AMD is preparing an FSR4 INT8 version aimed at bringing its latest upscaling tech to older Radeon GPUs. This early community-built test version gives a first look at how it compares to the FP8 model exclusive to RDNA 4 graphics cards. The big question is whether AMD’s alternate INT8 implementation can maintain image quality and performance parity across older hardware.
Leaked AMD int8 fsr libraries allow using FSR4 on RDNA2 and RDNA3 cards. This should work on Linux as well
by inlinux_gaming
Testing FSR4 INT8 on RDNA 3 and RDNA 2
The FP8 variant of FSR4 officially supports only RDNA 4 GPUs such as the Radeon RX 9700 XT due to its FP8 data format. In contrast, the INT8 build leverages hardware features introduced in RDNA 2, allowing cards like the Radeon RX 6750 XT and Radeon RX 7900 XTX to run it.
Community developers compiled AMD’s briefly published source code into a functional FidelityFX DLL, effectively replacing FSR 3.1 in compatible games. While the RDNA 3 setup process is relatively straightforward, RDNA 2 requires driver workarounds using guides from creators like Ancient Gameplays.
FSR4 INT8 vs FP8: Image Quality Differences
Image quality between FP8 and INT8 versions is surprisingly close. At 4K, both deliver near-identical visuals, with only minor detail reconstruction losses in the INT8 build when handling transparency and complex scenes.
The most noticeable gaps appear at 1440p performance mode, where the FP8 model remains sharper and more stable in overlapping detail. However, shimmering and aliasing levels remain consistent across both models, marking a huge step up from FSR3. Even when the INT8 algorithm loses sharpness, it avoids the instability and blur that plagued previous upscaling generations.
Performance Analysis Across Games
Performance testing shows the FSR4 INT8 version demands more resources. On Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, FSR4 INT8 performs roughly one tier slower than the FP8 model. On The Last of Us Part I, it’s about two tiers behind, providing a 23% performance boost over native rendering compared to FSR3’s 44%.
Titles like Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 also show that INT8 FSR4 usually runs two tiers slower than its FP8 counterpart, but image quality remains substantially better than XeSS DP4a or FSR3 modes. The takeaway is that players may need to drop two quality settings with INT8 to match the FPS boost seen from full FSR4 on RDNA 4.
Comparing FSR4 INT8, FSR3, and XeSS
Even with reduced performance, FSR4 INT8 beats both XeSS and FSR3 in visual quality. Its sharper presentation, reduced blur in motion, and higher temporal stability make it the best available option for RDNA 3 and RDNA 2 cards. At 1440p, the advantage becomes even clearer, where the INT8 model nearly eliminates shimmering that still affects Intel’s XeSS DP4a.
Performance-normalized comparisons reveal that FSR4 INT8 in performance mode competes favorably with FSR3 quality mode, offering sharper and more stable frames. For older Radeon owners, this would be a major improvement over existing upscalers.
What AMD’s FSR4 INT8 Means for Radeon Owners
If AMD releases this build officially, it would significantly extend the lifespan of RDNA 2 and RDNA 3 GPUs. Despite being more demanding, FSR4 INT8’s superior clarity and motion stability make it worth the extra GPU cost. Its inclusion as an optional toggle alongside FSR3 would be ideal, letting users choose between sharper visuals or faster frame rates.
The only hesitation might be business-driven—FSR4 is a key RDNA 4 selling point. Still, AMD’s best move would be to support existing Radeon owners rather than gatekeep new features. The INT8 build’s quality proves it’s ready, and even in its unfinished state, it’s already a major improvement over current upscaling methods.
