A sober look at a software solution for gamers who want more – but without driver voodoo and GPU brand pressure, please. Because you know the problem: older games only run in windowed mode or scale so muddily on modern monitors that you think the image has been filtered through Vaseline. On the other hand, there are modern blockbusters that even make you sweat with thick hardware – not to mention native 4K display. This is exactly where the Lossless Scaling software comes in: Scale, interpolate, enhance. Without plug-ins, without any hardware restrictions, but with a certain tendency towards universal applicability. The creators of the application essentially promise two things: lossless full-screen scaling of windowed games and frame generation even without native support from the engine or GPU driver. Sounds like an ambitious undertaking at first – but if you read more about how it works, you will realize that there is substance behind the concept.
Scaling beyond the bilinear nightmare
The focus is initially on the classic problem of window-to-full-screen scaling. Lossless scaling uses various algorithms for this: From AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) to NVIDIA’s Image Scaling (NIS) to Integer Scaling or xBR. The latter are especially designed for pixelated retro graphics, while Anime4K takes care of 2D cartoons or anime. The in-house LS1 algorithm is suitable for modern games that do not offer their own upscaling solution, but also do not require GPU-side support. The scaling takes place locally and independently of the GPU used – a very practical approach for systems on which DLSS or FSR are not available. Gamers with older GPUs or integrated graphics solutions in particular benefit from this, as the detour via the GPU drivers and their often suboptimal scaling is bypassed.
LSFG: Frame generation for everyone
The centerpiece of current developments, however, is LSFG – the “Lossless Scaling Frame Generation”. Since version 3, this has been based on a new architecture which, according to the developers, should improve both quality and performance. In theory – and according to initial tests in practice – LSFG 3 reduces annoying flickering and edge artifacts and generates smoother transitions. The GPU load is reduced by up to 40% compared to its predecessor LSFG 2 – at least in “X2 mode”, in which an additional frame is interpolated between two real frames. The software generates frames based on machine learning, but does not require dedicated tensor cores or specific GPU APIs. This makes it particularly interesting for users outside of the NVIDIA Ampere faction, who feel excluded from DLSS 3. AMD or Intel graphics cards – including iGPUs – can also benefit from LSFG.
X3, X4 and adaptive frame tuning
A new addition is the X4 frame mode, in which three intermediate frames are generated – ideal for 60 FPS titles on 240 Hz monitors. Ideally, this results in a smooth display without the notorious frame-pacing jitter that usually occurs when frame rates are not synchronized. Things get even more interesting with the so-called AFG mode (Adaptive Frame Generation), in which the generation is adaptively adjusted to the desired target frame rate – regardless of the native frame rate of the game. For example, if you have an old game running at 45 FPS, you can interpolate to a target rate of 90 FPS without the need for rigid multipliers such as 2x or 4x.
System requirements and general conditions
The software does not require a kernel module or driver installation and runs as a classic Windows tool. The only requirement is the window mode of the game – which can sometimes lead to experimentation, especially with older DirectX 9 titles. To ensure optimum frame pacing, the developers recommend limiting the game frame rate to half the monitor Hz – e.g. 60 FPS on a 120 Hz display. A little manual work is therefore necessary – but anyone who is already juggling V-Sync, frame limiters and the like will quickly find their way around.
Toolbox instead of magic wand
Lossless Scaling is not a replacement for DLSS 3 or FSR 3, but rather a pragmatic tool for those who cannot benefit from such technologies – be it due to old hardware, lack of engine support or simple unwillingness on the part of game developers. The fact that the software does not require a GPU hardlock and also takes into account more exotic scenarios such as emulation or indie titles makes it a useful companion in the everyday life of the tech-savvy gamer. Whether out of necessity or principle, lossless scaling closes a gap that many have tried to bridge with workarounds up to now. And it does so with surprisingly little fuss, but a lot of function.
Source: Lossless Scaling
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