Nvidia has unveiled a significant upgrade to its AI-powered graphics technology, promising to make PC games look noticeably better. The new DLSS 4.5 upscaling model is available for download now, offering enhanced image quality in supported titles like the upcoming Battlefield 6 and ARC Raiders.
What DLSS 4.5 Delivers for Gamers
Revealed during demonstrations at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the latest iteration of Deep Learning Super Sampling focuses on improving the fidelity of image reconstruction. It succeeds DLSS 4, which launched with Multi Frame-Generation in early 2025. The key improvement lies in the clarity of fine details, such as distant particle effects, which previously could appear smudged.
In a side-by-side demo of Black Myth: Wukong, effects like swirling dust or magic particles were far more distinct and visible under DLSS 4.5 compared to its predecessor. This visual boost does come with a minor caveat: initial testing indicates a slight performance cost compared to the older DLSS 4 model.
How to Enable DLSS 4.5 in Your Games
Although most game menus haven't been updated yet to include the new option, players can activate it manually. First, ensure you have the latest Nvidia graphics driver installed via the Nvidia app, confirming the new transformer model is in the patch notes.
Then, follow these steps:
- In the Nvidia app, go to Settings and then the About tab.
- Enable the 'Opt in to access Beta or experimental features' checkbox.
- Navigate to the Graphics menu and select your installed game.
- Scroll to the DLSS settings and select 'Model M' or 'Latest Model' to enable DLSS 4.5.
As the feature is still in beta, performance may vary. However, the potential for sharper visuals, especially on intricate details, is a compelling reason for enthusiasts to test it. To counter any performance dip, users can switch their DLSS preset to Balanced or Performance.
Future Frame-Generation and Availability
Beyond DLSS 4.5, Nvidia also previewed a next-generation Multi Frame-Generation technology at CES. This dynamic system can generate up to six times the frames and will intelligently switch modes to maintain a target frame rate. However, this advanced feature won't be publicly available until spring and will require an RTX 50 series graphics card.
For now, DLSS 4.5 represents a tangible, immediate upgrade for RTX users. With the ability to manually enable it in a growing list of games, it offers a clear path to enhanced visual fidelity without a major hardware investment.
