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AMD FSR 4 vs. FSR 3.1: Image Quality, Performance, and GPU Support in 2026

AMD’s ML-based FSR Upscaling 4.1.1 supports RX 9000 and RX 7000 GPUs, while FSR 3.1.5 remains the broader-compatibility option. Here’s how image quality, performance claims, and game support differ.
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FSR 4 can produce a more stable, detailed image than FSR 3.1, but it is not a guaranteed win in every game or scene. AMD’s current machine-learning upscaler is called AMD FSR Upscaling 4.1.1 in developer materials and supports Radeon RX 9000 and RX 7000 Series discrete GPUs. FSR 3.1.5 uses an analytical upscaling path with broader GPU support. Your game must also implement the newer path; owning a supported card alone does not enable it.

What is the difference between FSR 4 and FSR 3.1?

FSR 3.1.5 reconstructs a higher-resolution image using AMD’s earlier analytical upscaling approach. FSR 4 uses machine learning for reconstruction. AMD says the newer approach improves temporal stability, preserves detail better, and reduces ghosting compared with FSR 3.1. Those are AMD’s stated advantages, not a guarantee that FSR 4 will look better in every game, mode, or frame.

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In current developer materials, the upscaler is named AMD FSR Upscaling 4.1.1. “FSR 4” remains useful shorthand for the ML-based generation. Version numbers matter: compare 4.1.1 with the specific FSR 3 revision implemented in the game, rather than assuming all FSR 3 releases behave identically. AMD’s FSR Upscaling documentation describes the current path and its version history.

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Does FSR 4 look better than FSR 3.1?

FSR 4 is designed to retain fine detail and remain more stable over time, particularly as objects move. AMD makes those image-quality claims relative to FSR 3.1, but the result depends on the game, scene, output resolution, quality mode, input image, and implementation.

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An independent comparison by GamersNexus covers FSR 4 and FSR 3.1, but the available comparison information does not establish a universal, quantified winner across games. A useful comparison should hold the scene, GPU, output resolution, quality preset, and frame-generation setting constant. Check texture and fine-detail retention, motion stability, ghosting, particles, and artifacts around moving edges. Static screenshots can miss temporal artifacts that become visible in motion. GamersNexus’ FSR 4 and FSR 3.1 comparison is one example of an independent side-by-side.

Does FSR 4 increase FPS?

Upscaling renders the game internally below the chosen output resolution, then reconstructs the image. It can reduce rendering load and help performance, but the FPS change depends on the game, GPU, resolution, upscaling mode, and implementation. The available AMD figures below measure the upscaler’s approximate processing time in Performance mode; they are not whole-game frame rates or a direct FSR 4-versus-FSR 3 FPS comparison.

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GPU Target resolution Approximate FSR Upscaling time
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Radeon RX 7900 XTX 3840×2160 (4K) ~3.1 ms
Radeon RX 7800 XT 2560×1440 ~2.1 ms
Radeon RX 7600 1920×1080 ~2.0 ms
Radeon RX 9070 XT 1920×1080 ~0.35 ms

These are approximate AMD GPUOpen measurements for the named GPU and target resolution, published on AMD’s current FSR Upscaling page and accessed in 2026. They are not independently verified here, and the different GPU and resolution combinations should not be treated as a performance ranking. To measure an actual FPS difference, compare the same game scene, hardware, output resolution, quality mode, and frame-generation state.

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What graphics cards support FSR 4?

As of October 7, 2026, AMD documents FSR Upscaling 4.1.1 support for Radeon RX 9000 and RX 7000 Series discrete GPUs. FSR 3.1.5 has broader documented compatibility, including Radeon RX 500 Series and equivalent GPUs from other vendors. Both paths have API, operating-system, and shader-model requirements.

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Upscaling path AMD-documented graphics support Requirements
AMD FSR Upscaling 4.1.1 (ML path) Radeon RX 9000 and RX 7000 Series discrete GPUs Shader Model 6.6, DirectX 12, Windows 10 or 11
AMD FSR 3.1.5 (analytical path) Radeon RX 500 Series and above, or equivalent GPUs from other vendors Shader Model 6.2, DirectX 12, Windows 10 or 11

These are AMD’s SDK support statements, not a guarantee that a particular game offers every path on every listed card. Check the game’s graphics settings, release notes, or a current compatibility listing. AMD’s FSR SDK 2.3 update announcement documents the addition of RX 7000 Series support.

Can RX 7000 run FSR 4?

Yes, the current AMD FSR Upscaling 4.1.1 documentation includes Radeon RX 7000 Series discrete GPUs. Older claims that FSR 4 is RX 9000-only describe its original launch-era restriction, not the current 4.1.1 support list. AMD’s February 2025 launch announcement described RX 9000 exclusivity at that time; AMD added RX 7000 Series support in its June 2026 SDK 2.3 update.

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Does FSR 4 frame generation have the same support?

No. Upscaling and frame generation are separate features, and their GPU support should not be conflated. AMD’s current SDK documentation lists ML FSR Frame Generation 4.0.1 for RX 9000 Series and above; that is not the same support statement as FSR Upscaling 4.1.1. AMD’s FSR SDK page describes the separate features and the fallback path.

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Why might a supported GPU not show an FSR 4 option?

FSR is integrated by game developers. A compatible GPU does not automatically add an FSR 4 setting to a game, and the precise implementation can vary by title. AMD’s SDK describes using FSR 3.1.5 on hardware outside the supported FSR Upscaling 4.1.1 GPU set when the game or plugin uses the relevant SDK path.

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  • Check the game’s upscaling or graphics menu for the available FSR version and modes.
  • Check the game’s current release notes or verified compatibility information for an FSR 4.1.1 update.
  • Confirm your GPU model and that the game is using the intended DirectX 12 path and supported system requirements.
  • If FSR 4 is not offered, use the upscaling option the game provides; FSR 3.1.5 is the broader-compatibility path in AMD’s SDK documentation.

A current complete FSR 4.1 compatibility count is not established here, so launch-era totals should not be read as today’s game list or count.

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How to compare FSR 4 and FSR 3 fairly

  1. Use the same GPU and game scene, and set the same output resolution.
  2. Select comparable quality modes and keep frame generation either enabled for both tests or disabled for both.
  3. Compare motion as well as still images, paying attention to fine detail, ghosting, particles, edge artifacts, and stability over time.
  4. For performance, record whole-game FPS separately from any reported upscaler processing time.
  5. Note the exact FSR version and game implementation used; “FSR 3” alone may not identify the revision.

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