Ray tracing and DLSS

In short: Ray tracing calculates light physically correctly by following rays through the scene. DLSS and similar methods upscale a smaller image with AI to save performance.

In more detail: Classic game graphics (rasterisation) fake light and shadows with tricks. Ray tracing produces real reflections, soft shadows and indirect light but costs a lot of compute. Special RT cores accelerate it. DLSS (NVIDIA), FSR (AMD) and XeSS (Intel) render at a lower resolution and compute a sharp image from it.

In Depth

• Frame generation: inserts additional computed frames. It raises the displayed frame rate, not the response time.
• Path tracing: full light simulation, today smooth only with strong cards.
• Cost: Ray tracing can halve the frame rate; DLSS wins part of it back.
• Benefit: most visible with reflections, interiors and night scenes.
• Note: Upscaling can create artefacts (ghosting, blur).

See also: Grafikkarten, Display sync