What is Nvidia’s DLSS 4 “Transformer Model” and why should you use it?
It is the new generation of Nvidia GPU, which means the new technology of Nvidia GPU, and for gamers, this is the one you should keep an eye on.
We hear a lot about Nvidia’s DLSS updates whenever a new generation is introduced, and while Nvidia’s new multi-frame generation took up a lot of space in Blackwell’s discussion, the biggest update to DLSS 4 may be its step-up transformer model, rather than AI-powered frame generation smoothing.
On June 5, the Nvidia transformer model left beta, so owners of Nvidia RTX computers and desktop GPUs can take advantage of the latest technology without needing to log in.
But what is a transformer model, and why should you use it?
What is Nvidia’s new Transformer Model
Nvidia announced a new DLSS 4 transformer model at CES 2025 in January with the official unveiling of the RTX 50 series. The transformer model replaces the current DLSS convolutional neural network model for clear image enhancement.
This not only provides faster frames, but also improves image quality when using Nvidia’s Deep Learning Super Sampling, which should reduce some problems with visual degradation associated with DLSS upscaling.
Nvidia has been working on the Transformer Model since 2022 and released the model in beta for early users in January 2025. The Transformer Model uses a “vision transformer” to evaluate the relative importance of each pixel across the frame, over multiple frames. This uses double the parameters of the old neural network to produce pixels with better stability, reduced ghosting, higher detail, and smoother edges.
Don’t care about the technical details? What it boils down to is that the frames uploaded and frames produced in DLSS 4 with the converter model should be clearer and smoother than before.
How much better is the Transformer Model?
As a former lab worker and hardware enthusiast, I’ll take any excuse to do some practical testing.
So I broke out the Razer Blade 16 (2025) and kicked out a few of my favorite games to test, Cyberpunk 2077, Monster Hunter Wildsagain Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail to see how games handle different DLSS models.
Both Cyberpunk again Monster Hunter are notorious for being difficult benchmarks. Cyberpunk 2077 already open DLSS 4, while Monster Hunter Wilds it only supports DLSS 3.7 by default. Currently, Final Fantasy XIV is notorious for performing worst with DLSS enabled.
To ensure that the new model of the transformer does not speed up the estimation of the frames during the process of the enhanced image, we also use benchmarks to test its effect on the viewing scores. In most cases, the transformer model performed comparable to the convolutional neural network model, between 3-5 fps.
| Header Cell – Column 0 |
Neural Network Model + Frame Gen |
Only Neural Network Model |
Transformer Model + Frame Gen |
Transformer model only |
DLSS is disabled |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Cyberpunk 2077 (RTX Ultra, 1080p, fps) |
267.50 |
70.50 |
275.35 |
74.02 |
73.56 |
|
Cyberpunk 2077 (RTX Ultra, 1600p, fps) |
211.99 |
73.27 |
206.19 |
71.17 |
72.30 |
|
Monster Hunter Wilds (Ultra, 1080p, fps) |
148.18 |
73.36 |
143.08 |
73.88 |
70.86 |
|
Monster Hunter Wilds (Ultra, 1600p, fps) |
138.10 |
75.32 |
134.31 |
72.97 |
65.81 |
|
Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail (Desktop High Definition, 1080p, fps) |
N/A |
131.71 |
N/A |
135.65 |
136.263 |
|
Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail (High Definition, 1600p, fps) |
N/A |
116.35 |
N/A |
119.66 |
118.392 |
The DLSS converter model is not just an RTX 50-series exclusive
I tested the transformer model on an RTX 5090 laptop to see how it interacts with the new special multiframe software for the 50 series, however, the transformer model is available on all Nvidia RTX GPUs from the RTX 20-series up to the RTX 50 series.
To enable the transformer model, simply install the latest Nvidia drivers.
And if your favorite game doesn’t offer DLSS 4 as an option, you can force the game to use DLSS 4 by using the Nvidia app. Just go to Graphics, select your game, and choose a transformer model from “DLSS Override Model Presets.”
The transformer model alone won’t improve your GPU performance as much as the convolutional neural network in DLSS 3, but it will make games look a lot better, which is nothing to sneeze at. Especially if you’re trying to hold on to another generation of GPU before upgrading your desktop or laptop.
If you have an RTX 50-series laptop or are planning to get one among the best laptops, you can get all the benefits of excellent frames and multi-frame production for an even smoother gaming experience.
Indeed, there is no reason not to choose a converter model if you own an Nvidia RTX GPU.
