AMD FSR vs AMD RSR – What Is The Difference?

Upscaling technologies are slowly becoming a mandatory feature for every game or GPU. They should be necessary because they allow game developers to create graphics that surpass what modern GPUs can handle. Image upscaling helps users get a smooth gaming experience even with a weaker GPU.

Nvidia’s DLSS (Deep Learning Super Scaling) was the first highly efficient upscaling feature that showed in the PC world, and it was shortly followed up by AMD’s FSR. Although, DLSS was the superior solution because it relies on intricate deep learning through Nvidia’s Tensor Cores.

AMD FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution) is software-based which means it isn’t as accurate in upscaling, but it is easier to implement in a game. FSR 2.0 is supposed to provide even better image quality.

However, recently AMD released another feature called Radeon Super Resolution or RSR.

So, what exactly is the difference between AMD FSR and RSR?

Well, let’s check out those differences!

AMD FSR – FidelityFX Super Resolution

For AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution to be used, developers need to implement this feature into their game manually. However, this process is supposedly comparatively simple and much more straightforward than implementing NVIDIA’s DLSS.

One more advantage FSR has compared to DLSS is that it is compatible with different hardware. For instance, it has been tested and works on various NVIDIA and AMD GPUs. Reportedly, it can function with a GPU supporting DirectX 11, allowing it to be used even on Intel’s HD iGPUs.

FSR takes image information from the latest in-game frame and creates a higher resolution image through spatial upscaling. Of course, this isn’t flawless, as many minute details can be lost through the process.

FSR 2.0, on the other hand, uses temporal upscaling, which uses significantly more frame data to deliver a higher-quality image. Unfortunately, it is still not officially released, but we have great hopes for this version of FSR.

Here’s a concise video in Deathloop to give you an insight into FSR 2.0’s capabilities:

AMD RSR – Radeon Super Resolution

AMD’s Radeon Super Resolution sounds similar to FSR, but it isn’t. Alas, they certainly could have used a distinctive name to avoid confusion.

RSR is a feature that scales up drivers and utilizes the equivalent upscaling algorithm found in FSR.

The substantial difference is that this in-driver feature can be enabled through AMD’s Radeon Software for any game. It doesn’t have to be implemented per game.

However, this spatial upscaling algorithm is applied to the whole image, including the HUD or other post-processing effects like anti-aliasing, ambient shading, bloom, motion blur, etc.

So, while it can be activated for all games, it may not look good every time.

In this Far Cry 6 example from Gamers Nexus, the image quality is comparable, but note that FSR is on the Performance option, which undoubtedly diminishes quality.

Another thing to note is that RSR works only for AMD’s RX 5000 and 6000 GPUs (at the moment). It might be accessible for older cards once they get the suitable driver, but NVIDIA definitely won’t get to use RSR.

AMD FSR or AMD RSR?

AMD’s FSR and RSR sound like an excellent addition to any game, but what if both are available? Which one should you use? Well, let’s examine some of the merits and drawbacks.

• Game support – RSR is the clear winner here because it can be activated through Radeon Software and used in any game. FSR needs to be implemented by the game’s developer.
• Quality – the image quality is superior with FSR because, unlike RSR, it doesn’t upscale a game’s HUD, post-processing effects, etc. Also, FSR 2.0 will bring an even better upscaling solution.
• Supported hardware – FSR wins a point here since it can be used on AMD, Nvidia, and Intel GPUs (as long as they have DX11 support). RSR only works on RX 6000 and 5000 GPUs (for now).
• Performance increase – We can call this one a tie because both RSR and FSR use spacial upscaling, so performance increase should be identical. Although, FSR 2.0 could bring better performance once it releases.

Overall, AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution or FSR is always the better choice if it is available. Currently, there are countless games that support FSR, including God of War, Far Cry 6, Deathloop, Resident Evil Village, Back 4 Blood, Cyberpunk 2077, Dota 2, Borderlands 3, and numerous more.

However, if FSR is not available as an option in the game’s settings, consider using RSR. Keep in mind that particular games with numerous post-processing effects may look subpar with RSR enabled.