Get More Frames On ASUS ROG Ally With Lossless Scaling!!

Wei Min Chan
31 Mar 202426:59

TLDRIn this video, Marauders demonstrates how to improve gaming performance on a portable PC like the ASUS ROG Li by using upscaling technologies such as FSR and DLSS. He also introduces Lossless Scaling, a program that can enhance games that don't support built-in upscaling, allowing them to run at lower resolutions and then upscale the image with minimal quality loss. Additionally, Lossless Scaling's frame generation feature is showcased, which interpolates frames to create smoother gameplay experiences, even on lower-end systems.

Takeaways

  • 🎮 The ASUS ROG Li is a portable handheld gaming PC with significant power in a compact form factor.
  • 🚀 Performance on modern AAA games may not be optimal, with Helldivers 2 running at 18 frames per second on the device.
  • 🔧 Upscaling technologies like FSR and DLSS can improve gaming experience by rendering games at lower resolutions and then scaling them up.
  • 📈 By adjusting the render scale in game settings, the frame rate can be increased, as demonstrated by Helldivers 2 going from 18 to 30 FPS.
  • 🎨 Lowering the render scale may result in a more muddled image, but it significantly enhances playability on portable devices.
  • 👓 Lossless Scaling is a program that can upscale lower resolution games using special algorithms, improving the quality of the display.
  • 🖥️ When using Lossless Scaling, games must run in windowed or borderless window mode to take full advantage of the program's capabilities.
  • 🎮 Frame generation, a feature of Lossless Scaling, can interpolate frames to make games appear smoother, even if the native frame rate is lower.
  • 💡 Frame generation can be particularly beneficial for single-player or PVE games, where a small amount of input lag may not be as crucial.
  • 🔄 There are other free programs like Meepo which offer similar upscaling features, but may not include frame generation.
  • 🛠️ Lossless Scaling is recommended for users with portable gaming PCs or low-end systems to enhance gaming performance and visual quality.

Q & A

  • What is the main topic of the video?

    -The main topic of the video is about improving the gaming performance on a portable handheld PC, specifically the ASUS ROG Li, by using various upscaling techniques such as FSR, DLSS, and lossless scaling.

  • What is the initial frame rate of Helldivers 2 on the ASUS ROG Li?

    -The initial frame rate of Helldivers 2 on the ASUS ROG Li is 18 frames per second.

  • How does the video demonstrate the use of upscaling technology?

    -The video demonstrates the use of upscaling technology by adjusting the render scale in Helldivers 2 settings, using FSR or DLSS, and showing the improvement in frame rates from 18 FPS to around 30 FPS.

  • What is the purpose of changing the render scale in games like Helldivers 2?

    -Changing the render scale in games like Helldivers 2 allows the game to render the image at a lower resolution and then scale it up using a special algorithm, which improves the frame rate without significantly sacrificing detail.

  • What is the role of lossless scaling in the video?

    -Lossless scaling is used to upscale the display from a lower resolution (like 720p) to the full screen (1080p) using special algorithms, which results in a sharper and more detailed image compared to a simple resize.

  • What are the advantages of using lossless scaling over just running a game at a lower resolution?

    -Using lossless scaling provides a more refined and sharp image quality when upscaling compared to a simple resize, which can result in a softer and less detailed image.

  • What is frame generation and how does it work?

    -Frame generation is a technology that interpolates frames to make the game appear smoother, even if the actual frame rate is lower. It uses special techniques to generate frames that are not naturally rendered by the game.

  • What are the potential drawbacks of using frame generation?

    -The potential drawbacks of using frame generation include increased GPU usage and possible introduction of minor input lag. Additionally, it can create visual artifacts, especially in areas of the game with rapid or unpredictable changes.

  • How does the video demonstrate the effectiveness of lossless scaling with frame generation?

    -The video demonstrates the effectiveness by showing a game like Dragon's Dogma 2 running at a low frame rate, and then using lossless scaling with frame generation to increase the perceived frame rate and smoothness of the gameplay.

  • What other upscaling program is mentioned in the video and how does it compare to lossless scaling?

    -The video mentions another upscaling program called Mepi, which is free and can perform upscaling similar to lossless scaling, but it does not offer frame generation capabilities and its developers prioritize it not for game performance.

  • What is the final recommendation for portable gaming PC users according to the video?

    -The final recommendation for portable gaming PC users is to get lossless scaling as it can significantly improve the gaming experience on low-end systems by allowing them to run games at lower resolutions without sacrificing much detail and quality.

Outlines

00:00

🎮 Introduction to Asus Rog Li and Gaming Performance

The speaker introduces the Asus Rog Li, a portable handheld gaming PC, highlighting its compact form factor and powerful hardware. Despite its capabilities, the device is not capable of delivering top-tier performance on modern AAA games. The speaker demonstrates the gaming experience using Helldivers 2, noting the initial frame rate of 18 frames per second, which is not ideal for an enjoyable gaming experience. They discuss upscaling technologies like FSR and DLSS, and show how adjusting render scale in-game settings can significantly improve performance, achieving a smoother 30 frames per second.

05:03

📏 Resolving Resolution Issues with Downscaling and Upscaling

The speaker addresses the problem of resolution resizing in games, which often requires exiting the game to adjust. They demonstrate changing the game's resolution to 720p and maintaining high graphics quality, resulting in a faster frame rate. The speaker explains the limitations of simple resolution resizing, such as the loss of sharpness, and introduces lossless scaling as a solution. Lossless scaling uses algorithms like AMD FSR or the program's own LS1 algorithm to upscale the image from 720p to 1080p with sharpness filtering, resulting in a better visual experience. The speaker also mentions the importance of running the game in windowed or borderless window mode for using such upscaling programs.

10:05

🚀 Enhancing Gaming Experience with Frame Generation

The speaker discusses the concept of frame generation, a technology that can interpolate frames to give the illusion of a higher frame rate. They explain that while the game may render at a lower frame rate, frame generation can make it appear smoother. The speaker sets up the RG Li to run at a 120Hz refresh rate and disables vsync in the game to optimize frame generation. They note that frame generation can introduce some input lag and may not be suitable for all types of games, but it can significantly enhance the experience for single-player or PVE games by providing a smoother visual experience.

15:08

🐉 Extreme Cases: Boosting Performance with Lossless Scaling

The speaker presents an example of using lossless scaling to improve performance in a demanding game like Dragon's Dogma 2. Despite running at low settings and achieving only 18 frames per second, the speaker demonstrates how lossless scaling can be used to upscale the game to full screen and enable frame generation. The result is a smoother gaming experience, even though the actual frame rate remains low. The speaker acknowledges that frame generation can introduce artifacts and shimmering effects, but suggests that the overall fluidity gained may outweigh these downsides for some players.

20:08

🛠️ The Power of Lossless Scaling in Portable Gaming

The speaker summarizes the benefits of lossless scaling for portable gaming PCs, emphasizing its value for devices like the RG Li, GPD Wi Mini, and Lenovo Legion Go. They highlight how lossless scaling allows these systems to run modern games at lower resolutions without sacrificing too much detail, and then upscale the image back to full screen. The speaker also discusses frame generation, noting that while it's typically marketed for systems already achieving 60 FPS, it can still provide a noticeable improvement on lower-end systems. They conclude by recommending lossless scaling for anyone using a portable gaming PC or a low-end system to enhance their gaming experience.

25:08

🌐 Alternatives and Final Thoughts on Scaling Solutions

The speaker mentions an alternative to lossless scaling called MacPie, which also offers upscaling like lossless scaling but without frame generation capabilities. While MacPie is free and can be used on any game, the speaker notes that its developers prioritize performance less. They reiterate their recommendation for lossless scaling, which is available on Steam and can be refunded within two hours if not satisfactory. The speaker concludes by encouraging viewers to try out lossless scaling for an improved gaming experience on low-end systems or portable gaming PCs.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡ASUS ROG Li

ASUS ROG Li is a portable handheld gaming PC mentioned in the video. It is a compact device with significant computing power packed into a small form factor, designed specifically for gaming on the go. However, as the video explains, its performance on modern AAA games might not be optimal due to hardware limitations of a handheld device.

💡Helldivers 2

Helldivers 2 is a video game title featured in the video. It is used as an example to illustrate the gaming performance on the ASUS ROG Li. The game's performance settings, such as render scale and upscaling technologies like FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution), are discussed to show how they can impact the frame rate and gaming experience.

💡Frame Rate

Frame rate refers to the number of frames displayed per second in a video or game. A higher frame rate generally results in smoother motion and a more enjoyable gaming experience. In the context of the video, the user is looking to increase the frame rate on the ASUS ROG Li by adjusting game settings and using upscaling technologies.

💡Upscaling

Upscaling is a technique used in video games to increase the resolution of the displayed image without significantly impacting the performance. This is achieved by rendering the game at a lower resolution and then using algorithms to upscale the image to match the display resolution. The video discusses upscaling technologies like FSR and DLSS, and how they can be used to improve gaming performance on devices like the ASUS ROG Li.

💡FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution)

FSR, or FidelityFX Super Resolution, is an upscaling technology developed by AMD. It allows games to render at a lower resolution and then use an algorithm to upscale the image to a higher resolution, aiming to maintain visual quality while improving performance. In the video, FSR is mentioned as one of the methods used to increase the frame rate in Helldivers 2 on the ASUS ROG Li.

💡DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling)

DLSS, or Deep Learning Super Sampling, is an AI-driven upscaling technology developed by NVIDIA. It uses machine learning to upscale lower resolution images in real-time, aiming to provide higher performance while maintaining visual quality. Although not explicitly used in the demonstration, DLSS is mentioned as another form of upscaling technology that can be applied in similar scenarios.

💡Render Scale

Render scale is a setting in video games that adjusts the internal resolution at which the game is rendered. By lowering the render scale, the game renders at a lower resolution, which can improve performance, but may also affect the visual quality. In the video, the user changes the render scale in Helldivers 2 to increase the frame rate on the ASUS ROG Li.

💡Lossless Scaling

Lossless Scaling is a third-party software that provides upscaling and frame generation capabilities for games. It can resize and enhance the display of games running at lower resolutions, and also interpolate frames to create smoother animations. The video discusses using Lossless Scaling to improve the gaming experience on the ASUS ROG Li, especially for games that do not have built-in upscaling features.

💡Frame Generation

Frame generation is a feature of upscaling technologies, like Lossless Scaling, that interpolates additional frames between existing ones to create the illusion of a higher frame rate. This can make motion in games appear smoother and more fluid, even if the game's native frame rate is lower. The video explores the use of frame generation to enhance the gaming experience on the ASUS ROG Li, especially for games with lower frame rates.

💡Performance Mode

In the context of the video, 'Performance Mode' refers to a setting in games that prioritizes higher frame rates and smoother gameplay over graphical quality. This often involves lowering the render scale or resolution to reduce the strain on the hardware and improve performance. The video discusses using Performance Mode to make games more playable on the ASUS ROG Li by sacrificing some visual detail for the sake of higher frame rates.

💡Input Lag

Input lag is the delay between a player's input on a controller or keyboard and the corresponding reaction on the screen. In the video, it is mentioned that using upscaling technologies like Lossless Scaling can introduce a small amount of input lag, which might affect the gaming experience, especially in fast-paced or competitive games.

Highlights

The ASUS ROG Li is a portable handheld gaming PC with impressive power in a compact form factor.

Performance on modern AAA games may not be optimal, with Helldivers 2 running at 18 frames per second.

Upscaling technologies like FSR and DLSS can improve gaming experience by rendering the game at a lower resolution and then upscaling it.

By changing the render scale to Performance in Helldivers 2, the frame rate increased to around 30 FPS, making it more enjoyable.

When render scale is set to Ultra Performance, the frame rate can increase further, though the image may appear more muddled.

Lowering the game resolution can help achieve higher frame rates, but without upscaling, the image can look soft.

Lossless Scaling is a program that can upscale lower resolution games with special algorithms, maintaining sharpness and detail.

Using Lossless Scaling with the LS1 algorithm and medium sharpness can upscale 720p to 1080p with improved visual quality.

Lossless Scaling can also be used in fullscreen mode, providing a smoother visual experience than windowed mode.

Frame generation, a feature of Lossless Scaling, can interpolate frames to make games appear smoother, even if the native frame rate is lower.

To use frame generation, the game should limit the frame rate and run in borderless window mode for optimal results.

Frame generation can introduce some input lag and GPU usage may increase, but it can provide a smoother gaming experience.

Lossless Scaling is particularly useful for portable gaming PCs and low-end systems, enhancing the gaming experience on such devices.

There are other programs like Magni, which offer similar upscaling features for free, but without frame generation capabilities.

Lossless Scaling is recommended for those with low-end gaming systems or portable PCs, as it can significantly improve performance and visual quality.

The use of Lossless Scaling and frame generation can make games like Dragon's Dogma 2 more playable on less powerful hardware.

Despite potential artifacts from frame generation, the overall experience can be smoother and more enjoyable.

Lossless Scaling is available on Steam and can be used with any game, not just Steam titles, making it a versatile tool for gamers.