Nvidia DLSS 4.5 makes 240p games playable on older RTX cards

Nvidia's latest AI upscaling tech breathes new life into older hardware, turning 240p footage into playable 720p gaming.

Nvidia's latest software trick might be its most impressive yet, effectively turning unplayable pixelated messes into functional games. According to a report by PCMag, the new Nvidia DLSS 4.5 technology uses advanced AI to upscale content from as low as 240p to a playable 720p resolution.

For gamers in the UAE holding onto older hardware, this is excellent news. The update works across the entire RTX spectrum, meaning you don't need to buy the latest flagship card to see the benefits.

Upscales extremely low-resolution 240p content to playable 720p
Works on all Nvidia RTX cards with Tensor cores (RTX 2060 to RTX 5090)
Uses a new 2nd generation Transformer model for better clarity
Features up to 6x dynamic frame generation
Free update for existing RTX owners

Turning 240p into 720p

The standout feature of DLSS 4.5 is its ability to reconstruct detail from almost nothing. In demonstrations highlighted by YouTuber zWormz Gaming, the technology took a 240p render of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion — which looked like a blurry, illegible mess — and upscaled it to a clear, playable 720p image.

It also works at the higher end. The same tech reportedly upscaled Hellblade II: Senua's Saga from 720p to near-native 4K quality. While it isn't perfect — some thin lines like telephone wires may disappear or smudge in motion — it allows games to run on significantly weaker hardware than previously thought possible.

How Nvidia DLSS 4.5 Works

Nvidia DLSS 4.5 powers this performance using a 2nd generation Transformer model. This AI model is designed to smooth out errors that typically occur during upscaling, offering better stability than previous iterations.

The update also unlocks up to 6x dynamic frame generation. This means the GPU can generate intermediate frames to boost smoothness, a feature that was previously more limited on older cards.

DLSS 4.5 Compatibility with Older RTX Cards

Perhaps the most important detail for local gamers is the broad support. Unlike some previous features locked to the newest 40-series or 50-series cards, DLSS 4.5 works on any Nvidia GPU with Tensor cores.

This includes everything from the humble RTX 2060 all the way up to the massive MSI RTX 5090. If you built a gaming PC in the last five years with an Nvidia card, you likely have access to this performance boost without spending a dirham on new parts.

Nvidia DLSS 4.5 availability

Nvidia has not confirmed a specific release date for the driver update that will enable these features globally. However, since this is a software-level update for existing hardware, it is expected to roll out via GeForce Experience once officially launched.

For UAE gamers facing high hardware prices, this software update, with its impressive 240p to 720p upscaling capabilities, could extend the life of an RTX 2060 or RTX 3060 by another year or two, making modern titles playable without a costly upgrade.

FAQs

What is Nvidia DLSS 4.5?

Nvidia DLSS 4.5 is an AI-powered upscaling technology that uses a 2nd generation Transformer model to increase game resolution and performance. It can turn very low-resolution inputs, like 240p, into playable HD visuals.

Which graphics cards support DLSS 4.5?

It supports all Nvidia RTX graphics cards equipped with Tensor cores. This ranges from the older RTX 2060 series up to the latest RTX 5090 cards.

Does DLSS 4.5 cost money?

No, DLSS updates are typically free software enhancements provided via Nvidia's driver updates for supported graphics cards.

Can DLSS 4.5 make 240p games look good?

Yes, demonstrations show it can upscale 240p footage to a playable 720p resolution. While not perfect, it significantly improves clarity and makes previously unplayable low-res settings functional.