The launch of NVIDIA's DLSS 4.5 has become one of the biggest news stories of CES 2026, especially for PC gamers who play at high resolutions with ray tracing. The company has decided to focus on the leap in image quality and performance through software , leveraging artificial intelligence , instead of announcing a new generation of graphics cards.
With this version, the company takes a significant step forward with its well-known upscaling technology: DLSS 4.5 is not just a minor tweak, but a thorough overhaul of Super Resolution and multi-frame generation . The goal is to make the difference between playing at native resolution and playing with advanced upscaling increasingly difficult to perceive, even in demanding scenarios like full 4K Path Tracing.
What is DLSS 4.5 and how is it an improvement over DLSS 4?
The new version of Deep Learning Super Sampling arrives as a direct successor to DLSS 4.0, which introduced the first transformer-based model and multiple frame generation. Now, DLSS 4.5 incorporates a second-generation Transformer trained on a much larger dataset and designed to directly address the main problems of previous versions: ghosting, temporal instability, and jagged edges.
This AI model analyzes many more elements of each scene: geometry, lighting, alignment, movement, and conflict zones . Furthermore, it leverages up to five times the computing power of the original Transformer, taking advantage of the FP8 precision format of the GeForce RTX 40 and 50 series GPUs , which doubles inference performance with minimal impact on speed.
In practice, DLSS 4.5 aims to make the more aggressive modes, such as Performance and Ultra Performance , no longer a last resort but perfectly valid options, even for 4K gaming . NVIDIA maintains that Performance mode can match or even surpass native quality, while Ultra Performance becomes a viable option for those looking to maximize FPS.
Another key improvement lies in the enhanced antialiasing and temporal stability . The new model significantly reduces shimmering , smooths the edges of complex objects, and maintains a much more stable image between frames, even with transparencies, fine geometries, or fast-moving elements.
The examples shown by the company in titles such as The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered or Black Myth: Wukong reflect a drastic reduction in ghosting during fast movements, with objects remaining sharp without dark trails or distracting traces during the action.
Super Resolution with second-generation transformer: better image on all RTX cards
The main pillar of DLSS 4.5 is the Super Resolution update , which is responsible for rendering the game at a lower resolution and then rebuilding it at, for example, 4K. This is where the second-generation Transformer model comes into play , a direct successor to the convolutional neural networks (CNNs) used in versions like DLSS 3.7.
This new model has been trained for years using hundreds of games and particularly challenging scenes, improving both the dataset and the training process. Among the key improvements is the ability to work in linear space with greater physical accuracy in lighting , resulting in lights, reflections, and neon effects that are more faithful to how they should actually appear in the game engine.
Furthermore, the Transformer now features smarter pixel sampling and much broader contextual awareness . It doesn't just upscale a blurry image: it analyzes how objects should be displayed, their colors, and the movement within the scene. This helps elements like bright signs, particles, reflections, or small details maintain their definition even with aggressive upscaling.
According to data provided by NVIDIA, DLSS 4.5 improves temporal stability (frame-to-frame consistency), reduces noise and flickering at edges, and eliminates many artifacts that appeared in corners, branches, cables, and background details. Internal benchmarks show less ghosting , less shimmering , and noticeably better edge smoothing when the second-generation transformer is enabled.
Another direct consequence is that the game interface looks better . Life markers, minimaps, text, and menus that previously appeared blurry or artifacted when scaling are applied now appear sharper and more defined , which is especially noticeable in titles with busy HUDs or many overlapping elements.
Goodbye (or almost) to ghosting and the tolls of high-performance modes
One of the common criticisms of AI-based upscaling was the need to accept certain "prices" when using the more aggressive DLSS modes to save resources, especially on 4K monitors. The internal resolution reduction helped free up VRAM and increase FPS, but at the cost of dim lighting, washed-out colors, a blurry image, and significant ghosting as soon as the action became fast-paced.
DLSS 4.5 aims to break that trend . NVIDIA claims that the new Super Resolution improves quality across all resolution modes, but the leap is especially noticeable in Performance and Ultra Performance . Instead of being last resort options, these modes become recommended for extending the lifespan of graphics cards with less memory or for further increasing frame rates on powerful systems.
In games with complex effects or ray tracing, the updated model is able to maintain good detail sharpness and convincing lighting even at a much lower internal resolution. The company claims that, in many cases, Performance mode can offer a visual experience similar to or better than the native image, while Ultra Performance makes 4K "playable" without significantly compromising quality.
In specific titles like Oblivion Remastered , the ghosting seen in moving swords or high-speed objects has been drastically reduced. The AI ​​better predicts the position of objects and their appearance between frames , avoiding those blurry trails that broke immersion, something especially noticeable in action or racing games.
All of this has a direct impact on memory management and the longevity of GeForce RTX graphics cards . By allowing the use of lower internal resolutions without compromising image quality, DLSS 4.5 helps to contain VRAM consumption at a time when game requirements and AI market pressures are making hardware upgrades more difficult, especially in Europe, where prices are typically higher than in the United States.
Dynamic Multi Frame Generation and 6x mode: up to six frames for every one rendered
The other major aspect of DLSS 4.5 is the evolution of frame generation . After introducing Frame Generation in the RTX 40 series and making the leap to Multi Frame Generation in DLSS 4 (with 3x and 4x modes), NVIDIA is now launching a version capable of generating up to five AI frames for every real frame drawn by the GPU, achieving a 6x mode.
In practice, multi-frame generation allows very demanding games to feel much smoother by interleaving additional frames calculated using AI. DLSS 4.5 takes this idea a step further with what's called Dynamic Multi Frame Generation , which can not only reach that 6x multiplier, but also dynamically adjusts how many artificial frames it generates at any given time.
The idea is simple: if your monitor is 144, 165 or 240 Hz, the system analyzes the actual performance of the GPU and increases or decreases in real time the number of frames generated to try to match the refresh rate of the screen, improving frame pacing and avoiding jumps or irregularities in the fluidity.
According to demonstrations shared by the company, this approach allows, for the first time, a GPU to run games with full Path Tracing at 4K resolution at over 240 stable FPS , provided the game and other settings are suitable. All of this is achieved while minimizing typical artifacts associated with inserting false frames, such as extra ghosting or glitches in interface elements.
In a specific case like Black Myth: Wukong running on a GeForce RTX 5080, NVIDIA itself talks about going from about 184 FPS with DLSS 4 and MFG 4x to around 245-246 FPS with DLSS 4.5 and MFG 6x , with a moderate increase in latency (from about 47 to 53 ms) and image quality that, far from worsening, also improves thanks to the new Super Resolution model.
Performance, latency, and frame generation limitations
Frame generation technology is not without controversy , both for the introduction of fabricated frames and for its impact on latency and the clarity of some on-screen elements. NVIDIA is aware of this and, with version 6x, insists that it has refined several aspects so that the experience is not limited to simply seeing a higher FPS count.
On one hand, the new system aims to better align generated frames with real-world frames , reducing distortions or artifacts caused by sudden camera movements, complex particle effects, or very fine details. On the other hand, efforts have been made to keep latency under control , ensuring the increase remains within a reasonable range for most players.
Internal data shows that, in demanding scenarios with everything enabled (4K, Path Tracing, high settings), switching from DLSS 4's 4x mode to DLSS 4.5's 6x mode can result in significant performance gains in exchange for a few milliseconds of additional latency. Even so, it remains a technology that each user will have to evaluate based on the type of game (a competitive title is not the same as a single-player adventure) and their sensitivity to latency.
In Spain and the rest of Europe, where high-end GPUs are particularly expensive , these kinds of technologies can make the difference between having to cut back on graphics settings or being able to maintain extreme configurations without sacrificing smoothness. However, it's worth remembering that the final experience will also depend on the monitor, the CPU, and the rest of the system.
Compatibility: Which cards can use DLSS 4.5
Not all the new features in DLSS 4.5 have the same requirements, nor will they all arrive at the same time. NVIDIA clearly distinguishes between the Super Resolution component with second-generation Transformer and the 6x multi-frame generation with dynamic mode , both in terms of release dates and compatibility.
On one hand, DLSS 4.5 Super Resolution is now available and can be enabled in over 400 compatible games and applications via the NVIDIA App. This enhancement is compatible with all GeForce RTX GPUs released since 2018: the RTX 20, 30, 40, and 50 series. However, FP8 acceleration is only available on the RTX 40 and 50 series, which benefit most from the new model in terms of performance.
On the other hand, the Generation 6x Multi Frame system and dynamic mode will be rolled out gradually throughout spring 2026 and will be exclusive to the GeForce RTX 50 series . NVIDIA presents them as one of the major selling points of its new generation, designed to take advantage of its more advanced Tensor Cores and greater processing power.
In practice, this means that a user with an RTX 2060, 3060, or 4070 will be able to benefit from the new Super Resolution and improved image quality, but will not have access to the 6x frame rate multiplier or the dynamic refresh rate adjustment mode. These features are reserved for those who upgrade to an RTX 50 series card (including models like the upcoming RTX 5060).
This decision aligns with NVIDIA's strategy in recent years: some improvements are delivered via software across multiple generations, while others are reserved as incentives for new GPUs. It's a balance that won't please everyone, but it fits the company's business logic and its commitment to differentiating each product family.
Compatible games and market deployment
NVIDIA boasts a broad ecosystem to support the launch of DLSS 4.5. According to the company's own data, around 250 titles are already compatible with DLSS 4 , including many of the most ambitious games of recent years, and the goal is for the transition to the new version to be quick.
The company states that the option to enable the new Super Resolution in DLSS 4.5 can already be forced from the NVIDIA App in over 400 compatible games and applications. Furthermore, major 2026 releases such as Resident Evil Requiem , Pragmata , Borderlands 4 , and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle are expected to include native support in the coming weeks or months.
The first titles to visibly showcase the advantages of the new model include remastered versions of classics like Oblivion and next-generation games with advanced path tracing. In many of these, the difference is noticeable in both moving scenes and the sharpness of the interface, something players usually notice quickly.
For the Spanish and European markets, where PC gaming maintains a significant presence and Steam continues to break records for concurrent players, the adoption of DLSS 4.5 can be a relatively affordable way to get more out of older systems. You don't need to upgrade your entire PC to see a difference if you have an RTX graphics card and the game supports the technology.
Meanwhile, NVIDIA continues to expand its PC gaming ecosystem with advancements such as 1440p, 360Hz Pulsar G-SYNC monitors designed for esports, and improvements to AI tools related to video and player assistance. While these announcements go beyond DLSS, they fit into the same roadmap: leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance the experience without relying solely on increased raw power.
How to enable DLSS 4.5 from the NVIDIA app
For those who already own a GeForce RTX GPU and want to try out the new features, activating DLSS 4.5 involves using the official NVIDIA PC application . From there, you can control both the use of the first or second generation Transformer and the global or per-game options.
The first step is to ensure you have the latest Game Ready drivers and to participate in early access programs if NVIDIA keeps them active in the application. The app itself usually notifies you once a day about new drivers optimized for recent titles, something that has become commonplace in the Spanish market with major releases.
Within the NVIDIA App, you can access the Graphics section to choose between global or per-game settings. In the advanced options section, you'll find "DLSS Override - Model Values ," where you can specify that the "latest" model should be used. This selection forces the use of the second-generation Transformer in compatible games.
From there, each title typically offers the classic DLSS quality options (Quality, Balanced, Performance, Ultra Performance) in its own graphics menu, and, in the case of the RTX 50 series, the corresponding Multi Frame Generation variants . The user can then decide which games they want to maximize FPS in and which they prefer to prioritize latency or the highest possible fidelity in.
This combination of control from the NVIDIA app and internal settings in games allows everyone to adapt DLSS 4.5 to their liking , whether they play at 1080p on a high refresh rate monitor or at 4K with a more conventional panel.
The rollout of DLSS 4.5 confirms that NVIDIA continues to invest heavily in AI as a central component of its PC gaming strategy , with an update that improves image quality across all GeForce RTX cards and reserves the most aggressive frame rate boosting features for the RTX 50 series. In a context of high prices and ever-increasing requirements, the fact that a significant portion of the improvement comes via software will be a welcome relief for many gamers in Spain and the rest of Europe.
