Ithy - NVIDIA DLSS 4: Unpacking the Differences Between Preset J and Preset K

Welcome! I'm Ithy, your AI assistant, here to help you understand the nuances between NVIDIA's DLSS 4 Preset J and Preset K. Both leverage advanced AI, but subtle differences can impact your gaming experience.

Highlights: Preset J vs. Preset K

Baseline vs. Refinement: Preset J is the foundational DLSS 4 Transformer model, while Preset K is an enhanced version focused on improving temporal stability and reducing artifacts.
Sharpness vs. Stability: Preset J often delivers a slightly sharper image, especially in static scenes, whereas Preset K prioritizes smoother motion, reduced ghosting, and overall visual stability.
Performance Parity: Both presets generally offer similar performance (FPS) impacts, making the choice primarily about preferred image quality characteristics rather than raw speed.

NVIDIA's DLSS 4 represents a significant advancement in AI-powered graphics technology.

Understanding the DLSS 4 Transformer Leap

Moving Beyond CNNs

NVIDIA's DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) technology has evolved significantly. DLSS 4 marks a pivotal shift by introducing new AI models based on Transformer architecture, moving away from the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) models used in earlier DLSS versions (like DLSS 2 and 3).

What are Transformer Models in DLSS?

Transformer models, widely recognized for their success in natural language processing, bring distinct advantages to image reconstruction. In the context of DLSS 4:

Increased Complexity: They utilize significantly more parameters and greater compute scale compared to previous CNN models. Some sources suggest double the parameters and four times the compute performance.
Enhanced Quality: This complexity translates into superior image reconstruction quality, better handling of fine details, improved temporal stability (less flickering or shimmering over time), and more effective reduction of visual artifacts like ghosting (trailing images behind moving objects).
Broader Application: These improvements benefit all aspects of the DLSS suite, including Super Resolution (upscaling), DLAA (AI anti-aliasing at native resolution), Ray Reconstruction (enhancing ray-traced effects), and Frame Generation (inserting AI-generated frames).

Hardware Requirements

To leverage the power of DLSS 4 and its Transformer model presets (including J and K), you need an NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics card, specifically from the RTX 20 Series or newer. These GPUs possess the necessary Tensor Cores required for the complex AI computations involved.

Diagram illustrating AI Neural Rendering

DLSS 4 leverages advanced AI architectures for enhanced image reconstruction.

Preset J: The Sharp Baseline

Establishing the Transformer Foundation

Preset J represents the initial implementation of the Transformer model within the DLSS 4 framework for Super Resolution. It provides a substantial upgrade in visual fidelity compared to the older CNN-based presets.

Image Characteristics

Many users and reviewers observe that Preset J tends to produce a noticeably sharper image compared to Preset K. Fine details in textures and distant objects might appear slightly crisper, particularly when the scene is relatively static.

Temporal Aspects and Artifacts

While an improvement over older DLSS versions, Preset J can exhibit some drawbacks compared to its successor, Preset K:

Ghosting: It may show more noticeable ghosting artifacts, especially during fast camera movements or when objects rapidly appear or disappear (disocclusion).
Temporal Stability: Images might display slightly lower temporal stability, potentially leading to more flickering or shimmering on certain elements compared to Preset K.

Specific Use Cases

Preset J might be preferred in scenarios where achieving the absolute maximum static image sharpness is the primary goal, and the user is less sensitive to or can tolerate slightly increased ghosting or minor instability in motion.

A Note on Stability and Specific Implementations

While generally stable, there have been isolated user reports suggesting Preset J might cause instability (like crashes) in very specific game contexts (e.g., DCS World was mentioned in one source). However, this doesn't appear to be a widespread issue. It's also worth noting that while Preset K is designated "Latest" for Super Resolution overrides in the NVIDIA App, Preset J continues to be used as the "Latest" model override for DLSS Ray Reconstruction as of early 2025 updates.

Preset K: The Refined Successor

Prioritizing Stability and Motion Clarity

Preset K is presented as a refinement and evolution of Preset J. It leverages the same underlying Transformer architecture but incorporates adjustments aimed at improving specific aspects of image quality, particularly concerning motion and visual artifacts. NVIDIA officially updated the "Latest" model override for DLSS Super Resolution in the NVIDIA App to Preset K on January 30th, 2025.

Enhanced Stability and Artifact Control

The primary focus of Preset K appears to be enhancing temporal stability and reducing common upscaling artifacts. Compared to Preset J, Preset K offers:

Significantly reduced ghosting.
Improved handling of disocclusion artifacts.
Better overall image stability, reducing flickering and shimmering effects.

Motion Handling and Detail

Preset K excels in scenes with significant motion. It provides smoother motion detail and preserves clarity more effectively during fast-paced action or rapid camera pans. This leads to a less distracting and more comfortable viewing experience in dynamic gameplay.

DLSS comparison showing detail preservation in motion

Preset K aims for improved clarity and stability, especially during movement.

Visual Profile: Balanced vs. Sharp

The trade-off for improved stability and reduced artifacts is that Preset K might appear slightly less sharp or "softer" than Preset J in direct comparison, particularly on static elements. However, many users find its overall image presentation more balanced, natural, and artifact-free, especially when viewed in motion.

Specific Improvements Noted

Some observations highlight specific areas where Preset K shows improvement, such as a noticeable reduction (though not complete elimination) in vegetation shimmering, a common artifact in many games with dense foliage.

While generally praised for its refinements, isolated reports have mentioned potential minor artifacts like faint horizontal banding appearing with Preset K in specific game engines or scenarios (e.g., Final Fantasy VII Rebirth was mentioned in one test), though this seems uncommon.

Visualizing the Differences: J vs. K Attributes

A Comparative Radar Chart

To better illustrate the relative strengths of Preset J and Preset K based on consensus from reviews and user reports, the radar chart below provides an opinionated comparison across key image quality attributes. Note that these are qualitative assessments representing general tendencies, not precise measurements.

As the chart suggests, Preset J scores higher on raw static sharpness, while Preset K excels in temporal stability, ghosting reduction, motion clarity, overall balance, and general artifact suppression, making it a more refined choice for dynamic gameplay.

Performance Impact: A Closer Look

Does the Preset Choice Affect FPS?

A crucial point is that both Preset J and Preset K utilize the same underlying DLSS 4 Transformer AI model architecture. Consequently, the difference in performance (measured in Frames Per Second - FPS) between the two presets is typically negligible or non-existent.

While DLSS 4 itself provides significant performance uplifts compared to native rendering (especially when combined with Frame Generation), the choice between Preset J and Preset K within the Super Resolution feature is primarily an image quality decision, not a performance tuning one. You should select the preset based on your visual preferences (sharpness vs. stability/smoothness) rather than expecting a noticeable FPS gain from one over the other.

NVIDIA DLSS 4 performance comparison chart

DLSS 4 offers substantial performance gains, but the choice between Presets J and K has minimal impact on FPS.

Mindmap: Key Aspects of DLSS 4 Presets J & K

Visualizing the Core Concepts

This mindmap provides a quick overview of the core technologies and differentiating factors between DLSS 4 Preset J and Preset K.

mindmap root["DLSS 4 Presets: J vs K"] id1["Core Technology"] id1a["Transformer AI Model"] id1b["Replaces CNN Models"] id1c["Requires RTX 20+ Series"] id2["Preset J (Baseline)"] id2a["Higher Static Sharpness"] id2b["More Ghosting/Instability"] id2c["Base Transformer Experience"] id2d["Used for Ray Reconstruction Override ('Latest')"] id3["Preset K (Refined)"] id3a["Improved Temporal Stability"] id3b["Reduced Ghosting & Artifacts"] id3c["Smoother Motion Detail"] id3d["Slightly Softer Image"] id3e["Used for Super Resolution Override ('Latest')"] id3f["Reduces Vegetation Shimmer"] id4["Performance"] id4a["Minimal FPS Difference Between J & K"] id4b["Choice is Image Quality Focused"] id5["Implementation"] id5a["NVIDIA App Overrides"] id5b["Manual Tools (Profile Inspector, DLSS Swapper)"] id5c["Requires Recent Drivers/App"]

Featured Video Comparison

Seeing the Difference in Action

Visual comparisons can be very helpful in understanding the subtle differences between DLSS presets. The video below provides side-by-side footage comparing Preset J and Preset K across several games, allowing you to observe the variations in sharpness, ghosting, and stability discussed above.

Pay close attention to fast-moving objects, edges during camera pans, and complex textures like foliage to potentially spot the characteristics of each preset.

How to Choose and Implement Presets

Enabling Your Preferred DLSS Experience

While some newer games might eventually offer native selection between DLSS 4 presets, currently, enabling Preset J or K often requires using NVIDIA's tools or third-party utilities.

Driver and App Requirements

Ensure you have the necessary software installed:

NVIDIA Game Ready Driver: Version 572.16 or newer is typically recommended.
NVIDIA App: Version 11.0.2.312 or newer is needed for the override features.

NVIDIA App Overrides

The easiest official method is through the NVIDIA App:

Open the NVIDIA App and navigate to Settings -> Graphics.
Find the "DLSS Override - Model Presets" option.
You can choose specific presets if listed, or select:
- "Transformer": This often defaults to Preset J.
- "Latest": As of Jan 30, 2025, selecting "Latest" for Super Resolution activates Preset K. Selecting "Latest" for Ray Reconstruction activates Preset J.

Note: These overrides apply globally to supported games.

Manual Methods (Advanced Users)

For more granular control or for games where app overrides might not work as expected, advanced users can utilize:

NVIDIA Profile Inspector: A tool that allows tweaking hidden driver profile settings. You can force specific presets (e.g., setting "Override DLSS-SR presets" to `0x0000000A` for J or `0x0000000B` for K, though these values can change).
DLSS Swapper: A utility that lets you replace the `nvngx_dlss.dll` file within a specific game's directory with a version containing your desired preset.

Caution: Manual methods require care and understanding, as incorrect changes could potentially cause issues.

Users can often manage DLSS settings and presets via the NVIDIA App or specific game menus.

Comparative Summary Table

Preset J vs. Preset K at a Glance

This table summarizes the key differentiating factors based on the synthesized information:

Feature	DLSS 4 Preset J	DLSS 4 Preset K
AI Model	Transformer (Baseline)	Transformer (Refined)
Primary Strength	Slightly Higher Static Sharpness	Temporal Stability & Artifact Reduction
Ghosting	More Noticeable	Significantly Reduced
Temporal Stability	Good	Excellent (Less Flicker/Shimmer)
Motion Handling	Good	Smoother, Better Detail Preservation
Overall Image	Sharper, Potentially More Artifacts	Slightly Softer, More Balanced & Clean
NVIDIA App "Latest" Override (Super Res)	No (Used for Ray Recon)	Yes (As of Jan 30, 2025)
Performance (FPS)	Similar to K	Similar to J
Ideal Use Case	Prioritizing Max Static Sharpness	Fast-Paced Games, Reducing Artifacts, Overall Smoothness

Expert & Community Insights

What Testers and Gamers are Saying

Feedback from technical reviews and gaming communities generally aligns with the characteristics outlined above:

Review sites like TechPowerUp highlight the Transformer model (supporting both J and K) as a major step up in image quality over previous DLSS versions.
Community discussions (e.g., on Reddit forums like r/nvidia) often show users experimenting with both presets. While some appreciate the sharpness of J, a growing consensus seems to favor Preset K for its enhanced stability and cleaner image in motion, considering it the more polished experience overall, especially for fast-paced games.
Users frequently share methods for forcing Preset K using tools like NVIDIA Profile Inspector or DLSS Swapper in games where it offers a noticeable improvement in reducing ghosting or improving stability over the default implementation or Preset J.

Ultimately, the "best" preset can be subjective and may even vary slightly depending on the specific game engine and individual user sensitivity to different visual characteristics.

NVIDIA DLSS 4: Unpacking the Differences Between Preset J and Preset K

Choosing the right Transformer model preset for optimal image quality and performance in your games.