AMD has launched the FSR Redstone update via a new GPU driver, offering several enhancements for RDNA 4 hardware. Key features include FSR Frame Generation, Ray Regeneration, and Radiance Caching, aimed at improving gaming visuals and performance. These updates are exclusive to the RX 9070 series and similar RDNA 4 products.
Enhanced Graphics and Features
The FSR Redstone update introduces Ray Regeneration, a neural-network denoiser designed to enhance ray tracing and path tracing capabilities. This feature is already available in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and will expand to more games. Users will notice improved quality over the previous FSR 3.1, as demonstrated in AMD's comparative screenshots.
- FSR Frame Generation bolsters frames per second (FPS) output for a smoother experience.
- Radiance Caching will be implemented in games by 2026, offering developers a simpler integration process through upgradable DLLs.
Exclusivity and Compatibility Concerns
While FSR Redstone exclusively supports RDNA 4, this raises issues regarding backward compatibility. Unlike Nvidia's DLSS 4, which is compatible across RTX cards since its 2025 release, Redstone does not support older AMD GPUs. This might influence some gamers currently using older hardware to reconsider their options.
Market Impacts
With the introduction of FSR Redstone’s features, AMD aims to compete closely with Nvidia’s DLSS 4 technology, particularly with Frame Generation and Ray Reconstruction functionalities. If AMD's Redstone effectively bridges the performance gap and Nvidia doesn't counter with new offerings, it could encourage some PC gamers to shift their focus toward AMD's offerings.
