In the realm of gaming laptops, performance metrics are paramount. At Tom’s Guide, our testing expert, Matthew Murray, meticulously conducts frame rate benchmarks at both the native screen resolution and 1080p (1920 x 1080). This rigorous evaluation is essential for uncovering the true processing capabilities of a laptop’s GPU, and the results are undeniably significant.
For those fortunate enough to own an Nvidia 30-series or 40-series graphics card, the benefits of Team Green’s DLSS technology are hard to overlook. Similarly, gamers should take advantage of AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution or Intel’s XeSS if available. Neglecting these advanced forms of supersampling is akin to missing out on a vital aspect of PC gaming.
God of Wow
Take, for instance, the visually stunning Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty. Utilizing DLSS 3.5 in either Quality or Balanced mode, the difference between an upscaled image and native 4K on a 48-inch LG OLED C2 is virtually indistinguishable, even to the most discerning eyes. This display serves as my primary gaming monitor, and the experience is nothing short of breathtaking.
(Image credit: Nvidia)
The captivating image of the PC port of God of War exemplifies the adage that “a picture is worth a thousand words.” DLSS stands out as the most effective form of supersampling, revolutionizing the gaming experience by enhancing frame rates significantly. For example, stepping into the formidable boots of Kratos in upscaled 4K can yield an impressive increase of up to 36 frames per second, depending on the hardware configuration.
Having explored numerous titles that leverage DLSS, it’s clear that the technology has evolved remarkably, thanks to advancements in artificial intelligence. Moving forward, I find it hard to imagine playing any compatible title without enabling this feature.
While Nvidia continues to dominate the supersampling landscape, Intel’s XeSS has made notable strides in a short amount of time. On the other hand, AMD’s upscaling solutions, although beneficial for enhancing experiences on devices like the Steam Deck, often fall short in delivering clarity that approaches native resolution.
In summary, if a game offers supersampling and your PC is equipped to handle it, my advice is straightforward: always enable it. The enhancements are simply too significant to ignore.