Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
AMD’s FSR 4—now branded FSR Upscaling—is designed to improve image stability, detail and ghosting compared with FSR 3.1, but it is not a universal FPS upgrade and its compatibility is limited by both hardware and game support. AMD’s current documentation lists discrete Radeon RX 7000- and RX 9000-series GPUs for FSR Upscaling 4; support for AMD handhelds using RDNA 3.5 has not been confirmed. “FSR Redstone” is the broader name for AMD’s suite of machine-learning rendering features, not another name for the upscaler alone. AMD’s consumer page uses the newer branding, though some game menus and older coverage still say FSR 4.
What changes in image quality?
AMD says its machine-learning upscaler improves temporal stability, preserves detail and reduces ghosting versus FSR 3.1. In practical terms, AMD identifies fewer trails behind moving objects and fewer artifacts where a moving object reveals previously hidden scenery. It also says the upscaler better preserves moving particle effects, reduces flicker on fine features such as wires, and improves stability on reflective, high-specular surfaces. AMD says particle preservation does not require developers to provide Reactive or Transparency masks. These are AMD’s stated benefits, not an independent controlled verdict.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
AMD’s published comparison images have specific test conditions: an RX 9070 XT rendering at 3840×2160, High Quality preset, FSR Upscaling Performance mode, HDR off, motion blur disabled, and pre-release software. That illustration should not be treated as a guaranteed result across games, GPUs, or quality settings. For a useful in-game comparison, keep the game scene, output resolution, upscaling mode, GPU, driver, and frame-generation setting matched; inspect motion, thin edges, particles, and newly revealed backgrounds as well as a still frame. See AMD GPUOpen’s FSR Upscaling documentation for the claims and comparison methodology.
Recommended Free Tools
Does FSR 4 increase FPS compared with FSR 3.1?
There is no independent, apples-to-apples FSR 4 versus FSR 3.1 benchmark result established here, so a universal percentage or FPS lead would be misleading. Upscaling can improve performance by rendering fewer pixels and reconstructing the output image, but the result depends on the game, GPU, output resolution, quality mode, and implementation. A more demanding quality mode can have different image and performance trade-offs from Performance mode.
#1 Best Overall
- Axial-tech fans now feature a smaller fan hub that facilitates longer blades and a barrier ring that increases downward air pressure
- 2.5-slot design allows for greater build compatibility while maintaining cooling performance
- 0dB technology lets you enjoy light gaming in relative silence
- Dual BIOS switch lets you toggle between Quiet and Performance BIOS profiles
- Dual ball fan bearings last up to twice as long as sleeve bearing designs
AMD reports that FSR Upscaling in Performance mode renders 4K frames in approximately 1.3 ms on an RX 9070 XT. That is AMD’s implementation measurement, not an independent FPS comparison with FSR 3.1 and not a promise of a particular frame rate in a game. AMD’s 2026 article also says version 4.1 updates inference for sharper images and improves Dynamic Resolution Scaling for smoother frame rates. Read the figure and version context in AMD’s 2026 technical article.
Upscaling and frame generation are different features
FSR Upscaling reconstructs an image from a lower-resolution render. Frame generation inserts additional frames between traditionally rendered frames; it is a separate feature with separate compatibility requirements and visual and latency characteristics. Turning on frame generation can change the displayed frame rate, so a comparison that uses it for only one upscaler does not isolate the upscaling difference.
Rank #2
- Axial-tech fans now feature a smaller fan hub that facilitates longer blades and a barrier ring that increases downward air pressure
- Phase-change GPU thermal pad helps ensure optimal heat transfer, lowering GPU temperatures for enhanced performance and reliability
- 2.5-slot design allows for greater build compatibility while maintaining cooling performance
- Dual-ball fan bearings last up to twice as long as standard conventional sleeve bearings designs
- 0dB technology lets you enjoy light gaming in relative silence
AMD says FSR Upscaling can be combined with FSR Frame Generation and Radeon Anti-Lag 2 on RX 9000 cards. That does not establish the same results in every game. AMD’s frame-generation documentation lists machine-learning frame generation for RX 9000-series and above, and an analytical fallback for GPUs supporting Shader Model 6.2 or above. Its operating-system support also differs: AMD lists both methods for Windows 11, while the analytical method is listed for Windows 10. These are frame-generation requirements, not the compatibility requirements for FSR Upscaling. See AMD’s frame-generation documentation.
Which graphics cards and games support FSR 4?
AMD GPUOpen lists FSR Upscaling 4 for discrete Radeon RX 9000- or RX 7000-series graphics cards and newer. Its documentation says that when the API runs on other hardware, it automatically selects FSR 3.1.5 instead. Release notes also identify FSR Upscaling 4.1.1 support on discrete RX 7000 GPUs. Check the specific game and current driver or AMD Software requirements rather than assuming a compatible card makes the feature available everywhere.
Rank #3
- System Compatibility Note: 2.5‑slot card measuring 303 mm (L) x 131 mm (W) x 45 mm (H); requires a single 8‑pin power connector and a recommended 550W power supply. Please verify chassis clearance and power supply capacity before purchase.
- Dedicated Support: Please contact us directly through Amazon for any product questions or assistance you may require.
- AMD RDNA 3 Architecture with AI & Ray Tracing Acceleration: Powered by 32 RDNA 3 Compute Units featuring 3rd Gen Ray Tracing Accelerators and 2nd Gen AI Accelerators, delivering lifelike lighting, shadows, and superior machine learning performance for enhanced gaming and content creation.
- Powerful 1080p & 1440p Gaming Engine: Features a max boost clock of up to 2695 MHz, a game clock of 2280 MHz, and 2048 stream processors, ensuring outstanding frame rates in the latest titles.
- 8GB High‑Speed GDDR6 Memory: Equipped with 8GB of GDDR6 memory on a 128‑bit interface running at 18 Gbps, delivering up to 288 GB/s bandwidth for high‑resolution textures and demanding game workloads.
Availability also depends on how a game exposes the feature. Some titles integrate the ML upscaler in their graphics menu. For some games integrating FSR 3.1 or later, AMD Software can swap in supported DLLs to upgrade the upscaler. The frame-generation upgrade path has a higher integration threshold: FSR 3.1.4 or later. Neither route means that every game with any FSR version can use the newer feature. AMD’s consumer overview explains its current naming and enablement guidance: AMD FSR Technologies.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does FSR 4 work on handhelds?
AMD has not confirmed FSR 4.1 support for handhelds using RDNA 3.5 APUs. The official upscaling requirements reviewed specify discrete RX 7000- and RX 9000-series hardware, so desktop GPU support should not be extrapolated to a handheld APU without a specific compatibility statement. In a 2026 interview, AMD Client Division executive David McAfee said the company wants sufficient compute to deliver the desired quality and performance; the report also clarifies that he had not said handheld support was coming. The status is unannounced, not a guarantee that support is impossible or forthcoming. See the Tom’s Guide interview with David McAfee.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Powered by Radeon RX 9070 XT
- WINDFORCE Cooling System
- Hawk Fan
- Server-grade Thermal Conductive Gel
- RGB Lighting
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
