# AMD Unveils FSR 4: A Significant Upscaling Advancement, Yet With Hardware Limitations
AMD has officially debuted its latest graphics technology, FidelityFX Super Resolution 4 (FSR 4), in conjunction with the launch of its new Radeon RX 90-series graphics cards and RDNA4 architecture. This updated version of AMD’s upscaling tech promises considerable enhancements in image quality and performance but has a caveat—it necessitates the latest RDNA4 GPUs, representing a departure from AMD’s historically open stance on upscaling technology.
## **What is FSR 4?**
FSR 4 is the latest evolution of AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution, a technology aimed at upscaling lower-resolution images to higher definitions while preserving visual integrity. Similar to Nvidia’s Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS), FSR enables gamers to experience elevated frame rates without compromising image quality, making it especially advantageous for 4K gaming and high-refresh-rate displays.
However, in contrast to earlier versions of FSR, which were compatible with a wide array of GPUs—including older AMD models as well as Nvidia hardware—FSR 4 imposes a significant restriction: it is reserved solely for AMD’s latest RDNA4-based GPUs.
## **How FSR 4 Differs from Earlier Versions**
FSR 4 signifies a substantial technological change for AMD. Whereas prior iterations of FSR utilized standard upscaling methods that were hardware-independent, FSR 4 integrates machine-learning-based upscaling, akin to Nvidia’s DLSS. This new method requires dedicated hardware, which AMD has embedded in its RDNA4 architecture.
Consequently, only individuals with Radeon RX 90-series GPUs (or forthcoming RDNA4-based cards) will be able to leverage FSR 4’s enhanced image quality. Older Radeon GPUs and third-party graphics solutions will be confined to FSR 3.1, which remains compatible with a wider variety of hardware.
## **The Shift Towards Hardware-Locked Upscaling**
AMD’s choice to restrict FSR 4 to RDNA4 GPUs parallels Nvidia’s approach with DLSS. Nvidia has long limited specific DLSS functionalities to newer GPU generations, such as Frame Generation for RTX 40-series cards and Multi-Frame Generation for the upcoming RTX 50-series.
For years, AMD promoted FSR as an open-source, hardware-independent alternative to DLSS, ensuring it was accessible to a broader audience. This transition to hardware-locked upscaling indicates a shift in that philosophy, potentially excluding owners of older AMD GPUs from the latest advancements in upscaling technology.
## **What This Means for Gamers**
While FSR 4 brings improved image quality and performance to those with RDNA4 GPUs, gamers with older hardware won’t be entirely left behind. AMD has affirmed that FSR 3.1 will remain supported across a broad spectrum of GPUs, including Radeon RX 500-series cards from 2017.
Moreover, game developers integrating FSR 4 will also automatically provide support for FSR 3.1, ensuring that a majority of players can still take advantage of AMD’s upscaling technology, even without the most recent hardware.
## **Conclusion**
AMD’s launch of FSR 4 marks a noteworthy advancement in upscaling technology, bringing machine-learning enhancements to the Radeon ecosystem. However, by confining FSR 4 to RDNA4 GPUs, AMD is aligning itself with Nvidia’s strategy of associating advanced upscaling features with newer hardware.
For gamers equipped with the latest Radeon RX 90-series cards, FSR 4 offers a substantial enhancement in image quality and performance. For those holding older GPUs, FSR 3.1 remains a valid option, albeit without the groundbreaking improvements of FSR 4.
As the rivalry between AMD and Nvidia continues to develop, it remains uncertain whether AMD will stick to this hardware-locked model in future versions of FSR or revert to its more open, hardware-agnostic foundations.
