[리뷰] When Radeon RX 7800 XT meets AFMF 2 technology

Not only does the performance of graphics processing units (GPUs) improve with each generation, but meaningful capabilities such as resolution and graphic effects also improve. In particular, the emergence of ray tracing, a real-time light source processing technology, played a significant role in increasing GPU data processing load. Although it helps to increase the sense of realism in the game, the inability to draw a flat screen due to the data processing load affects the reduction in immersion in the game.

Graphics processing device manufacturers have focused on developing technology to overcome performance limitations, and are currently providing graphics interpolation technology using artificial intelligence (AI). Representative examples include AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR), Intel’s XeSS (Xe Super Sampling), and NVIDIA’s DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling). Artificial intelligence picture quality and frame interlacing technology essentially post-processes low-resolution screens and graphic effects to high-resolution. It is a type of artificial intelligence that balances the screen (sound) disturbance that occurs during this process.

However, this technology also has its limitations. The game must support artificial intelligence assistive technology to use. Most blockbuster games have no problem applying this during the development process, but some games that have been released for a long time or have not received technical support cannot. use artificial intelligence technology. Even if you want to enjoy it comfortably, you can’t. In 2023, AMD unveiled ‘AMD Fluid Motion Frames (AFMF)’ technology that implements smooth motion with the driver itself. Although conditions such as setting full-screen mode and preventing direct synchronization are strict, the gaming experience has been developed without the implementation of individual artificial intelligence technology, and has positive reviews get from gamers. On October 2, 2024, AMD released AMD Software: Adrenaline Edition 24.9.1, which applies to the second generation AFMF technology. It is characterized by better immersion in the game by improving the shortcomings of the first generation technology and increasing the picture quality and frame rate per second.

How did the second generation AFMF evolve?

AFMF, a frame improvement technology developed by AMD, can be used on all Radeon RX 6000 and RX 7000 series graphics cards. In particular, unlike FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution), which must be supported within the game that is used, it is activated in the driver itself, so it supports most games as long as the hardware requirements are met.

A driver update is required to use AFMF 2. The method of use is not much different from before / Source = AMD

Although the technology has evolved into a second generation, the method of use is no different from the previous one. AMD Software: Enable AFMF in the HYPR-RX item in the Adrenaline Edition control panel. AFMF 2nd generation can only be applied when AMD software driver: Adrenaline Edition 24.9.1 or later is installed. The previous driver supports the first generation AFMF, so an update is essential to use a more advanced frame improvement technology that has introduced elements that allow gamers to use AFMF 2 in a variety of ways. inside Radeon RX 6000 and 7000 graphics cards. ▲ Better artificial intelligence optimization ▲ Additional performance mode ▲ Better delay time, etc. It also supports unlimited full screen and can interact with Radeon Chill. Another feature is that support for games based on Vulkan and OpenGL has been expanded.

Newly added geometric reduction technique in AFMF 2 / Source = AMD

AFMF 2 adds ‘Geometric Downscaling’, which helps to play videos smoothly. If you play a video in a window smaller than the default resolution, the picture quality may be rough. AFMF 2 analyzes the video and applies effects that make the video look natural even on a small screen. This feature supports RDNA 3 based graphics devices and DirectX 11 or higher applications.

Enhanced gaming experience with Radeon RX 7800 XT + AFMF 2

If you can afford it, you can buy an expensive graphics card and enjoy the game, but there are many players who cannot. These players often choose mid-to-high end graphics cards. Looking at the share of graphics cards on the global gaming distribution platform Steam as of April 2024, mid-level graphics cards are in the highest place. The same is true for AMD Radeon graphics cards. When they are limited to the RX 6000 series or higher, the RX 6600 and RX 6700 series are at the top.

High performance graphics cards already provide enough performance, but frame generation technology is used to enjoy games at 4K resolution or higher. On the other hand, if you want to experience frame generation technology to the maximum within Full HD (1920 x 1080) or QHD (2560 x 1440) resolution, a mid-range graphics card is suitable.

Asrock Radeon RX 7800 XT Steel Legend / Source = IT Donga

The Radeon RX 7800 XT used in the review is the ‘RADEON RX 7700 XT STEEL LEGEND’ made by Asrock. It supports stable operation with three cooling fans and a generous size heat sink. The power consumption is around 260W, so an 800W power supply can be used without problems.

There are 3840 stream processors built into the graphics processing unit. The 3rd generation RDNA 3 design provides ray tracing (ray tracing) and game support technology based on artificial intelligence (FSR 3.0). The basic operating speed is 2124 MHz, the speed can be increased to a maximum of 2520 MHz, and when it runs games, it works at more than 2213 MHz. The memory that works with the graphics processing unit has a total capacity of 16GB. It has a bandwidth specification of 19.5Gbps and a 256-bit interface. The price is around 700,000 won based on online sellers.

Warhammer 4K: Space Marine 2 used to test AFMF 2. Full HD resolution and all the best graphic effects have been applied / Source = IT Donga

One of the games where you can experience the performance of AFMF 2 to its full potential is ‘Warhammer 4K: Space Marine 2’. We tested by setting the in-game graphic effects to the highest level and setting a resolution of ▲1980 x 1080, ▲ full screen, and preventing direct synchronization to the detailed settings. Artificial intelligence correction (FSR) technology has not been applied. This is because the intention is to investigate the performance difference between the pure technology AFMF 2.

Image comparing before (left) and after (right) application of AFMF 2. It may vary depending on the game, but the frame rate improvement effect is visible / Source = IT Donga

When I measured the frames early in the game, there was a difference of almost 2 times. Without AFMF 2 applied, it showed 106 frames per second, but with AFMF 2 applied, it recorded 197 frames per second. It may not have this effect in all areas, but it will support game immersion better than when nothing is applied. If in-game movements are displayed more smoothly without significantly affecting the overall system load, it is possible to optimize the gaming experience without the need for a high-performance graphics card. AFMF 2 is one step closer to this goal.

AFMF 2 brings better immersion in several games

Early AFMF technology focused on smooth motion, even if it sacrificed image quality. If it is a game with low requirements, it is not easy to feel it, but if it is a high-specification game that is heavy to run, it is possible to enjoy it relatively comfortably with AFMF. AFMF 2 is one of the features that gamers with a Radeon RX 6000 series or a higher graphics card will be fully satisfied because it has a clear frame improvement effect along with better picture quality.

Asrock Radeon RX 7800 XT Steel Legend / Source = IT Donga

If you have a Radeon RX 7800 XT or higher graphics card, AFMF 2 will expand the range of games you can enjoy. Above all, the effect is expected to be greater if you enjoy the game in high resolution. Although it is good to build a gaming environment using the natural performance of the graphics card, there is no reason to deny it if there is a way to get the best effect for the cost.

Donga IT Reporter Kang Hyeong-seok (redbk@itdonga.com)