A recent accidental open-sourcing of AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution 4 (FSR 4) source code is enabling broader compatibility for the upscaling technology, extending beyond its initial target of Radeon RX 9000 series GPUs. Developers have successfully integrated FSR 4 into VKD3D-Proton 3.0, a key compatibility layer for Linux-based gaming, potentially unlocking performance improvements for devices like the Steam Deck and the newly announced Steam Machine. The update, spearheaded by Valve graphics engineer Hans-Kristian Arntzen, arrives as a critically important development for the Linux gaming community and users of Proton-compatible titles.
AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution 4 (FSR 4) technology, initially designed for Radeon RX 9000 series graphics cards and newer, is now gaining compatibility with older hardware thanks to an accidental open-sourcing of its source code. Developers have now integrated this functionality into VKD3D-Proton 3.0, a translation layer for Linux-based systems, potentially paving the way for support on devices like the Steam Deck and Steam Machine.
VKD3D-Proton acts as a crucial bridge for Linux gaming, translating Microsoft’s DirectX 12 API in real-time. Developed primarily by Valve, the creators of Steam Deck, it allows games built for Windows to run on SteamOS, which is based on Linux. This compatibility layer is essential for expanding the library of games available to Steam Deck users.
In the latest VKD3D-Proton 3.0 release, Valve graphics engineer Hans-Kristian Arntzen successfully addressed compatibility issues with AMD’s FSR 4 and incorporated it into the update. The update is available on GitHub. This integration represents a significant step towards broader accessibility of AMD’s upscaling technology.
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The implementation of FSR 4 compatibility within VKD3D-Proton 3.0 involves a simulated pathway. However, as an experimental feature, it’s currently disabled by default. Users must manually download and replace corresponding parameter files or await community-released, unlocked versions to enable the functionality. This approach allows for testing and refinement before wider deployment.
The developers note that FSR 4 relies on machine learning techniques and utilizes int8 and float16 matrix operations. The Steam Deck’s older processor architecture lacks dedicated AI support, potentially leading to significant resource consumption without substantial gains in frames per second or visual fidelity. This is a primary reason why the feature remains hidden by default in VKD3D-Proton 3.0.
The recently announced Steam Machine is expected to benefit most from this development. Its GPU utilizes the RDNA 3 architecture, equivalent to AMD’s RX 7000 series graphics cards. This architecture incorporates AI accelerators into each compute unit, and existing modules already enable FSR 4 functionality on the RX 7000 series, positioning the Steam Machine as a prime candidate for leveraging this technology.
