Nvidia releases DLSS 4.5 with enhanced AI upscaling as 6x frame generation waits until spring

Nvidia DLSS 4.5 Launches with Second-Generation Transformer Model

Nvidia released DLSS 4.5 in early January 2026, delivering an updated version of its Deep Learning Super Sampling technology that focuses on refining AI upscaling rather than expanding frame generation capabilities 1

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. The update, announced at CES 2026, incorporates a second-generation transformer model for Super Resolution that has been trained on a significantly larger dataset of game footage 4

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. This AI-powered upscaling system renders games at lower resolutions before using neural networks to upscale them to higher resolutions, enhancing visual fidelity while maintaining optimal gaming performance.

The DLSS 4.5 upscaling technology marks a shift in Nvidia's approach, prioritizing improved image reconstruction over the "fake frames" controversy that has surrounded Multi Frame Generation (MFG) features 3

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. According to Nvidia engineers, the new transformer model requires roughly five times the inference compute of the previous version but delivers better spatial and temporal detail understanding, leading to sharper anti-aliasing and reduced visual artifacts 4

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Understanding Model L and Model M Performance Differences

The updated Nvidia app now allows GeForce RTX GPU users to override DLSS models in supported games, with two new presets based on DLSS 4.5 1

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. Model L targets ultra-performance mode, designed for players attempting to reach 4K resolution, while Model M focuses on performance mode and above, prioritizing clarity and detailed graphics 2

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Testing conducted on a Framework Laptop 16 equipped with a GeForce RTX 5070 laptop GPU with 8GB of VRAM revealed notable improvements in Black Myth: Wukong, where the Model M preset delivered framerates jumping from 45-48 fps with DLSS 4 to around 50-60 fps with DLSS 4.5 at very high graphics settings with ray tracing set to medium 1

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. In Marvel's Spider-Man II running at medium settings with ray tracing set to high, foliage appeared sharper with DLSS 4.5, though performance improvements were minimal .

Additional testing revealed that DLSS 4.5 performs best when using performance modes rather than quality or balanced settings 2

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. Players focused on ultimate fidelity may want to stick with DLSS 4, as the new model shows reduced ghosting around objects, better distant detail, and less shimmering primarily in performance modes 2

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Frame Generation Capabilities and Spring 2026 Timeline

While DLSS 4.5 brings immediate improvements to AI upscaling, the promised 6x Multi Frame Generation mode remains unavailable until spring 2026 1

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. This Dynamic Multi-Frame Generation feature, exclusive to RTX 50 series GPUs, will dynamically adjust frame generation between 4x and 6x modes to maximize display refresh rates 1

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. Nvidia confirmed the dynamic frame gen plugin will be available to developers through the DLSS Multi Frame Generation Streamline Plugin this spring 1

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Current testing with existing frame generation modes shows that 2x frame gen provides free performance boosts with minimal visual degradation. On the RTX 5060 at 1440p output resolution with DLSS set to Balanced, Alan Wake II jumped from 40 fps to 55 fps average with 2x frame generation, with extremely minimal loss in visual clarity 3

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. However, 4x mode introduced noticeable ghosting, blurring, and input latency issues 3

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Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang discussed the company's vision for gaming performance, suggesting that "more and more computation" could be done on "fewer and fewer pixels" 2

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. This approach positions DLSS as central to future gaming performance optimization, though questions remain about how older RTX GPUs will handle the increased computational demands of the advanced transformer model 2

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Image Quality Gains and Hardware Considerations

The second-generation transformer model in DLSS 4.5 works directly in linear color space rather than compressed domains, enabling more accurate handling of high-contrast elements like neon reflections and bright highlights 4

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. This results in finer edge rendering, sharper details, and improved temporal stability compared to the first-generation transformer model 4

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DLSS makes more of a difference for players running cheaper gaming rigs than for platforms with higher-end specs 1

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. Environmental details like sparks from fires, which previous DLSS versions struggled to capture, now appear more prominently, while texture sharpness has improved and ghosting around environmental details has been reduced 1

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. On newer RTX 40 and RTX 50 series GPUs, FP8 precision acceleration helps mitigate the greater performance cost of the enhanced model while delivering superior upscaled visuals 4

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