Cyberpunk 2077 has always been a visually stunning game, but the introduction of AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) and Frame Generation (FrameGen) in recent updates has taken its graphics and performance to a new level. This guide will walk you through how to make the most of these technologies and boost your gaming experience, especially if you’re playing on non-Nvidia GPUs.
What Are FSR and FrameGen?
FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution) is AMD’s answer to Nvidia’s DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling). It’s an upscaling technology designed to increase frame rates in demanding games without significantly reducing image quality. It works by rendering the game at a lower resolution and then upscaling it using advanced algorithms. This allows your GPU to handle Cyberpunk 2077’s intense graphics, especially when ray tracing is enabled, while still delivering high performance.
Frame Generation, on the other hand, is a feature that generates entirely new frames by predicting the next frame in the sequence based on the previous ones. This technology can significantly improve performance, but it can also introduce some input lag. In Cyberpunk 2077, this feature allows gamers to hit higher frame rates, particularly in graphically demanding modes like path tracing and ray tracing.
Why Use FSR and FrameGen?
Cyberpunk 2077 is known for its demanding graphics, and even high-end PCs can struggle to maintain smooth performance, especially with ray tracing enabled. With FSR and FrameGen, you can boost your FPS without compromising too much on visual quality.
FSR 3, the latest version implemented in Cyberpunk 2077, is an upgrade over FSR 2.1. It integrates Frame Generation, enabling gamers with AMD or Intel GPUs to achieve similar performance improvements that Nvidia’s DLSS provides for its RTX series. This is particularly useful for players using non-Nvidia GPUs, as they previously lacked access to a proper frame generation tool
How to Enable and Use FSR in Cyberpunk 2077
- Update the Game: First, make sure that Cyberpunk 2077 is updated to the latest version (2.13 or higher). This update includes the integration of FSR 3 and Frame Generation.
- Graphics Settings: To enable FSR, go to the game’s settings menu.
- Navigate to Graphics and look for Super Resolution.
- You’ll see options to enable FSR 3. There are different quality presets such as Ultra Quality, Quality, Balanced, and Performance. Ultra Quality offers the best visuals, while Performance provides the highest FPS boost.
- It’s recommended to adjust the settings based on your hardware and desired frame rate. If you’re aiming for 60 FPS or higher, Balanced or Performance modes might be ideal.
- Frame Generation: If you have an AMD or Intel GPU, enabling FSR 3 also unlocks Frame Generation.
- Go to Graphics settings and toggle on Frame Generation.
- Keep in mind that FrameGen works best on high refresh rate displays (60Hz or above), but developers suggest avoiding it on monitors with 120Hz or higher to prevent frame timing issues
- Hardware Requirements: Ensure that your system meets the hardware requirements for FSR and Frame Generation. You’ll need to enable Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling in your system settings. This can be found under:
- Settings > System > Display > Graphics > Default Graphics Settings.
- You’ll also need to have updated GPU drivers: AMD users should have version 32.0.11037.4004, Nvidia users 556.12, and Intel users 32.0.101.5972
Optimizing Performance with FSR and FrameGen
Using FSR with FrameGen can give your system a significant performance boost, but there are a few things to consider to maximize efficiency:
- Base FPS Target: Before enabling FSR 3, aim to get your system running Cyberpunk 2077 at 60 FPS without any upscaling. This provides a strong baseline for FSR to work effectively. Adjust your graphical settings to lower levels (like Medium or High) if needed
- Avoiding Input Lag: Frame Generation introduces a slight delay in inputs, which can make the game feel less responsive, especially in fast-paced combat. To reduce this impact, avoid using FrameGen in highly competitive or fast-action parts of the game. Stick to using FSR on its own or combine it with lower quality settings if input latency is a concern
- Monitor Compatibility: As mentioned earlier, FSR and FrameGen work best on monitors with refresh rates between 60Hz and 120Hz. Going beyond 120Hz may cause frame time issues, so it’s best to avoid enabling FrameGen on ultra-high-refresh monitors
AMD’s FSR 3 and Frame Generation have made Cyberpunk 2077 much more accessible to gamers with non-Nvidia GPUs, allowing them to experience the game’s breathtaking visuals without sacrificing performance.
