Fact Check: Is FSR 3?

Is FSR 3?

The claim in question revolves around the availability and features of AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution 3 (FSR 3), a technology designed to enhance gaming performance through frame generation and upscaling. This technology was officially launched in September 2023, and it is positioned as a competitor to Nvidia's DLSS 3. The claim suggests that FSR 3 is now available and highlights its key features, including frame generation and a new quality mode called "Native AA."

What We Know

1. Launch Date and Initial Support: AMD FSR 3 was officially launched in September 2023, initially supporting two titles: Forspoken and Immortals of Aveum 6. The technology aims to enhance frame rates by generating additional frames using optical flow technology and temporal game data 1.

2. Key Features: FSR 3 introduces frame generation, which utilizes AMD's Fluid Motion Frames technology to create high-quality frames, potentially doubling the frame rate in supported games 1. Additionally, a new "Native AA" quality mode has been introduced 1.

3. Performance Claims: Reports indicate that FSR 3 can significantly improve performance in games. For example, it was noted that switching to FSR 3 could boost frame rates in Forspoken from 36 fps to 122 fps on an AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT 10. However, these figures should be approached with caution, as they may vary based on hardware and game settings.

4. Compatibility: FSR 3 is designed to work across a range of AMD graphics cards, particularly the RX 7000 series, and aims to be accessible to a wider audience compared to Nvidia's DLSS, which requires specific hardware 48.

5. Future Updates: AMD has indicated that further updates to FSR 3, such as FSR 3.1, will continue to improve upscaling quality and performance 36.

Analysis

The claim that FSR 3 is available and its features are well-documented across multiple sources. However, the reliability of these sources varies:

• Official AMD Sources: The information from AMD's official blog and GPUOpen 13 is credible as it comes directly from the company responsible for the technology. However, it is essential to note that these sources may present a biased view, emphasizing the benefits of FSR 3 while downplaying potential limitations.

• Tech News Outlets: Sources like TechRadar 4, AnandTech 6, and PCMag 10 provide analysis and context around the launch and features of FSR 3. These outlets are generally reliable but may have varying degrees of bias based on their audience and editorial slant. For example, PCMag tends to focus on consumer technology, which might lead to a more favorable portrayal of new products.

• Performance Claims: While several articles report significant performance boosts with FSR 3, such as the jump from 36 fps to 122 fps, these claims should be scrutinized. Performance can be highly variable based on numerous factors, including the specific hardware used, game settings, and the nature of the games themselves. Independent benchmarks would provide a more objective assessment of these claims.

• Conflicts of Interest: Some sources may have relationships with AMD or receive advertising revenue from them, which could influence their reporting. It is crucial to consider the potential for bias when evaluating performance claims and feature descriptions.

• Methodology: The methodology behind the performance tests reported in various articles is often not detailed. Understanding how these tests were conducted—such as the specific settings used, the hardware configurations, and whether they were conducted in real-world scenarios or controlled environments—would provide a clearer picture of the technology's effectiveness.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

The claim that AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution 3 (FSR 3) is available and features frame generation and a new quality mode is substantiated by credible sources. The technology was officially launched in September 2023 and has been reported to significantly enhance gaming performance, particularly in the titles Forspoken and Immortals of Aveum. Key features such as frame generation and the introduction of "Native AA" mode have been confirmed through multiple reports.

However, it is important to note that while the performance claims are promising, they should be approached with caution due to variability based on hardware and game settings. The evidence supporting the performance boosts, such as the reported increase from 36 fps to 122 fps, may not universally apply across all scenarios and configurations. Additionally, potential biases in reporting from sources with ties to AMD should be considered.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate the information presented and seek independent benchmarks to form a comprehensive understanding of FSR 3's capabilities.

Sources

1. AMD FSR 3 Now Available. AMD Community
2. AMD FidelityFX™ Super Resolution. AMD
3. AMD FidelityFX™ Super Resolution 3 (FSR 3) - AMD GPUOpen. GPUOpen
4. The wait is finally over - AMD FSR 3 is launching tomorrow. TechRadar
5. Everything you need to know about AMD's FSR 3 upscaling and Fluid ... PC Gamer
6. AMD Announces FSR 3.1: Seriously Improved Upscaling Quality. AnandTech
7. AMD's FSR3 Frame Generation To Launch Today. Tom's Hardware
8. FSR 3, AMD's DLSS 3 rival, starts supercharging games in ... PCWorld
9. AMD FSR 3: How much performance boost should you expect? Digital Citizen
10. With FSR 3, AMD Lets All Modern Gaming PCs Taste Frame ... PCMag