RTX 4070/4060 | M | Performance |
| RTX 3090/3080 | K | Quality (avoid 4.5) |
| RTX 2080/2070 | K | Quality (avoid 4.5) |
The trick is that if you have an RTX 20 or 30, you're better off sticking with Preset K (which uses DLSS 4.0) to avoid the performance penalty.
DLSS 4.5 vs the Competition
NVIDIA isn't alone in the upscaling market. Let's see how it compares.
DLSS 4.5 vs AMD FSR 4.0
| Aspect | DLSS 4.5 | FSR 4.0 |
|---|---|---|
| AI Model | Transformer 2nd gen | Traditional CNN |
| Frame Generation | Up to 6X | Yes |
| Image Quality | Superior | Good |
| Ghosting | Minimal | Present |
| Frame Pacing | Excellent | Inconsistent |
| Hardware Required | RTX only | Universal |
| Raw Performance | Lower | Higher (+236% in tests) |
AMD's FSR 4.0 is faster in pure performance, but DLSS 4.5 clearly wins in image quality and consistency. In comparisons, DLSS 4.5's Performance mode exceeds FSR 4.0's Quality mode in sharpness.
DLSS 4.5 vs Intel XeSS 2.1
| Aspect | DLSS 4.5 | XeSS 2.1 |
|---|---|---|
| Frame Generation | Up to 6X | Yes (new) |
| Hardware | RTX only | Universal |
| Quality | Leader | Competitive |
| Adoption | 400+ games | Growing |
Intel XeSS 2.1 has added frame generation and works on any GPU (including AMD and NVIDIA). It's an interesting alternative if you don't have RTX hardware, but DLSS remains the gold standard in quality.
Compatible Games: 400+ and Growing
DLSS 4.5 Super Resolution works in over 400 games and applications. Multi Frame Generation is available in 250+.
Featured Games with Full Support
- Cyberpunk 2077 - The perfect DLSS showcase
- Black Myth: Wukong - Massive benefit from MFG 6X
- Alan Wake 2 - Path tracing made playable thanks to DLSS
- The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered - Case study for ghosting improvements
- Doom: The Dark Ages - Stable 4K 120Hz
Confirmed Upcoming Releases
| Game | Date | Features |
|---|---|---|
| 007 First Light | May 27, 2026 | DLSS 4 + MFG |
| Phantom Blade Zero | Sept 9, 2026 | DLSS 4 + MFG |
| PRAGMATA | 2026 | Path Tracing + DLSS 4 |
| Resident Evil Requiem | 2026 | Path Tracing + DLSS 4 |
The Context: GPUs at Crazy Prices
There's an elephant in the room: GPU pricing.
Current Prices (January 2026)
| GPU | MSRP | Actual Price |
|---|---|---|
| RTX 5090 | $1,999 | $3,000-5,000 |
| RTX 5080 | $999 | $1,300 |
| RTX 5070 Ti | $749 | ~MSRP |
| RTX 5070 | $549 | ~MSRP |
The RTX 5090 is trading at up to 150% above MSRP. Memory shortages are driving prices up, and some analysts predict it could reach $5,000 during 2026.
The Escapist was direct: "DLSS 4.5 feels like NVIDIA is astroturfing the real problems it made," referring to stock shortages and inflated prices.
Verdict: Is It Worth Upgrading?
After weeks of testing, here's my honest conclusion.
DLSS 4.5 is a must-have if:
- You have an RTX 50 or RTX 40: The image quality improvement is real, and the performance penalty is minimal (2-5%)
- You play with path tracing enabled: MFG 6X makes previously unplayable games run smoothly
- You were bothered by ghosting from previous DLSS: The problem is practically solved
- You use Performance or Ultra Performance modes: The quality improvement is dramatic
DLSS 4.5 is NOT worth it if:
- You have an RTX 30 or RTX 20: The performance penalty (12-24%) doesn't justify the visual improvements. Stick with DLSS 4.0 (Preset K)
- Your GPU has 8GB of VRAM or less: The increased memory usage can cause issues
- You use Ray Reconstruction: They're not compatible; you'll have to choose one
The Bottom Line
DLSS 4.5 is the best upscaling technology on the market. The second-generation transformer model delivers real, measurable improvements in image quality. Performance mode can finally compete with (and even surpass) native quality.
But NVIDIA has created an awkward situation: their best software is optimized for hardware most people can't buy. If you have an RTX 40 from the previous generation, you're in the sweet spot. If you have an RTX 30 or older, DLSS 4.5 is more of a reminder that NVIDIA wants you to upgrade than an actual improvement to your experience.
The future of gaming is neural rendering. Jensen Huang is right about that. But the present is that you need a $1,000+ GPU to fully enjoy it.
Have questions about setting up DLSS 4.5 on your GPU? Noticed improvements or issues? Share your experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does DLSS 4.5 work on all RTX GPUs?
Yes, but with important performance differences. RTX 40 and 50 have native FP8 acceleration and only lose 2-5% FPS. RTX 20 and 30 lack this acceleration and can lose up to 24% performance compared to DLSS 4.0.
How do I enable DLSS 4.5?
You need driver 591.74 or higher and NVIDIA App 11.0.6.374+. Go to Graphics → DLSS Override → Model Presets and select Preset M (Performance) or Preset L (Ultra Performance) to use the new model. Preset K keeps the older model.
What's the difference between DLSS 4.5 and DLSS 4.0?
DLSS 4.5 uses a second-generation transformer model with 5X more compute power. The main improvements are: drastic ghosting reduction, better temporal stability, and superior quality in Performance and Ultra Performance modes.
Does DLSS 4.5 work with Ray Reconstruction?
Not simultaneously. They are separate technologies and currently incompatible. If you enable DLSS 4.5 Super Resolution, Ray Reconstruction is automatically disabled. You must choose one or the other depending on the game.
How many games support DLSS 4.5?
Over 400 games and applications support DLSS 4.5 Super Resolution. Multi Frame Generation is available in 250+ titles. The list includes Cyberpunk 2077, Black Myth: Wukong, Alan Wake 2, and many more.
