What are DSR and DLDSR?
The names are technical, but the idea is simple. This section explains it from first principles.
Rendering more than your screen can show
A monitor has a fixed number of pixels. Normally, a game draws exactly that many. With DSR, the game draws more pixels than the monitor has, for instance a 4K image for a 1080p screen. The driver then shrinks that image down to fit. The extra detail gets averaged into each screen pixel, and edges look smoother because each screen pixel carries information from several drawn ones.
An everyday comparison
Imagine drawing a picture large on a big sheet of paper, then photographing it at a small size. The small photo looks sharper and smoother than a picture drawn directly at that size, because fine detail was captured before shrinking. Supersampling works in the same way.
Why it costs performance
The card must draw many more pixels. Rendering at four times the pixels takes much more effort than native resolution. That is the price of the extra quality.
DSR: Dynamic Super Resolution
DSR is NVIDIA's built-in version. It offers factors, which are multipliers of the pixel count, such as 1.78x, 2.25x and 4x. A higher factor gives better quality and a bigger cost. It also includes a smoothness setting, which controls how much blurring the shrink step adds.
DLDSR: Deep Learning DSR
DLDSR is the AI version for RTX cards. It uses a neural network on the Tensor cores to perform the shrinking step more intelligently. NVIDIA described DLDSR as delivering quality similar to a higher DSR factor with a lower performance cost, with the 2.25x DLDSR mode matching 4x DSR in its own comparisons. These are NVIDIA's claims, and results vary by game.
How DSR and DLDSR relate to DLSS and DLAA
They sound alike but work differently.
DSR and DLDSR draw more, then shrink
They increase the number of pixels drawn, then reduce the picture. The goal is quality.
DLSS draws less, then enlarges
DLSS Super Resolution draws fewer pixels and enlarges the picture. The goal is speed. The guide to DLSS quality modes explains the scale factors.
DLAA draws native and cleans it
DLAA renders at native resolution and uses AI to clean edges. The goal is quality at native cost. See the explainer on DLAA.
| Technology | Pixels drawn | Main goal |
|---|---|---|
| DSR and DLDSR | More than native | Higher image quality |
| DLAA | Native | Higher image quality at native cost |
| DLSS Super Resolution | Fewer than native | Higher frame rate |
How to read the table
The three can be combined, as discussed below, but each solves a different problem. If you have spare performance and want the best picture, DSR, DLDSR or DLAA are the tools. If you need frames, DLSS is the tool.
Which resolutions do the factors give?
The factors multiply pixel count, so each dimension grows by the square root of the factor. The table shows common results.
| Factor | Dimension multiplier | On a 1080p screen | On a 1440p screen |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.78x | 1.33 | 2560 x 1440 | About 3413 x 1920 |
| 2.25x | 1.5 | 2880 x 1620 | 3840 x 2160 |
| 4x | 2 | 3840 x 2160 | 5120 x 2880 |
What the table shows
On a 1080p monitor, 1.78x gives 1440p and 4x gives 4K. On a 1440p monitor, 2.25x gives 4K. DLDSR offers the 1.78x and 2.25x factors, and DSR offers a wider set of factors, including 4x.
The arithmetic
Multiply the width and the height by the dimension multiplier. For 2.25x, the multiplier is 1.5, since 1.5 times 1.5 is 2.25. For 4x, it is 2, since 2 times 2 is 4.
When should you use them?
They are not for everyone, and a few situations make them shine.
When they make sense
Use DSR or DLDSR when you have a powerful card and a lower-resolution monitor, such as a 1080p or 1440p screen, and games that run well above your refresh rate. They are also excellent for older games that lack good anti-aliasing and run easily on modern cards.
When they do not
Do not use them if the game already struggles to reach a comfortable frame rate. The extra pixels will make things worse. They also do little for games with poor texture quality, because extra resolution cannot add detail that textures lack.
A quick check
Run your game at native resolution and note the frame rate. If you are well above your monitor's refresh rate, you have room to try DLDSR 1.78x or 2.25x.
Retro and indie games
Some older and indie games look dramatically cleaner with DLDSR, because their native anti-aliasing is weak. If the game runs at hundreds of frames, you can afford it.
How to switch them on
The steps take a few minutes.
Step one: enable the factors
Open the NVIDIA Control Panel, choose Manage 3D settings and find DSR – Factors, and tick the factors you want. DLDSR options appear as separate entries on RTX cards. The guide to a sensible global NVIDIA Control Panel profile explains the panel. Settings may also appear in the NVIDIA App, depending on your version.
Set the smoothness
DSR offers a smoothness slider. A lower value gives a sharper picture and a higher value a softer one. NVIDIA's default is a middle value for DSR, and DLDSR often looks best with a moderate value, so try a few.
Step two: choose the higher resolution in the game
Open the game's graphics settings and look for the resolution list. The new, higher resolutions should appear. Choose one, and apply. Many games need fullscreen or borderless windowed mode for this. If the resolution does not appear, restart the game.
Step three: check the desktop
Some systems show the higher resolution on the desktop too. If your desktop looks strange, set it back to native in Windows display settings after you finish playing. The guide to running a 4K display at its native resolution and maximum refresh rate shows how.
How to undo it
Untick the factors in NVIDIA's settings, and choose your native resolution in the game.
Combining DLDSR with DLSS
Some players pair the two, and the idea is worth understanding even if you do not try it.
The idea
You choose a higher DLDSR resolution, such as 4K on a 1440p monitor, then use DLSS to render the game at a lower internal resolution and upscale it to that higher DLDSR target. Finally, DLDSR shrinks the result to your monitor. The two steps together can give a sharper picture than DLSS alone at native resolution, at a moderate cost.
Why it can work
DLSS fills in detail when it upscales. DLDSR then averages that detail down. The combination can reduce shimmering and produce a very clean image.
Why it may not
Each step adds processing, and some games show artefacts when the pipeline gets complicated. The result depends on the game and the settings.
A cautious way to try it
Pick one game and a DLDSR factor that your card can handle. Turn on DLSS at Balanced or Quality, and compare against DLSS at native resolution. Look at the frame rate and the picture. If you like it, keep it for that game. The DLSS 4 overview explains the features involved.
Image quality in more detail
Higher-resolution rendering improves several things.
Edges
Jagged edges become smoother, because each screen pixel blends several drawn pixels.
Shimmering
Thin lines and distant detail shimmer less, because the average is more stable.
Texture clarity
Textures can look cleaner, particularly at an angle, since more samples contribute to each screen pixel.
Limits
Extra resolution cannot create detail that was never in the textures. A game with low-quality textures will still look soft, just smoother.
Text and interface
The shrink step can slightly soften text and the interface. Adjust the smoothness slider to taste, and test readability.
Performance in more detail
The cost is real, and a table helps you plan.
| Factor | Pixels drawn compared with native | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 1.78x | About 1.8 times as many | Light games on mid-range cards |
| 2.25x | About 2.25 times as many | Easy games on strong cards |
| 4x | Four times as many | Very light games on very strong cards |
How to use the table
If your game runs at 200 frames per second at native resolution, 2.25x might bring it to about 90 to 100, depending on the game. This is only a rough guide, because costs do not scale perfectly, and DLDSR changes the balance. Test in your own game.
Video memory
Higher resolutions use more video memory. On cards with 8 GB, 4x on a 1440p monitor may be too much. The guide to how much VRAM you need explains the symptoms.
Monitor refresh rate
Check that the frame rate stays above your monitor's refresh rate after you enable the factor. If not, use a lower factor, or a lower setting elsewhere.
Settings that pair well
A few companion settings help.
Anti-aliasing
Because DSR smooths edges, you can reduce or turn off in-game anti-aliasing, saving some performance. Try with it off first, then add it back if needed.
Sharpening
Slight sharpening can counter the softness from the shrink step. Use small amounts.
Variable refresh rate
Keep variable refresh rate on, so small drops in frame rate stay smooth. See the explanation of VRR, G-Sync and V-Sync.
Frame caps
Cap the frame rate a few frames below your monitor's refresh rate for even frame times.
Step-by-step: a first DLDSR test
Follow this routine the first time you try it.
Step one: pick a suitable game
Choose a game that runs far above your monitor's refresh rate at native resolution. An older or lighter title is ideal.
Step two: measure the baseline
Play for two minutes at native resolution, and note the frame rate and your impression of edges and shimmering.
Step three: enable DLDSR
In NVIDIA's settings, tick a DLDSR factor such as 2.25x, apply and restart the game. Choose the higher resolution in the game's menu.
Step four: compare
Play the same scene. Compare edges, fine detail and text. Note the frame rate.
Step five: adjust smoothness
If the picture looks too soft, lower the smoothness slider, and if it looks harsh, raise it. Small changes matter, so adjust slowly.
Step six: decide and record
Keep the setting if the picture is clearly better and the frame rate is comfortable. If not, go back to native. Write down the factor and smoothness you liked, so that you can reuse them.
Using DSR with different kinds of monitors
Monitor type changes the result.
1080p monitors
These benefit most, because they have the lowest pixel density. DLDSR at 2.25x gives an obvious improvement in games with room to spare.
1440p monitors
The improvement is smaller, but still visible, especially in games with weak anti-aliasing. DLDSR at 2.25x gives 4K rendering.
4K monitors
Little room remains for a higher factor, and most 4K games are demanding already. DSR here is mainly for very light games.
Ultrawide monitors
DSR works with ultrawide ratios, though the numbers get large. Check that your card can cope, and keep video memory in mind.
Televisions
On a television, check that Windows and the TV accept the higher resolution, and that the picture mode does not add extra processing. The article on gaming on a 4K TV explains television quirks.
Power, heat and noise
Rendering more pixels makes the card work harder.
What to expect
The card will use more power and run warmer. Fans may speed up, and you may notice noise. This is normal.
How to manage it
Use a frame cap so that the card does not run flat out unnecessarily. A cap at your refresh rate gives a clean, quiet experience. Check temperatures, and see the guide to thermal and power limits for how to read them.
Laptops
Laptop owners should be careful. High factors can push a laptop to its thermal limits. Use lower factors, and plug in.
Four example players
These illustrations show different uses.
The 1080p owner with a strong card
This player has a 1080p monitor and a powerful card. They use DLDSR 2.25x in lighter games, and the picture looks like a much higher-resolution screen.
The retro gamer
This player enjoys older games with weak anti-aliasing. DLDSR transforms them, and the games run easily.
The 4K television player
This player is already at 4K and has little use for DSR. They use DLSS and Reflex instead.
The competitive player
This player avoids DSR, because frame rate and low delay matter more. They keep native resolution and light settings.
What the four show
DSR and DLDSR are quality tools for the right hardware and the right games. They are not a universal improvement.
Choosing between DSR, DLDSR and other quality tools
Several tools improve image quality, and a short guide helps you pick.
If you have a lot of spare performance
DLDSR at 2.25x or DSR at a higher factor gives the biggest improvement. It suits older games and strong cards.
If you have a little spare performance
DLAA gives a clean picture at native cost, which is lighter than DLDSR 2.25x. See the guide to DLAA.
If you have no spare performance
Use DLSS upscaling to gain frames, and do not use DSR. The guide to DLSS modes explains how.
Combine thoughtfully
You can combine tools, but each adds cost and complexity. Add one at a time, and keep notes.
Monitor and scaling quirks to watch for
Some quirks surprise players.
The monitor still receives its native resolution
DSR scales the picture down in the graphics card, so your monitor receives its normal signal. You do not need a special monitor or cable.
Windows scaling
If your desktop appears at a higher resolution, text may look tiny. Reset the desktop to native resolution after you finish playing, or leave the desktop alone and change the resolution in the game only.
Multiple monitors
DSR applies per display. If you use several monitors, check that the game runs on the one with the factors enabled.
Fullscreen versus borderless
Fullscreen mode tends to show the extra resolutions most reliably. Borderless mode works in many games, but not all.
Performance expectations with real numbers
Simple arithmetic helps you set expectations. These numbers are calculations, not benchmarks.
| Monitor | Factor | Pixels drawn per frame |
|---|---|---|
| 1080p | Native | About 2.1 million |
| 1080p | 1.78x | About 3.7 million |
| 1080p | 2.25x | About 4.7 million |
| 1080p | 4x | About 8.3 million |
| 1440p | Native | About 3.7 million |
| 1440p | 2.25x | About 8.3 million |
How to read the table
At 1080p with 4x, you draw as many pixels as a 4K screen needs, which is why a card that runs a game easily at 1080p may find 4x demanding. The pixel counts show the scale of the extra work, and your card's capacity decides the result.
Why a little goes a long way
Even 1.78x, which draws 1440p on a 1080p monitor, gives a visible improvement, with a moderate cost. Many players find it the best compromise.
Extra tips from experienced players
A few habits help.
Start with the smallest factor
Try 1.78x first, and move up only if the picture and the frame rate allow it.
Match the smoothness to the game
A cartoon-style game may like a sharper setting, while a realistic game may like a softer one.
Keep a list of games
Note which games work well with which factor. Over time, the list saves you from guesswork.
Check after updates
Driver and game updates can change behaviour. Retest your favourite games occasionally.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Higher resolutions missing | Factors not enabled, or game needs restart | Tick factors in NVIDIA settings, relaunch |
| Picture too soft | Smoothness set high | Lower the smoothness slider |
| Text hard to read | Shrink step softens the interface | Adjust smoothness, or use native resolution for productivity |
| Frame rate too low | Factor too high | Use a smaller factor |
| Desktop looks odd | Higher resolution set on the desktop | Reset the desktop to native in Windows |
| Game crashes | Unsupported resolution or video memory shortage | Choose a smaller factor, update the driver |
Keep it simple
Change one factor at a time, and write down what works for each game. A short list of good settings saves time later.
A worked example from start to finish
This imaginary session ties the steps together.
The setup
A player has a 1440p monitor, a strong RTX card and an older single-player game that runs at about 200 frames per second at native resolution. The picture looks sharp, but fences and wires shimmer.
The experiment
The player enables DLDSR 2.25x in NVIDIA's settings, relaunches the game and chooses 3840 by 2160 in the game's resolution list. The frame rate falls to a comfortable level above the monitor's refresh rate, and the shimmer nearly disappears.
Fine-tuning
The text in the interface looks slightly soft, so the player lowers the smoothness slider a little, and the text sharpens.
The decision
The player keeps the setting for this game and writes it in a notes file. They leave a demanding new game at native resolution with DLSS, because its frame rate has no room to spare.
What the example teaches
The same tool suited one game and not another, and a few minutes of testing found the answer. That is the pattern to follow.
When something looks wrong
If the picture looks odd after you enable a factor, consider the common causes.
Blurry interface
The shrink step softens everything, including the interface. Adjust smoothness, or accept a slightly softer menu in exchange for cleaner scenery.
Strange scaling in menus
Some games scale menus badly at unusual resolutions. If this bothers you, change the resolution only for gameplay, and use native for menus.
Colour or brightness shifts
Rarely, a game shows colour changes at custom resolutions. Update the driver, and try a different mode such as borderless.
When to give up on a game
Not every game cooperates. If a game misbehaves, return to native, and use DLAA or DLSS for quality instead.
Keeping DSR tidy over time
Because the factors are a global setting, a little housekeeping avoids confusion.
Remember what you enabled
Write down which factors you ticked. If you later forget and wonder why odd resolutions appear in menus, your note will explain.
Untick what you do not use
A long list of resolutions makes menus cluttered. Keep only the factors you actually use, such as 1.78x and 2.25x.
Re-check after driver updates
Occasionally, a driver update resets the settings. After big updates, open NVIDIA's settings and confirm that your factors and smoothness are as you left them.
Share the knowledge
If other people use your computer, tell them what you set. A quick note can prevent a family member from spending an evening wondering why the desktop looks strange.
A reminder to keep your expectations realistic
Higher-resolution rendering cannot turn a rough game into a masterpiece. It makes the picture cleaner, and in games with fine geometry and good textures, the improvement can be striking. In others, you may barely notice it, and the spare performance is better spent on a higher frame rate. Trying it costs nothing, and the answer will come quickly once you compare side by side.
Ask yourself one question
When you wonder whether to enable a factor, ask: would I rather have a cleaner picture or a higher frame rate in this game? If the answer is the picture, and your frame rate has room, try it. If the answer is frames, leave it off. That single question settles most decisions faster than any chart.
A word of reassurance
None of these settings can harm your card or your monitor. DSR changes only what the graphics card draws internally, and your monitor keeps receiving a normal signal. If a setting looks wrong, undo it, and you are back where you started. That freedom to experiment is part of the fun, so try a few combinations, enjoy the cleaner pictures when they appear and leave the rest.
Myths about DSR and DLDSR
Myth: DSR and DLSS cancel each other
They do not. They can be combined, though each adds its own cost and complexity, and you should test the pairing in each game before you rely on it.
Myth: DSR changes your monitor's resolution
It does not. It changes what the game renders, then shrinks it to fit your monitor.
Myth: DLDSR is only for the newest cards
It works on RTX cards, including older generations, because it uses Tensor cores.
Myth: higher factors are always better
They improve quality, and they cost performance. Choose the highest factor your card handles comfortably.
Myth: it makes any game look 4K
It improves smoothness, but it cannot add detail that textures lack.
Summary
DSR and DLDSR render games above your screen resolution, then shrink the result to fit, giving smoother edges and cleaner detail at a cost in performance. DLDSR uses AI on RTX cards to reach similar quality with less cost, and NVIDIA claims its 2.25x mode can match 4x DSR. Enable the factors in NVIDIA's settings, choose the higher resolution in the game, and compare the picture and the frame rate against native resolution. They suit strong cards on lower-resolution monitors and lighter or older games, and they do not suit demanding games that already struggle. If you want more frames, use DLSS instead, and if you want native-resolution quality, consider DLAA. Test, take notes and enjoy.
Short glossary for this article
- DSR: Dynamic Super Resolution, rendering above native and shrinking.
- DLDSR: Deep Learning DSR, an AI version for RTX cards.
- Factor: the multiplier applied to the pixel count.
- Supersampling: drawing more pixels than you display.
- Smoothness: a slider controlling the softness of the shrink step.
- Native resolution: your monitor's own resolution.
Frequently asked questions about DSR and DLDSR
What is DSR?
DSR, or Dynamic Super Resolution, is an NVIDIA feature that renders a game at a higher resolution than your monitor and scales it down to fit. The extra detail makes edges smoother and the picture sharper. It costs performance, because the card draws many more pixels than usual.
What is DLDSR?
DLDSR, or Deep Learning Dynamic Super Resolution, is the AI version of DSR for RTX cards. It uses a neural network to do the shrinking step more intelligently, giving similar quality at a lower cost. NVIDIA said its 2.25x mode can match 4x DSR in its own testing.
Is DLDSR better than DSR?
Usually for RTX owners, because it aims to deliver similar image quality at a lower performance cost. DSR offers a wider range of factors and works on non-RTX cards. Compare both in your own game, and choose the one that looks and runs best.
Does DLDSR work with DLSS?
Yes, and some players combine them: they render at a higher DLDSR resolution and use DLSS to upscale into it. This can give a sharper result than DLSS at native resolution, but it needs testing in each game, and it may not suit every title.
Will DSR lower my FPS?
Yes, because the card draws more pixels. The drop grows with the factor. At 4x, the cost can be very large. DLDSR at 1.78x or 2.25x is much lighter, and a powerful card can often handle it in games that run well already.
Why do the higher resolutions not appear in my game?
The factors may not be enabled, the game may need fullscreen or borderless mode, or it may need a restart. Check NVIDIA's settings, confirm the factors are ticked and relaunch the game. Some games do not list custom resolutions, which limits their use.