3DMark Adds DLSS 4 Alongside Multi Frame Generation

Alongside the launch of new RTX 50 graphics cards , UL has updated its iconic 3DMark benchmark with a new DLSS feature test, which adds DLSS 4 and multi-frame generation support. Although not a popular benchmark among reviewers, the DLSS feature test can be a useful way for gamers looking to test out the performance of a new Nvidia GPU, and to see what the different performance modes for DLSS look like. It's now also a good way to see the advantages of the new transformer model DLSS 4 is based on.

Deep learning super sampling has been one of the major technologies driving Nvidia GPU performance forward in recent generations. Although cards since the RTX 20 series have grown far more powerful, they perform much better in conjunction with DLSS, and that improves every generation, too. There are some strong opinions out there about the new multi-frame generation feature and its viability outside of slower, single-player games, but DLSS 4 has received almost unanimous praise. It's said to be more effective than DLSS 3, while delivering better image quality—particularly in areas where earlier versions of DLSS were weak, such as thin elements like power cables or mesh fences.

Now with the new DLSS Feature Test update for 3DMark, you can run it with DLSS 2, 3, or 4, letting you see the difference in image quality and FPS performance between the different versions. If you're using a new RTX 5090 or 5080 graphics card (if you were lucky enough to buy one ), you'll also be able to enable multi-frame generation, in 2x, 3x, or 4x mode, and judge the relative effects on frame rate and image quality. That might be a useful way to make a call on which level you are comfortable setting it at, giving you a good baseline to start with when testing out a new game's performance and visual settings.

I'm afraid us AMD GPU owners are out of luck entirely.Credit: UL

Those running RTX 40 series graphics cards can still use frame generation but without the compounding multiplication. Earlier cards still don't have frame generation support, but all RTX graphics cards from recent generations can enjoy the added performance and visual fidelity of DLSS 4.

Based on the Port Royal benchmark released earlier to test ray tracing performance, the DLSS Feature Test runs through the scene twice: The first time without DLSS upscaling and frame generation (if applied), while the second runs with the AI aides, using the Quality mode assigned by the user beforehand. After the test, the user is given performance numbers for both runs to show the benefit of DLSS on overall performance.

For anyone interested in giving the new DLSS test a try, 3DMark is 75% off at the time of writing , priced at just $8.74.