DLSS support on the way to Linux through Steam Proton
Linux gamers are about to get support for one of the best gaming features from NVIDIA.
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What you need to know
Linux gamers just received a big boost, thanks to the latest announcement from NVIDIA. At Computex 2021, NVIDIA announced that it partnered with Valve to bring Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) support to Linux through Steam Proton (viaTom’s Hardware). As a result, people with thebest NVIDIA GPUswill be able to use DLSS on their Linux systems.
DLSS is an upscaling technology that allows systems to improve performance and fidelity. Our Rich Edmonds explains its benefits and how it works in a post onray tracing and DLSS:
It’s what NVIDIA is using to make ray tracing have less of a negative impact on performance. Super sampling is already present in some games that support it, effectively allowing the GPU and PC to render the game at a higher resolution than what the monitor can handle.
Normally, DLSS needs a few things to work, a supported RTX GPU, Windows, and a game to support it. As a result, it is only available on Windows PCs running NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPUs. But thanks to NVIDIA partnering with Valve, Linux users get to use it as well.
The secret sauce for this partnership isSteam Proton, an open-source tool that allows Linux systems to run Windows games. It utilizes theWineutility that is a popular way for Linux users to run Windows programs.
NVIDIA says that “Support for Vulkan titles is coming this month” and that DirectX support is “coming this fall.”
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
