Multi-Frame Generation (or MFG) is an DLSS 4 adaptation of the frame generation technology present in DLSS 3. This allows 50 series user exclusively to generate more FPS using the real frames that are available, making games feel smoother and give the appearance* of better performance. While MFG does have some downsides, like higher latency, real performance cost, and visual artifacts at lower framerates, other Nvidia technologies like upscaling, Reflex, and hardware improvements help to mitigate these problems, which makes the technology exceptional, and almost essential, for those who which to play modern day games at high resolutions, graphics, and performance*.
* While Nvidia advertises MFG as a performance increaser, and it may feel as if it does so, MFG does not actually improve performance in the way we typically understand it as. Traditional performance means smoother gameplay, better image clarity, and lower latency. Nvidia’s MFG only makes games smoother to play, with typically slightly worse image clarity and latency. While this is generally a good trade off, for competitive gamers or gamers that are sensitive to MFG’s downsides, it is recommended to leave this technology off.
To add a quick subjective take on MFG at multiple base FPS ranges:
If you get >60 FPS in a game with your desired settings, MFG will feel almost flawless. Sensitive users may need closer to >80 FPS to get a more flawless experience.
If you get 45-60 FPS in a game with your desired settings, MFG will be an overall improvement to your experience but you may notice some extra latency/input lag if playing on mouse and keyboard (although, from experience, you get used to it quickly). Gamers that use a controller will generally not feel any input lag. There may be small visual artifacts from fast movements as well but they do not distract you from gameplay, unless sensitive.
If you get 30-45 FPS in a game with your desired settings, MFG may be an overall improvement to your experience. While input lag will be obvious and artifacts will be noticeable, the overall experience is acceptable. MFG at this level can be great for those who wish to play games with intensive ray tracing or path tracing or those who wish to keep their card for a long period of time and want longevity. It provides a much better experience compared to the lower FPS you would be getting without MFG.
If you get below 25 FPS in a game with your desired settings, MFG will not be an improvement to your experience. 25 FPS is near the lowest speed required to create natural and smooth looking motion. Going below this makes MFG unusable as it does not have enough information to create a good image to the human eye, and will produce extreme visual artifacts and latency.
Nvidia Reflex is a technology used to reduce in-game latency, which makes games feel more responsive. This is great for competitive gamers or people who wish to offset the increased latency of multi-frame generation.