Leaked FSR4 INT8 Version: Performance, Image Quality, and Compatibility Explained

AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) technology has evolved as a key tool for gamers seeking improved frame rates without sacrificing image quality. The recent leak of an unofficial FSR4 INT8 version has sparked significant interest, especially among users with older Radeon graphics cards based on RDNA 2 and RDNA 3 architectures. This article dives deep into what this INT8 build means for PC gamers and hardware enthusiasts, comparing it against the official FP8-based FSR4 release for RDNA 4 GPUs, with a focus on performance, image quality, and compatibility.

Understanding FSR4 INT8 vs FP8: What’s the Difference?

FSR4’s official version leverages an FP8 (Floating Point 8-bit) data format optimized for AMD’s RDNA 4 architecture GPUs, like the Radeon RX 9000 series. FP8 enables high precision AI upscaling, enhancing image clarity with minimal performance cost. However, RDNA 2 and RDNA 3 cards—which power Radeon RX 6000 and RX 7000 series GPUs—lack hardware acceleration for FP8.

The leaked INT8 (Integer 8-bit) version aims to bring FSR4 support to these older cards by using a less complex INT8 data format. Although unofficial, this build offers functional support, but at a tradeoff: performance on RDNA 2/3 drops by roughly 9–13%, compared to just 3–5% on RDNA 4 for FP8. Image quality also takes a hit, being slightly less stable and detailed than FP8 renderings, but still surpassing the older FSR 3.1 quality baseline. This makes FSR4 INT8 a viable upgrade path for gamers without RDNA 4 hardware, albeit with compromises.

Performance: Frame Rate Impact Across Architectures

Performance tests conducted by media outlet ComputerBase reveal that the FSR4 INT8 version runs with a heavier frame rate penalty on RDNA 2 and RDNA 3 GPUs. For example, while FP8 on RDNA 4 (using an RX 9060 XT) may only reduce frame rates by about 3 to 5 percent, the INT8 version on RDNA 3 (RX 7800 XT) and RDNA 2 (RX 6800 XT) experiences a larger drop, around 9 to 13 percent.

Interestingly, performance varies by game and resolution. Some titles like Cronos may see RDNA 2 cards outperform RDNA 3, while others such as God of War Ragnarok favor RDNA 3. Despite these fluctuations, RDNA 4 remains the most efficient architecture for FSR4, with RDNA 3 offering moderate performance dip, and RDNA 2 near its operational limits but still capable.

This makes INT8 a practical solution for legacy hardware users, enabling use of modern upscaling tech with some performance cost. However, it’s clear that RDNA 4 with FP8 is the preferred experience where available.

Image Quality: Visual Differences Between INT8 and FP8

Visual analysis highlights notable quality differences between the leaked INT8 and official FP8 FSR4 builds. INT8 renders are characterized by slightly less stable images with flickering noticeable in fine environmental details such as fences, roofs, and vegetation during motion. Characters in action, for instance Aloy in Horizon Forbidden West, show more artifacts and less stable foliage compared to FP8.

While some games exhibit clear distinctions, others appear similar at a glance. Crucially, though INT8 lags behind FP8, it still offers a significant image quality improvement over FSR 3.1 and remains a solid option for gamers without access to RDNA 4 GPUs.

“The leaked FSR4 INT8 retains many benefits of the algorithm but lacks FP8’s smoothness and precision,” summarized ComputerBase, noting side-by-side video comparisons on their site that demonstrate these differences.

The Future: AMD, Compatibility, and Redstone

AMD has so far not officially commented on FSR4’s support for older GPU architectures like RDNA 2 and 3. The leaked INT8 build is unofficial and may never receive formal distribution. Instead, AMD seems to be focusing on their upcoming FSR Redstone technology, expected within three months from now, which is rumored to extend compatibility to a broader range of GPUs, possibly even non-AMD hardware.

This strategy might explain why AMD chose not to officially release FSR4 for previous architecture GPUs despite developer community efforts enabling the leaked INT8 version’s functionality.

Conclusion: Is FSR4 INT8 Worth It?

For PC gamers with RDNA 2 or RDNA 3 GPUs, the leaked FSR4 INT8 version provides an intriguing way to experience the latest AMD upscaling tech. While it comes with a 9–13% performance penalty and slightly degraded image quality relative to FP8 on RDNA 4, it still represents a meaningful upgrade over FSR 3.1.

Those using modern RDNA 4 GPUs will benefit most from FSR4’s official FP8 implementation, enjoying superior performance and image quality. Meanwhile, the INT8 version serves as a capable bridge for older hardware until AMD’s forthcoming Redstone release potentially expands official support.

Overall, the leaked FSR4 INT8 shows how community efforts and leaks can extend technology lifespans, giving gamers enhanced visuals and performance choices even beyond official product lines.