As gaming continues to push the boundaries of graphical fidelity, achieving smooth frame rates on various hardware, especially on portable devices, can be challenging. “Lossless Scaling” offers an innovative solution to this problem by providing an efficient way to upscale game resolution and generate extra frames. This tool is designed to maximize performance on lower-end hardware, like the MSI Claw with an Intel Core Ultra 155h. In this blog, we’ll explore how Lossless Scaling works, its performance impact using real-game tests, and the pros and cons of using this application.
What is Lossless Scaling?
Lossless Scaling is a software application available on Steam for $7 that can nearly double the frame rate in certain games. It works by upscaling the game’s resolution and generating additional frames, which can drastically improve performance on devices with limited hardware capabilities. This is especially useful for handheld gaming devices and laptops that may struggle with modern, demanding titles. See it on Steam here.
The beauty of Lossless Scaling lies in its versatility. It supports DirectX 9-12, Vulkan, and OpenGL, making it compatible with a wide range of games. For users with older or less powerful hardware, this application offers a budget-friendly way to enhance gaming experiences without needing to invest in expensive upgrades.
Testing Performance with Cyberpunk 2077
One of the standout demonstrations of Lossless Scaling is its performance impact on “Cyberpunk 2077.” This graphically intense game is notoriously demanding on hardware, making it a prime candidate for testing the capabilities of Lossless Scaling.
Initial Setup and Performance
In this test, Cyberpunk 2077 is run on the MSI Claw, utilizing Intel’s XE Super Sampling (XE SS) on low settings at a resolution of 900p. Before enabling Lossless Scaling, the game’s frame rate hovers around 58 FPS, providing a playable but less than ideal experience.
Enabling Lossless Scaling
Once Lossless Scaling is enabled, the software upscales the game’s resolution from 900p to 1080p, resulting in a sharper and more detailed image. Additionally, Lossless Scaling’s frame generation mode (LSFG 2.3) is used to further enhance performance. With these settings, the frame rate jumps to over 80 FPS, offering a noticeably smoother and more responsive gameplay experience.
It’s important to note that the tool is best suited for single-player games or scenarios where input latency is not as critical. As the narrator points out, potential latency issues make this tool less ideal for competitive multiplayer games that require precise timing and rapid reactions.
Configuring Lossless Scaling
One of the key strengths of Lossless Scaling is its range of customization options. It provides different upscaling types, such as AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) and Nvidia’s image scaling. However, for optimal sharpness, the software’s built-in “Lossless Scaler” is recommended.
Customization Features
- Performance Mode: Users can choose from various performance settings to match their hardware capabilities.
- Frame Generation Multipliers: Options range from 1x to 4x, allowing users to generate multiple frames per original frame.
- Cursor Rendering: This option can be toggled to improve the gaming experience when using a mouse.
Additional Settings
For those who want to fine-tune their gaming experience further, Lossless Scaling includes settings for frame latency and VSync. Experimenting with these settings can help optimize performance according to individual preferences, as some users may prioritize responsiveness while others focus on visual fidelity.
Testing Additional Games
To further showcase Lossless Scaling’s capabilities, several other games were tested on the MSI Claw, including Red Dead Redemption 2, Forza Horizon 5, and Elden Ring.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2 is another graphically demanding title that can strain even high-end systems. On the MSI Claw, the game was set to a resolution of 900p with a low-medium preset. Without Lossless Scaling, the game averages around 62 FPS. Enabling Lossless Scaling upscales the game to 1080p, significantly improving the image quality while boosting the frame rate to the 80s, resulting in a much smoother gaming experience.
Forza Horizon 5
Initially, there was some hesitation about using frame generation in fast-paced racing games like Forza Horizon 5. However, the results were surprising. Running at 900p with high settings, Lossless Scaling improved the FPS to the mid-90s, proving that even racing games can benefit from this application.
Elden Ring
Elden Ring is known for its beautiful yet demanding open-world graphics. On the MSI Claw, the game struggles to reach 60 FPS at 900p on low settings. Lossless Scaling comes to the rescue here, providing a significant boost in performance. While it may not turn the game into a 4K 60 FPS experience, it does make it much more enjoyable on less powerful hardware.
Advantages and Limitations of Lossless Scaling
Like any tool, Lossless Scaling has its pros and cons, depending on the use case.
Advantages
- Compatibility: Works with a wide range of games, supporting DirectX 9-12, Vulkan, and OpenGL.
- Improved Battery Life: Frame generation helps reduce CPU and GPU strain, which can extend battery life on portable gaming devices.
- Versatile Upscaling: Offers different upscaling options and built-in scalers for improved image quality.
- Frame Generation: Can generate up to four times the frame rate on higher-end systems, enhancing the gaming experience significantly.
Limitations
- Latency Issues: The application is best suited for single-player or less latency-sensitive games. Fast-paced multiplayer games and fighting games may experience latency, potentially impacting gameplay.
- Not a Magic Solution: While Lossless Scaling can provide noticeable performance improvements, it cannot turn low-end hardware into a high-end gaming rig. Its effectiveness varies depending on the game’s optimization and hardware capabilities.
Conclusion
Lossless Scaling is an invaluable tool for gamers looking to get more performance out of their hardware, especially on devices like the MSI Claw. For just $7, it offers an accessible and customizable way to improve game frame rates and visual fidelity. Although it may not be suitable for every gaming scenario, it excels in single-player games and titles where input latency is less of a concern.
Whether you’re trying to run demanding games on older hardware or want to optimize performance on a handheld gaming device, Lossless Scaling provides a cost-effective solution to squeeze every bit of performance from your system.