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What Performance and Fidelity modes mean
Sony describes its game preset as a choice between smoother motion in Performance mode and higher graphic quality in Resolution mode. The preset applies only to games that offer those modes. Studios decide how to implement each option, so names such as Fidelity, Quality, Resolution, Balanced, and Performance RT do not have fixed platform-wide specifications.
In practice, a game may trade rendering resolution, image detail, visual effects, or frame-rate targets against one another. Look for the individual game’s description of each mode rather than assuming that a label means native 4K, 60 frames per second (FPS), or any other specific result. Sony’s explanation of the preset is available on its PS5 game-presets support page.
How the modes compare in GTA V on PS5
Rockstar’s March 4, 2022 announcement gives a concrete example of how different modes can combine image quality, resolution, ray tracing, and frame-rate targets. These are Rockstar’s stated targets and descriptions for GTA V on PS5, not independent measurements or guarantees for other games.
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| GTA V mode | Stated frame-rate target | Resolution description | Ray tracing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fidelity | 30 FPS | Native 4K | Yes |
| Performance | 60 FPS | Upscaled 4K | Not included in Rockstar’s description of this mode |
| Performance RT | 60 FPS | Upscaled 4K | Yes |
Rockstar characterizes Fidelity as tuned for the highest visual quality and Performance as tuned for responsive gameplay. Performance RT shows why ray tracing does not automatically mean a 30 FPS target: this GTA V mode pairs ray tracing with a stated 60 FPS target. See the PlayStation announcement for GTA V on PS5 for the game’s mode descriptions.
How to choose a mode
Choose Performance for smoother motion
Try Performance when responsive controls and smoother motion matter more to you than the highest available image quality. Check the game’s own description: its target, resolution, and visual settings depend on that specific implementation.
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Choose Fidelity or Resolution for visual quality
Try a quality-focused option when you prefer the game’s higher graphic quality and are comfortable with its stated frame-rate target. Fidelity and Resolution are labels, not promises of the same resolution, effects, or frame rate in every title.
Choose a ray-tracing or hybrid option when its trade-off suits you
If a game offers a mode with ray tracing, compare its stated frame-rate target and resolution with the other options. Some games include ray tracing in a quality-focused mode; others may offer a hybrid such as Performance RT. The effect and trade-off vary by game.
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PS5 Pro can change the available choices
A PS5 Pro version of a game may add or alter its graphics options. Sony’s developer examples show that studios create distinct combinations for their games rather than following one universal PS5 Pro mode specification. Check the options for the title and console version you use; Sony’s PS5 Pro developer examples illustrate this variation.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Display settings are separate from a game’s graphics mode
A game’s rendering mode and the console’s video-output setting are related to what you see, but they are not the same setting. The console detects TV capabilities and selects an available output resolution; to inspect or change that output, go to Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output. Output resolution does not, by itself, tell you the resolution at which a game internally renders. Sony’s PS5 resolution guide explains the output options.
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- VRR: Variable Refresh Rate can synchronize a compatible display’s refresh rate with PS5 graphical output. It works with compatible games and HDMI 2.1 VRR-compatible TVs or monitors; results vary by game and display.
- 120 Hz output: This is a display/output capability, not a guarantee that every game or graphics mode targets 120 FPS. Compatibility depends on the display and game.
- ALLM: Auto Low Latency Mode requires a compatible display and may appear as Game Mode in the TV’s settings.
- 1440p output: This requires a compatible TV or monitor.
These features can affect the display experience, but they are not prerequisites for selecting a game’s Performance or Fidelity mode. See Sony’s resolution and display compatibility guidance for details.
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Where to check before deciding
- Open the game’s graphics, display, or video settings and read the description attached to each mode.
- Compare the listed frame-rate target, resolution or upscaling, ray-tracing effects, and any 120 Hz or VRR conditions.
- Confirm that the game and your TV or monitor support the display features you want to use.
- Try the available option that suits your priorities; change it if the resulting motion or image quality is not what you prefer.
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