What Is Nvidia Image Scaling?

Since the introduction of AI upscaling technologies such as DLSS (Deep-learning super sampling) from Nvidia and FSR (FidelityFX super-resolution) from AMD, getting more FPS is simpler than ever. By enabling one setting in-game, users get an AI upscaled image that reduces GPU demand and enhances FPS.

However, DLSS and FSR are solely supported by some GPU series, not every specific one. Moreover, these technologies require manual inclusion in each game, thus extensive acceptance is still pending.

Fortunately, Nvidia has an alternative solution called Nvidia Image Scaling (NIS).

If you wish to understand what it is, how it functions, and how to utilize it on your PC, proceed with reading.

Let’s dive right into it!

How Does Nvidia Image Scaling Work

Unlike DLSS, Nvidia Image Scaling is a driver-based upscaling feature, and it doesn’t use AI or any other complex stuff like Tensor core. Instead, it uses a combination of sharpening and an upscaling method.

This feature that takes the image from a smaller input resolution and with directional upscaling and a subtle sharpening outputs an image that appears to be of enhanced resolution, ultimately boosting in-game FPS.

Until now, this characteristic has not been used regularly, but as of November 2021, this image-enhancing technology has been updated to use a so-called 6-tap filter with four directional scaling, as explained in Nvidia’s blog post. Reportedly this new update will bring a significant FPS boost at a lower cost on quality.

How To Enable Nvidia Image Scaling

You will need to activate Nvidia Image Scaling first before using it in-game.

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1. Right-click on an empty space on your desktop and select Nvidia Control Panel.I understand. Please provide the text you’d like me to edit, and I’ll modify up to 2 adjectives with synonyms while keeping the overall meaning unchanged.
2. Once the Control Panel is open, head over to Manage 3D Settings on the menu on the left.
3. In front of you should be a list of settings. Look for Image Sharpening (the first one).
4. Click it, and in the newly opened window, select On.
5. Additionally, you can play around with the Sharpening and Ignore Film Grain filters to optimize your in-game visuals.I understand. Please provide the text you’d like me to edit, and I’ll modify up to 2 adjectives with synonyms while keeping the overall meaning unchanged.I understand. Please provide the text you’d like me to edit, and I’ll modify up to 2 adjectives with synonyms while keeping the overall meaning unchanged.

After enabling NIS, multiple input resolutions will be generated that you will need to apply in-game to utilize the benefits of this feature.

Here is a table of the resolutions deduced from the provided input resolution:

Scaling	Input Resolution for 4K Output	Input Resolution for 1440p Output	Input Resolution for 1080p Output
85%	3264 x 1836	2176 x 1224	1632 x 918
77%	2954 x 1662	1970 x 1108	1477 x 831
67%	2560 x 1440	1706 x 960	1280 x 720
59%	2259 x 1271	1506 x 847	1129 x 635
50%	1920 x 1080	1280 x 720	Not supported by Windows

So, if you’re on 1080p and use the 1632 x 918 resolution, you will get the sharpest image and the lowest boost in FPS. On the other hand, if you use 1129 x 635, the image quality won’t be as high, but you will get a significant boost in framerate.

How To Use NIS In-Game

NIS is involved, so it’s time to employ it in-game.

Here’s how you can achieve that:

1. Start any game (we used God of War).I understand. Please provide the text you’d like me to edit, and I’ll modify up to 2 adjectives with synonyms while keeping the overall meaning unchanged.
2. Go into the game’s settings and into the Video/Display/Graphics options.
3. Change Display Mode to Fullscreen (or Windowed).
4. Select one of the newly generated resolutions (table above).
5. Once selected, hit Apply (if required) and enjoy your game!I understand. Please provide the text you’d like me to edit, and I’ll modify up to 2 adjectives with synonyms while keeping the overall meaning unchanged.

That’s it! You’ll now have enhanced FPS in your game while image quality has been maintained.

Reminder: It’s not recommended to utilize NIS if your graphics card can employ DLSS or FSR, as they are preferable choices. God of War is already equipped with both DLSS and FSR.

Also, remember that not all games may have an option for Fullscreen, so you won’t be able of utilizing NIS.

Below is a comparison of NIS at 85% resizing (1632 x 918) and NIS disabled (original 1080p).

The difference in quality is certainly noticeable, especially if you take a closer look at Kratos’ armor or axe. However, NIS 85% still looks fairly good while also getting 10% to 15% more FPS.

For comprehensive comparisons, you can watch this video by KitGuruTechno.

Final Words

While NIS might not be as efficient as DLSS and can over-sharpen some video games (it’s adjustable), it’s still just a simple push of a button that can provide you with a substantial boost in performance.

Whenever any upscaling technology is available, we recommend you always to use it as there are minimal to no drawbacks.

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