Upgrading to the RTX 5080 on Older Hardware Proved Challenging, But Convinced Me of the Benefits of Multi-Frame Generation
Whenever a new graphics card is released, I can’t help but feel thrilled. The unveiling of Nvidia’s RTX 5080 and its cutting-edge DLSS 4 technology, utilizing artificial intelligence to enhance visuals and frame rates to new heights, had me particularly eager. However, with my aged gaming PC setup, doubts crept in.
My trusty RTX 3080 had faithfully delivered a smooth 60 fps at 4K resolution with maximum settings in my favorite games for a while. Unfortunately, its performance began to decline steadily, forcing me to lower settings to maintain playable frame rates. As a gamer who appreciates the artistry in video games, I yearned to experience the full beauty created by talented artists. Yet, I questioned whether my PC could handle it.
To my relief, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 was compatible with my aging system, and my 1000-watt PSU was up to the task of supporting the power requirements of the new card. Despite encountering some challenges, such as suboptimal setup and perceived lackluster performance, the multi-frame generation technology of DLSS 4 left a lasting impression on me.
After a four-hour installation process, during which I encountered unexpected obstacles, including the need for new power cables and compatibility issues with my motherboard’s chipset fan and PCIe slot, I finally managed to get the RTX 5080 up and running. Despite facing limitations due to my older CPU and a less-than-ideal PCIe x8 slot, the graphics card delivered mixed raw performance results in benchmarks across multiple games. However, with DLSS 4 activated, the performance gains were remarkable.
Overall, the process of upgrading to the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 on my older build was challenging, but it highlighted the potential of multi-frame generation technology and the benefits it can bring to gaming experiences.
Vidia asked me to explore a particular vision. As I’ve mentioned before, I aim to fully immerse myself in the artistic visions that game developers strive to create, but DLSS 4 introduces some complications. Unfortunately, it seems to be the only way forward for PCs like mine.
For those who may not be familiar, DLSS 4 is a cutting-edge super sampling technology designed to enhance performance and refine image quality. What sets the RTX 50-series cards apart is Multi Frame Generation, a feature that utilizes AI to generate up to three frames per true frame. This feature is only compatible with supported games, however. Additionally, some games that support frame generation may not necessarily support Multi Frame Generation, though this can be overridden in the Nvidia application.
Equipped with the RTX 5080 as my weapon of choice, I decided to tackle the first boss in Monster Hunter Wilds. To my dismay, this poorly optimized game exposed the limitations of my RTX 3080. Seeking vengeance, I strived to surpass 60 frames per second at 4K resolution with the Ultra preset and RT High settings. However, my PC struggled to reach 51 fps without DLSS enabled. Upon switching to DLAA (native resolution) and activating regular frame generation (2x), the framerate soared to 74 fps. Achieving maximum settings at over 60 fps in Monster Hunter Wilds was my primary objective, and I consider this a successful boss battle. For those seeking even higher performance, switching to Ultra Performance yielded a staggering 124 fps. (At the time of writing, Multi-frame Generation (4x) was not natively supported in the Nvidia app, although some users have discovered workarounds.)
During my previous journey through the Living Lands in Avowed, attaining close to 60 fps necessitated lowering numerous settings. However, the situation has improved, albeit slightly. Running the game at Ultra settings, 4K resolution, with RT on but DLSS disabled, my PC struggled to maintain a mere 35 fps. Embracing my anime sword (DLAA and MFG enabled), I swiftly dispatched a group of Xaurips at 113 fps, marking a remarkable 223% increase in framerate. The Ultra Performance setting doubled these figures.
If you thought Avowed was demanding, think again. Never before have I encountered such performance challenges as I did with Oblivion: Remastered. Surprisingly, the remastered version of this nearly two-decade-old game managed to strain even my RTX 5080. Running the game at Ultra settings, 4K resolution, with RT set to Ultra but DLSS disabled, navigating the mountains near Bryma proved to be a daunting task, with framerates plummeting to as low as 20 fps. However, after transitioning to DLAA with MFG, my PC achieved a steady 95 fps. With Ultra Performance enabled, the framerate surged to 172 fps. The Daed
The latest generation of GPUs showed promising results despite some disappointments in raw performance. While the RTX 5080 struggled to maintain a decent framerate in challenging settings, enabling Multi-Frame Generation significantly boosted performance to a satisfying 69 fps. This improvement hinted at the potential for even greater gains with further enhancements – perhaps reaching a total of 123 fps with quadruple the frame generation.
Despite initial frustrations with running favorite games solely on GPU power, the introduction of DLSS 4 brought a game-changing experience. This technology, albeit not flawless, excelled in enhancing visuals and increasing frame rates, making gameplay more enjoyable. However, it’s essential to acknowledge the trade-off between visual fidelity and performance when using DLSS 4.
In conclusion, upgrading to a new GPU doesn’t necessarily require a complete overhaul of your PC. While some adjustments like a higher wattage power supply may be necessary, the overall system can adapt to accommodate the new graphics card. It’s crucial not to overspend on unnecessary upgrades, especially given the current scarcity and high cost of GPUs. Ultimately, the combination of DLSS 4 and Multi-Frame Generation has extended the lifespan of the existing setup, providing a glimpse of future gaming possibilities.
