PC enthusiasts using RDNA-based graphics cards share fundamental architectural similarities with PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro users. However, a notable divergence in AI upscaling technology is emerging. While RDNA 4 users are officially granted access to FSR 4, PlayStation 5 Pro owners are set to receive an enhanced version of Sony's PSSR upscaler, with "Resident Evil Requiem" being the inaugural title to implement it.

This development traces its origins to "Project Amethyst," a collaborative endeavor between AMD and Sony, aimed at integrating AI-powered upscaling solutions across both console and personal computing platforms. The initiative sought to leverage advancements in artificial intelligence to boost graphical fidelity and performance.

It's crucial to understand that FSR 4 and PSSR, while sharing a common heritage from Project Amethyst, are not identical. Although they likely incorporate similar foundational algorithms, FSR 4 is specifically engineered for GPUs equipped with substantial L3 cache, ample VRAM, and high bandwidth. Conversely, PSSR is optimized to function on what is essentially an integrated, albeit powerful, GPU within the PS5 Pro, which lacks L3 cache and operates with a shared memory pool.

Furthermore, RDNA 4 GPUs are designed with dedicated units for processing the matrix instructions essential for the AI components of FSR 4. The PS5 Pro, however, relies on its standard compute units for these calculations, signifying a hardware-level difference in their approach to AI upscaling.

Despite the demonstrated capability of modders to enable FSR 4 on older RDNA 2 GPUs, AMD has yet to officially extend support for FSR 4 to these earlier architectures. This reluctance persists even though the technology clearly functions on such graphics processors, albeit with a potential performance trade-off compared to the latest RDNA 4 cards.

From a commercial standpoint, this strategic decision by AMD is understandable. The exclusive pairing of FSR 4 with newer RX 9060 and 9070 cards provides a compelling incentive for consumers to upgrade, thereby bolstering AMD's market share in the discrete GPU segment. Similarly, the original PS5 console does not feature PSSR support, indicating a tiered approach to technological rollout. Consequently, PC users with pre-RDNA 4 GPUs may find themselves reliant on FSR 3.1, even as PS5 Pro gamers enjoy the visual enhancements offered by the updated PSSR in titles like "Resident Evil Requiem," where FSR 3.1's frame generation is notably well-executed.