AMD FSR vs AMD RSR – What Is The Difference?

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

Nvidia’s DLSS (Deep Learning Super Scaling) was the initial remarkably 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 precise in upscaling, but it is simpler to implement in a game. FSR 2.0 is supposed to provide even better image quality.

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

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

Well, let’s examine 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 straightforward and much more uncomplicated than implementing NVIDIA’s DLSS.

One more advantage FSR has compared to DLSS is that it is compatible with various hardware. For instance, it has been tested and works on numerous 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. Naturally, this isn’t perfect, as many minute details can be lost through the process.

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

Here’s a short 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 unique 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 built-in feature can be activated 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 entire 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 appear adequate every time.

In this Far Cry 6 example from Gamers Nexus, the image quality is similar, 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 earlier cards once they get the appropriate driver, but NVIDIA certainly won’t get to utilize RSR.

AMD FSR or AMD RSR?

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

• 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 ideal choice if it is available. Currently, there are innumerable 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 myriad more.

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