An easy-to-use tool called HelixSR has emerged that allows users with AMD GPUs to leverage Nvidia's DLSS upscaling technology, even in titles that natively only support AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR). The process involves a simple script that patches compatible games, tricking them into using DLSS 3.7 (Model E) while substituting the official DLSS DLL with a patched version based on the official file.
This method utilizes the GPU's regular shader cores for upscaling, as AMD hardware lacks the Tensor cores found in Nvidia GPUs that are typically required for DLSS. While the visual differences between DLSS via HelixSR and native FSR 3.1 can be subtle, the tool offers a viable alternative for older AMD cards, particularly those that do not support the latest FSR 4 technology and are thus limited to FSR 3. The author notes that the image quality difference is not dramatic, and in some cases, the DLSS patch may even result in a slight decrease in performance.
How to Install HelixSR
Installation is straightforward. Users can download the HelixSR 1.8.1 zip file from its GitHub release page. After extracting the contents to a chosen location, such as the root of the C: drive, running the provided batch file initiates the installation. The script prompts the user to select which games they wish to apply the DLSS patch to. For titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Alan Wake 2, the in-game setting should then be switched to FSR or FSR 3. Uninstalling the tool is equally simple, requiring only the execution of a separate uninstall script.
Image Quality and Performance
Initial testing in Cyberpunk 2077 with an RX 9070 XT at 1440p resolution on High settings showed minimal differences in image quality between FSR 3.1 and DLSS Quality mode. The author observed slightly better clarity with DLSS on distant, thin, straight edges, but the overall difference was not substantial.
Performance benchmarks also indicated a marginal impact. In Cyberpunk 2077, FSR 3.1 Quality mode achieved an average of 190 fps with 1% lows at 150 fps, while DLSS 3.7 Quality mode yielded 189 fps average and 157% minimums. Performance mode saw FSR at 208 fps average and 165% minimums, with DLSS at 198 fps average and 160% minimums. The author notes that this slight performance decrease is negligible given the high frame rates achieved, and the benefit of using DLSS might be more pronounced on older AMD GPUs that cannot utilize FSR 4. HelixSR is considered a worthwhile experiment for those seeking to potentially improve image quality or explore DLSS on their AMD hardware.