NVIDIA’s DLSS technology is known to boost in-game FPS by a significant amount, but a new low-cost Steam app is doing the same thing for only $7. Major AAA titles such as Black Myth: Wukong and Cyberpunk 2077 are seeing over a 3x FPS boost thanks to this new app.
Called Lossless Scaling, this Steam app is priced at about $7 and sometimes under $5 during sales, letting users increase frame rates and improve image scaling across a wide range of PC games. The tool has received major updates since launching in 2018 and now includes its AI-driven LSFG 3.1 frame generation feature with selectable multipliers such as x2, x3, and x4, along with Fixed and Adaptive modes for tuning performance. The app also targets reduced ghosting and object flickering and offers multiple scaling models, including its own LS1 option.
Testing used an RTX 5070 GPU in a Quoted Tech gaming PC across three demanding titles at 4K with max settings: Cyberpunk 2077, Battlefield 6, and Black Myth: Wukong. Benchmarks compared native performance, DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation set to x4, and Lossless Scaling in Fixed Mode at x4 using LS1.
In Black Myth: Wukong on Cinematic settings, native frame rate measured 31 FPS, while DLSS 4 x4 reached 107, and Lossless Scaling reached an impressive 109. In Cyberpunk 2077 on Ultra, native measured 14 FPS, while DLSS 4 x4 and Lossless Scaling both reached 56. In Battlefield 6 on Ultra, native measured 55 FPS, while DLSS 4 x4 hit 216, and Lossless Scaling delivered 214.
| Game | Settings | Native FPS | DLSS 4 (x4) FPS | Lossless Scaling (Fixed Mode x4, LS1) FPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Myth: Wukong | Cinematic | 31 | 107 | 109 |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | Ultra | 14 | 56 | 56 |
| Battlefield 6 | Ultra | 55 | 216 | 214 |
The results show that Lossless Scaling can match DLSS 4 in raw frame rate output at higher multipliers. In Adaptive mode, users can also set a target frame rate, and the app will attempt to reach it, with many frames generated rather than rendered. With frame counts becoming less of a differentiator, the comparison shifts toward how each solution handles visuals and responsiveness.
Higher frame generation multipliers increase the share of AI-generated frames compared with fully rendered frames. In testing, visual issues became more noticeable when using Lossless Scaling, particularly at 4K, where base frame rates were low. Motion introduced blur and after images in scenes such as staff swings in Black Myth: Wukong or grass movement, and dodging felt slightly off.
These effects reflect common risks of frame generation, including ghosting, object flickering, border artifacts, and reduced responsiveness through added input lag. The issues were more apparent with Lossless Scaling, especially when pushing Adaptive mode toward 200 FPS, where the developer notes quality and performance may be lower, or when using x4 frame generation in Fixed mode.
Dropping the resolution to 1440p improved the experience by reducing artifacts and input lag, but the image still did not look as clean or as detailed as DLSS 4 in the same scenarios.
A key difference is how the technologies generate frames. DLSS 4 relies on motion vectors and per-pixel movement data provided by supported games, which helps it produce more accurate frame generation. Lossless Scaling operates as a post-processing solution without access to that game data, relying on AI estimation to build frames.
DLSS 4 support continues to expand, but many games on Steam still do not offer native support for DLSS. Steam hosts roughly 30,000 titles, and most do not support DLSS. Lossless Scaling works broadly across games by running externally, allowing users to launch it, set the desired scaling and frame generation settings, select Scale, and then run a game.
That wide compatibility benefits older games, indie titles, and players using entry-level gaming laptops, PCs, and handheld systems that do not include RTX 50 series hardware. The app can also run on devices such as the Steam Deck.
Fine-tuning settings can reduce drawbacks. Using Fixed mode with LSFG set to x2 can double frame rates while keeping ghosting, flickering, and input lag lower compared with higher multipliers.
Lossless Scaling positions itself as an alternative to spending at least $249 for an RTX 50 series GPU to access DLSS 4 features, and far more than Nvidia’s $1,999 MSRP for the RTX 5090. While DLSS 4 delivers cleaner results when supported, Lossless Scaling provides a low-cost option for users who want frame generation across a broader range of games and hardware.
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