PC Gaming Benchmarks: Why Turning DLSS and Dynamic Resolution Off Matter

Gaming benchmarks are essential for determining how well a PC performs under real-world conditions. However, the way benchmarks are conducted can significantly impact the results. Features like DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) and dynamic resolution scaling are fantastic for enhancing performance, but turning them off during benchmarking reveals the raw, unassisted power of a gaming PC. Here’s why this approach matters and what gamers can learn from these benchmarks.

What Are DLSS and Dynamic Resolution Scaling?

• DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling): A feature by NVIDIA that uses AI to upscale lower-resolution images, making them appear as if they were rendered in higher resolutions. This boosts performance without a significant drop in visual quality.

• Dynamic Resolution Scaling: A technique that adjusts a game’s resolution on the fly to maintain a target frame rate, often at the cost of visual clarity.

Both technologies are incredible tools for optimizing performance, but they don’t reflect a system's native capabilities when turned on.

Why Turn Them Off for Benchmarks?

1. Showcasing Hardware PotentialDLSS and dynamic resolution scaling rely on software assistance. Turning them off allows a benchmark to highlight the raw power of the CPU, GPU, and RAM, giving a clearer picture of the hardware’s capabilities.

2. Standardized ComparisonsFor benchmarks to be meaningful, they need to be consistent across different systems. DLSS and dynamic resolution can vary in effectiveness depending on the game and GPU model, making it harder to compare apples to apples.

3. Targeting Hardcore GamersCompetitive and enthusiast gamers often prefer to see how a system performs without these features, as they’re more likely to tweak settings manually to get the best performance and visuals.

4. Real-World InsightsMany gamers run their systems without relying on upscaling or resolution scaling, especially when playing at 1080p or lower resolutions where the benefits are less pronounced. Benchmarks without these features provide relevant data for these scenarios.

   
   

What Do DLSS-Off Benchmarks Look Like?

When running benchmarks with DLSS and dynamic resolution scaling off, the system must render the game at its native resolution with all visual settings as specified. For example:

• Resolution: 1080p, 1440p, or 4K (native)

• Settings: Low, medium, high, and ultra presets.

• Features Disabled: DLSS, FSR, and any dynamic scaling options.

  
  

This setup stresses the GPU more heavily, providing insights into its raw rasterization performance.

Example Results: DLSS Off vs. DLSS On

Let’s consider an example benchmark using a high-performance gaming PC:

Hardware Used:

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X

• GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4070 Ti

• RAM: 32GB DDR5

Game: Cyberpunk 2077

• Resolution: 1440p Ultra Settings

• Ray Tracing: Medium

Setting	Average FPS (DLSS On)	Average FPS (DLSS Off)
Performance Mode	120 FPS	N/A
Balanced Mode	90 FPS	N/A
DLSS Off	N/A	65 FPS

This example shows that while DLSS provides a huge performance boost, the raw power of the GPU without assistance offers a more realistic baseline.

Who Benefits From DLSS-Off Benchmarks?

• Gamers at Lower Resolutions: At 1080p, where DLSS benefits are minimal, knowing how a GPU performs natively is more useful.

• Hardware Enthusiasts: Those who care about the unassisted performance of their components.

• Content Creators and Reviewers: For fair comparisons across systems, DLSS and scaling features must be disabled.

How We Benchmark at Kanani Tech

At Kanani Tech, we pride ourselves on providing accurate and transparent benchmarks for all our gaming PCs.

• We run benchmarks with both DLSS/dynamic resolution off, so you can see how your PC performs in various scenarios.

• Our systems are tested at native resolutions with settings optimized for real-world gaming experiences.

When you buy from us, you’re getting a system that delivers exceptional performance—no matter how you choose to game.

Ready for a PC That Performs Without Assistance?

Browse our lineup of prebuilt gaming PCs and find the perfect match for your gaming needs. Whether you’re chasing high FPS in esports titles or cinematic visuals in AAA games, we’ve got the hardware to make it happen.

Contact us today to learn more about our builds and benchmarking process!