Modern upscalers like DLSS, FSR and XeSS all offer several quality modes, from Quality down to Ultra Performance, and picking the right one is the difference between a sharp image with great frames and a soft, artifact-ridden mess. Each mode renders at a different internal resolution before reconstructing to your display resolution. This guide explains the modes and how to choose the best one for your resolution and GPU.
What the modes actually change
Every upscaling mode renders the game at a lower internal resolution, then reconstructs it to your output resolution. Quality mode renders at the highest internal resolution (around 67 percent of your target width), so it looks closest to native with a smaller frame gain. Each step down, Balanced, Performance, and Ultra Performance, renders at a lower internal resolution for more frames but less detail.
The higher your output resolution, the better upscaling works, because even a reduced internal resolution still has plenty of pixels to reconstruct from. This is why upscaling looks excellent at 4K and less convincing at 1080p.
Matching mode to resolution
At 4K, even Performance mode (rendering from roughly 1080p) often looks great because there is so much detail to reconstruct, giving huge frame gains with little visible loss. At 1440p, Quality or Balanced is the sweet spot. At 1080p, stick to Quality, since lower modes render from a very low internal resolution and start to look soft and shimmery.
As a rule, use the most aggressive mode that still looks clean to your eye at your resolution. Start at Quality, and only step down if you need more frames and the image holds up.
| Output resolution | Recommended mode | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4K | Quality to Performance | All look good, big gains |
| 1440p | Quality to Balanced | Sweet spot |
| 1080p | Quality only | Lower modes get soft |
| Handheld / small screen | Balanced to Performance | Small screen hides softness |
Quality tips and pitfalls
DLSS on GeForce RTX cards generally offers the cleanest reconstruction, FSR works on virtually any GPU, and XeSS is strong on Intel Arc and decent elsewhere. If a game offers the latest version of any of them, use it, since newer versions noticeably improve sharpness and reduce artifacts like ghosting and shimmering.
Avoid Ultra Performance except at 4K or on handhelds, where the extreme upscale is masked. If you see smearing behind moving objects or shimmering on fine detail, step up a quality level or update the game to a newer upscaler version. For most desktop players, Quality or Balanced delivers the best balance of frames and image fidelity.
Reading artifacts to pick a mode
Let your eyes, not just the frame counter, choose the mode. Watch for ghosting (a faint trail behind moving objects), shimmering on fine detail like fences and foliage, and general softness. If a mode shows these clearly, step up one level; if the image looks clean and you want more frames, step down. The right mode is the most aggressive one that still looks clean to you at your resolution and viewing distance.
The upscaler version matters as much as the mode. Newer releases of DLSS, FSR and XeSS noticeably reduce artifacts and sharpen the image, so if a game bundles an older version, updating it (where possible) can let you use a more aggressive mode at the same quality. At 4K you can be bold, at 1080p stay on Quality, and always prefer the newest upscaler available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which upscaling mode gives the best image?
Quality mode, because it renders at the highest internal resolution before reconstruction, looking closest to native. Step down to Balanced or Performance only when you need more frames and the image still looks clean at your resolution.
Does upscaling look better at higher resolutions?
Yes. At 4K, even Performance mode looks great because there is more detail to reconstruct from. At 1080p, stick to Quality, since aggressive modes render from a very low internal resolution and appear soft.
How do I know if my upscaling mode is too aggressive?
Look for ghosting trails behind moving objects, shimmering on fine detail, and a soft overall image. If you see these, step up a quality level. The best mode is the most aggressive one that still looks clean at your resolution.
Bottom line
Upscaling quality modes trade internal resolution for frames. Quality looks closest to native; each step down adds performance but reduces detail. Match the mode to your output resolution: aggressive modes are fine at 4K, Quality to Balanced suits 1440p, and 1080p should stay on Quality. Use the newest version of DLSS, FSR or XeSS available, and pick the most aggressive mode that still looks clean.
