DLSS presets are named configurations of the DLSS Super Resolution neural network, labeled with letters such as A, K, and others, that tell the upscaler which model variant and tuning to use for a given quality mode. For most players the safe answer is to leave the preset on the game’s default or on the driver’s automatic option, because the default is chosen by the game developer and NVIDIA to suit that title.
Presets matter when you see ghosting, shimmering, or soft detail in one specific game and want to try a different model. The key points are what each family of presets represents, why they exist at all, how to change them with official tools, and what to avoid when third-party utilities are involved.
What a DLSS preset is
DLSS Super Resolution renders a frame at lower internal resolution and uses a trained neural network to reconstruct a sharper, higher-resolution image. Over successive releases NVIDIA has shipped more than one trained network and several tunings of each. A preset is simply a label for one of those combinations, selected per quality mode such as Quality, Balanced, Performance, Ultra Performance, or the native-resolution mode called DLAA.
Because the letters were added over time, they do not form a simple good-to-better ladder. Each new letter was introduced to fix a specific behavior, such as ghosting on fast-moving objects or instability on thin geometry, and some presets are intended only for certain quality modes.
The preset families in plain terms
The earlier letters: A through F
The first set of presets belongs to the earlier convolutional neural network generation of DLSS. Different letters balanced sharpness, stability, and ghosting differently, and developers picked defaults for each quality mode. These remain in many games that have not updated their DLSS files, and they are still the default for older titles.
The transformer presets: J and K
With DLSS 4, NVIDIA introduced a transformer-based Super Resolution model, which uses an attention mechanism rather than the earlier convolutional design. Presets J and K belong to that generation. K is generally described as the refined successor to J, with improved temporal stability and reduced ghosting, though behavior varies by game. The transformer model typically costs more GPU time than the older one, and the cost is usually more noticeable on earlier RTX generations, so check how your own card behaves before committing to it.
Newer letters
NVIDIA has continued to add presets since the transformer model arrived, and the documentation for what each newer letter targets changes with driver and DLSS releases. Check the manufacturer’s current documentation for the full list instead of relying on an older chart.
At a glance: preset families
| Family | Underlying model | Typical use | Things to watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| A to F | Earlier convolutional network | Default in many older DLSS games | Possible ghosting or softness depending on letter and mode |
| J and K | Transformer network | Games and driver overrides using the newer DLSS generation | Higher GPU cost, especially on older RTX cards |
| Newer letters | Later updates to the transformer approach | Check current NVIDIA notes | Support depends on game files and driver version |
Why presets exist
A single neural network cannot be ideal in every situation. A game with lots of particle effects and fast camera motion stresses an upscaler differently from a slow exploration game with fine foliage. By keeping multiple presets, NVIDIA lets developers select the model that handles their content best, and it lets the driver swap in a newer model for games that were built with an older one.
Presets also account for quality modes. Ultra Performance renders at a very low internal resolution, so the network has far less information to work from, and a preset that suits Quality mode may not be the best choice there. That is why some letters are described for specific modes only.
When it makes sense to override
Overriding is optional. Reasonable cases include noticeable trailing on moving objects, flickering fine detail such as fences or wires, or a game that still uses an old DLSS version even though newer ones are available. In those situations a different preset may help.
- Leave it alone if the image looks good and performance is steady. There is nothing to fix.
- Try a newer model if the game defaults to an older preset and you see ghosting or shimmer.
- Revert if the new preset lowers frame rate, introduces flicker, or causes crashes. The game default is always a valid fallback.
Change one setting at a time and look at the same scene before and after, preferably a repeatable spot with motion and fine detail. Judging by memory is unreliable, and a short comparison keeps the change honest.
Safe ways to change presets
Use the in-game options first
Many games offer a DLSS quality setting, and some expose a model or preset choice. If the developer provides it, that is the most compatible route.
Use the NVIDIA app driver override
The NVIDIA app includes per-game graphics settings where supported games can be switched to a newer DLSS model or a chosen preset through the driver. Availability depends on the game and driver version, so look at the current NVIDIA app documentation for the options your installation offers. This approach does not edit game files, which makes it easy to undo by returning the setting to the default.
Treat third-party tools with caution
Community utilities can swap DLSS library files inside a game folder or edit driver profiles to force a particular preset. They can work, but they carry real risks. Replacing game files can break updates or trigger integrity checks. Online games that use anti-cheat systems may flag modified files, so many players limit such changes to single-player titles. If you choose to use one, back up the original files, keep a note of what you changed, and download tools only from the project’s official page.
Safe defaults and a sensible approach
A practical starting point is to accept the game’s built-in setting and pick a quality mode that matches your goals. DLAA is useful when you have performance to spare and want the best edge quality at native resolution. Quality or Balanced fit most cases at 1440p and 4K, and Performance or Ultra Performance exist for demanding settings or lower-end GPUs.
If a game ships with a recent DLSS version, trust its default first. Reach for overrides only after you notice a specific visual flaw you cannot fix with ordinary settings. Keep in mind that sharpening filters, motion blur, and other post-processing can contribute to the same visual problems, so adjusting those may be easier than changing presets.
Presets versus the DLSS version
Two different things are often mixed together: the DLSS library version, which is the file a game ships, and the preset, which selects a configuration within it. Updating the library changes which models are available, while the preset picks among them. A game that includes an old library cannot use a newer model unless the library is replaced, either by a game update or by the driver override described above.
This is why a patch note mentioning a DLSS update can change how a game looks even if you never touch a setting. If you notice a difference after an update, compare it before changing anything yourself, since the developer may have deliberately changed the default preset to match the new model.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best DLSS preset?
There is no universal best preset, because the right one depends on the game and quality mode. The default chosen by the developer or the driver is a sound starting point, and a newer transformer-based preset may help where you see ghosting. Compare in the same scene before keeping a change.
Does changing the preset increase FPS?
Not usually. Presets mainly change image quality and stability, while the quality mode sets the internal resolution that drives performance. Newer, heavier models can even cost a little frame rate on some cards.
Can overriding DLSS presets get me banned in online games?
Driver-level overrides through official NVIDIA tools are generally not file modifications. Replacing DLSS files inside a game folder with third-party tools is different and may be flagged by anti-cheat in some games, so read the game’s policy before trying it.
Do all RTX cards support the newest presets?
The transformer model is described as available on GeForce RTX cards across generations, but features tied to later hardware, such as multi frame generation, are limited to newer cards. Check the current NVIDIA documentation for your GPU and game.
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