DLSS 5 Faster? What NVIDIA Doubled for RTX Gamers

Is DLSS 5 faster for GeForce RTX gamers in Canada and the U.S.? Yes — and this time it is an official NVIDIA update, not a rumor. On October 13, 2026, NVIDIA announced that the DLSS 5 3D-Guided Neural Rendering model is now 2× faster than the September release, uses about 20% less VRAM at 4K, and will debut in NBA 2K27 Season 2 on October 16. The same day, NVIDIA opened a beta of a new Frame Generation Performance Mode (Preset C) for GeForce RTX 40 and RTX 50 GPUs.

Has NVIDIA responded? This is the company response: NVIDIA published the details on GeForce News (Andrew Burnes, October 13, 2026). Independent coverage from HotHardware and VideoCardz matches those claims. No third-party full-suite retest of the October model was available at publish time.

Why did NVIDIA make DLSS 5 faster?

When DLSS 5’s 3D-Guided Neural Rendering launched last month, it rebuilt lighting and materials with AI on top of the game’s own 3D frame. That looked striking, but it was expensive. HotHardware’s earlier NBA 2K27 tests (before this October model) showed Neural Rendering dropping a capped ~240 FPS run to about 69 FPS, and a 4K run from ~94 FPS to ~31 FPS. NVIDIA’s own earlier figures also pointed to a large overhead on non-flagship cards.

The October update attacks that cost: pipeline optimizations plus a smaller neural model cut GPU overhead in half versus September, according to NVIDIA, without stripping DLSS 5 features. For builders watching VRAM, the stated 20% cut at 4K matters most on 8 GB and 12 GB cards; HotHardware notes 16 GB cards were less likely to feel memory pressure in its earlier testing.

Image credit: NVIDIA

Which GPUs and games get the DLSS 5 speed boost?

According to NVIDIA:

• GeForce RTX 50 Series desktop and laptop GPUs, plus RTX Spark and GeForce NOW, get the faster Neural Rendering model in NBA 2K27 on October 16, then as the default in future DLSS 5 games.
• Hogwarts Legacy (November 5) and Where Winds Meet (late November) add DLSS 5 with the new model on RTX 50, GeForce NOW and RTX Spark.
• RTX Remix (October 23) adds the faster DLSS 5 model and the Frame Generation Performance Mode for modders (NVIDIA showed Fallout 4 RTX and Mirror’s Edge RTX previews).
• Frame Generation Preset C is broader: GeForce RTX 40 Series and RTX 50 Series (and RTX Spark) via the NVIDIA app beta override — it is not limited to DLSS 5 titles.

VideoCardz notes NVIDIA has not published a full cross-GPU benchmark matrix for the October Neural Rendering model yet, so treat the “up to 1.4×” figure as NVIDIA’s NBA 2K27 claim until independent reviews land.

How do you enable Frame Generation Performance Mode?

NVIDIA’s steps for Preset C:

• Install the newest NVIDIA app, then in Settings → About enable “Opt in to access Beta or experimental features” and install the beta update.
• In Graphics, pick a Frame Generation / Multi Frame Generation / Dynamic Multi Frame Generation game (or Global Settings).
• Under Driver Settings → DLSS Override - Model Presets → Custom, set Frame Generation to Preset C and Apply (reboot if Preset C is missing).

NVIDIA says Preset C replaces the second (optical-flow) AI model with a lighter algorithm. Expect a small image-quality trade-off in exchange for higher generated-frame throughput — up to 35% faster on an RTX 5060 in NVIDIA’s example.

Should you buy a gaming PC now or wait for more DLSS 5 games?

This update is software, not a new GPU SKU. It improves the value of cards you already own or are shopping for — especially RTX 50 for Neural Rendering, and RTX 40/50 for the Frame Generation beta.

Buy now if you need a gaming PC or GPU upgrade and an RTX 40 or RTX 50 build fits your budget. You get today’s games plus a clearer path to faster DLSS 5 in NBA 2K27, Hogwarts Legacy and later titles, without waiting for another hardware refresh. Browse our graphics cards, ready-to-play gaming PCs, or a custom PC built around the GeForce card you want.

Wait only if you were specifically holding out for independent reviews of the October Neural Rendering model in open-world titles, or for November’s Hogwarts Legacy patch before you decide. The Frame Generation Preset C beta is already testable; the Neural Rendering speed-up lands with Season 2 on October 16.

FAQ

Is DLSS 5 really 2× faster now?

NVIDIA says yes versus the September model: half the GPU overhead, ~24% smaller model, ~20% less 4K VRAM, comparable visuals. Independent full retests of the October build were not out at publish time; HotHardware’s severe performance hits were measured on the earlier model.

Do I need an RTX 50 card for the Frame Generation Performance Mode?

No. Preset C in the NVIDIA app beta supports GeForce RTX 40 Series and RTX 50 Series (and RTX Spark). The faster DLSS 5 Neural Rendering model itself is aimed at RTX 50 / Spark / GeForce NOW in the titles NVIDIA listed.

When does Hogwarts Legacy get DLSS 5?

November 5, 2026, per NVIDIA, with the new faster Neural Rendering model on GeForce RTX 50 Series, GeForce NOW and RTX Spark.

Does this change GPU street prices?

No. This is a free software update. It does not change MSRPs. If you are comparing builds in CAD, convert any U.S. card quote with the Bank of Canada rate and label it as an estimate — for example a $549 USD GPU is about 783,48 $ CA at 1.4271 CAD per USD (October 9, 2026 Bank of Canada rate); that is not a Canadian list price.

Sources: NVIDIA (DLSS 5 faster model), NVIDIA (DLSS this week / Frame Gen beta), HotHardware, VideoCardz (DLSS 5 2×), VideoCardz (Frame Gen Preset C), Bank of Canada. Image credit: NVIDIA