What is GPU Scaling? – Everything You Should Know
GPU Scaling can be used in a variety of different ways.
It is mainly used when the aspect ratio of the monitor is different from how the game was designed to run.
Instances where GPU Scaling can be used include when you’re playing a 16:9 resolution on a 4:3 monitor or when you’re playing a 720p or 1080i video on a 1080p monitor.
- How is GPU scaling beneficial when playing games?
- Is GPU scaling necessary for playing games?
- Does GPU scaling require a powerful GPU?
- Is GPU scaling exclusive to AMD or NDIVIA Graphics Cards?
- Should GPU Scaling be on or off by default?
- Should I enable Nvidia GPU scaling?
- How do I enable GPU scaling?
- Does GPU scaling give more FPS?
- Does my monitor have to support GPU scaling?
- GPU Scaling: What's the Verdict?
How is GPU scaling beneficial when playing games?
The game resolution is automatically scaled by the GPU to fill the entire screen.
Mathematically this can either be accomplished in one of two ways:
Aspect Ratio Correction – The output resolution is divided in half in each direction so that the image fills the screen with no part of it cut off while preserving aspect ratio (e.g.
4:3 scaled to 16:9).
2xMSAA Scaling – Twice as many pixels are rendered for horizontal or vertical lines within an axis which provides smoother edges but also significant performance loss when PC gaming.
This ensures your game always exceeds your display’s field of view and there are no jarring borders when you sit back far enough (pinching) to take up all the pixels on a 1080p display.
GPU Scaling is particularly useful when you want to play PC games in console mode (e.g.
connect your gaming monitor to your Xbox or PlayStation).
Is GPU scaling necessary for playing games?
GPU scaling is sometimes unnecessary while playing games.
However following some of the basic guidelines for optimum display settings can be beneficial.
You’ll want to look for any changes in the color saturation or brightness on your monitor before you play a game on it.
The visual settings are typically located within the game’s graphic options menu.
Some might argue that GPU scaling isn’t necessary because of the performance loss that it causes.
If you’re not using 2xMSAA Scaling or if you’re willing to take a small hit in performance for more aesthetically pleasing visuals then it may not be necessary.
Does GPU scaling require a powerful GPU?
GPU scaling can be implemented with a weaker GPU.
This means that even if your current GPU doesn’t have the most powerful capabilities you can still take advantage of the benefits of GPU scaling.
GPU scaling isn’t going to be able to provide high-quality visuals in video games when using 2xMSAA Scaling but it will still be able to provide smoother edges with little performance loss from using 1xMSAA Scaling.
Is GPU scaling exclusive to AMD or NDIVIA Graphics Cards?
GPU Scaling is not exclusive to AMD or NVIDIA graphics cards.
GPU scaling can be implemented on any type of GPU with the right hardware specifications.
Even if your current GPU doesn’t have the most cutting-edge features it will still be able to take advantage of the benefits that GPU Scaling has to offer.
Should GPU Scaling be on or off by default?
While there may be a minor performance loss when using GPU scaling the loss is nothing compared to the benefit.
GPU Scaling should be on by default and it’s important to make sure that your GPU supports this particular technology.
Should I enable Nvidia GPU scaling?
Nvidia GPU scaling is a technology that allows for smoother edges in games.
Sure there may be some performance loss but the benefits far outweigh this.
GPU Scaling should be set to on by default and make sure you have a graphics card capable of it.
If it’s not enabled by default you should turn it on and leave it on until or unless you feel that it’s causing issues with your games.
How do I enable GPU scaling?
GPU Scaling can be enabled or disabled by selecting either on or off from within the graphics options menu of a particular video game.
Make sure you have a compatible GPU before checking to see whether it’s been enabled for that particular game.
For most games it will be set to on by default.
Does GPU scaling give more FPS?
GPU scaling can give you a little boost in frame rate but it’s not necessarily going to be enough to make a difference.
GPU scaling will provide for smoother edges and help eliminate any jagged textures or edges and provide for additional graphics quality.
If paired with 2xMSA scaling it will give you an even greater performance loss than if paired with 1xMSAA scaling.
Does my monitor have to support GPU scaling?
Yes your monitor needs to be compatible with GPU scaling in order for you to activate it.
You can find information about compatibility by checking the specs of your monitor or contacting the manufacturer.
GPU Scaling: What’s the Verdict?
GPU Scaling is a technology that allows for smoother edges in games.
Sure there may be some performance loss but the benefits far outweigh this.
GPU scaling should be set to on by default and make sure you have a graphics card capable of it.
If it’s not enabled by default you should turn it on and leave it on until or unless you feel that it’s causing issues with your games.