AMD FSR 4.1 Leaks, Bringing Image Quality Improvements to Older GPUs

A beta version of AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution 4.1 (FSR 4.1) has reportedly leaked online, allowing users to test the upscaling technology on older hardware, specifically RDNA 3 GPUs. The leak, originating from a test build of the upcoming Adrenalin 26.3.1 driver, offers potential image quality enhancements over FSR 4.0.3.

FSR 4.1: An Unexpected Arrival on RDNA 3

Originally intended as an exclusive feature for RDNA 4 GPUs, the FSR 4.1 DLL file surfaced on forums like Guru3D [1]. A user named “The Creator” initially shared the file, prompting community members to experiment with its implementation on older AMD graphics cards.

How to Access FSR 4.1 (With Caveats)

Users have successfully enabled FSR 4.1 on RDNA 3 GPUs running Linux with Proton FP8 emulation. The process involves replacing the existing “amdxcffx64.dll” file in the System32 directory with the leaked FSR 4.1 DLL, identified as “amdxcffx64-v2.1.0.968(4.1.0)”. [3] OptiScaler can also be used to activate the upscaler, though direct file replacement has proven effective for some users. [4]

Early Performance and Image Quality Observations

Initial reports suggest that FSR 4.1 maintains similar performance levels to FSR 4.0.3 on Linux with MESA 26.1.0. [3] However, users are noting improvements in image quality, particularly in areas like foliage sharpness. [4] Screenshots shared by users demonstrate slight sharpening in titles like Hogwarts Legacy when using FSR 4.1 in Ultra Performance mode. [3]

Critical Considerations

It’s crucial to remember that this is a leaked beta file and not an official AMD release. Users should proceed with caution when implementing the DLL, as it may introduce instability or compatibility issues. [2] The current method is limited to RDNA 3 hardware running Linux on Proton with FP8 emulation.

Looking Ahead

The leak of FSR 4.1 demonstrates the community’s eagerness for improved upscaling technologies. While the current implementation is limited, it provides a glimpse into the potential advancements AMD is developing for future GPUs and driver updates. The official release of FSR 4.1 is expected with the launch of RDNA 4 hardware.