Nvidia Preset C: 35% Faster DLSS Frame Gen?

Updated 5 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

Nvidia’s DLSS 4 introduces new frame generation presets, and Preset C is reported to be up to 35% faster than the previous default in certain scenarios. This article explains what Preset C is, how it achieves this performance gain, and how you can use it to improve your gaming experience.

What Is DLSS Frame Generation?

DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) is Nvidia’s suite of AI-powered rendering technologies. Frame Generation, a feature introduced with DLSS 3, uses AI to synthesize entirely new frames between rendered ones, effectively doubling or even tripling the frame rate. It works by using optical flow accelerators on RTX 40-series GPUs to analyze motion vectors and create intermediate frames, which are then interpolated with the real frames.

In DLSS 4, Nvidia introduced a new AI model that powers both Super Resolution and Frame Generation. This new model is designed to be more efficient and higher quality, and it comes with several presets (A, B, C, D, and E) that control the model’s behavior. Preset C is the new default for most games, and it is the one that delivers the reported up to 35% faster frame generation performance.

How Preset C Achieves Up to 35% Faster Frame Generation

The performance gain comes from a redesigned AI model that is lighter and faster to execute. The previous model, used in DLSS 3.5 and earlier, required more computational resources to generate each frame. The new model in Preset C uses a more efficient neural network architecture that reduces the time it takes to generate a frame, allowing for higher frame rates.

Specifically, Nvidia claims that the new model is up to 35% faster in frame generation workloads. This means that on the same GPU, you can see a significant increase in frame rate when using Preset C compared to older presets. The exact improvement depends on the game, resolution, and GPU, but the 35% figure is a representative maximum.

How to Enable Preset C

Preset C is available in the Nvidia App and in the NVIDIA Control Panel for games that support DLSS 4. Here’s how to enable it:

Open the Nvidia App (or NVIDIA Control Panel) on your PC.
Navigate to the “Graphics” or “Program Settings” tab.
Select the game you want to configure from the list of installed games.
Look for the “DLSS” or “Frame Generation” settings.
Choose “Preset C” from the drop-down menu (or select “Latest” which defaults to Preset C).
Apply the changes and launch the game.

If the game has an in-game DLSS settings menu, you may also be able to select the preset from there. Note that Preset C is only available on RTX 40-series GPUs (for Frame Generation) and requires the latest Game Ready driver.

Preset C vs. Other Presets

Nvidia offers several presets to balance quality and performance:

Preset A: Focuses on maximum performance, often used for competitive gaming where frame rate is paramount.
Preset B: A balance between quality and performance, suitable for most games.
Preset C (Default): The new default, offering the best balance for most users, with up to 35% faster frame generation than the previous default.
Preset D: Prioritizes image quality, reducing artifacts and improving detail, but may be slightly slower.
Preset E: The highest quality preset, designed for 4K and high-resolution gaming, with the most AI processing.

Preset C is the recommended choice for most users because it provides a significant performance boost without sacrificing much image quality. If you notice visual artifacts or want the absolute best image, you can try Preset D or E.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Some users may encounter issues when using Preset C:

Preset C not showing: Ensure you have the latest GeForce Game Ready driver installed and that the game supports DLSS 4. Some older games may not expose the preset selection.
Frame generation not working: Frame Generation requires an RTX 40-series GPU. If you have an older GPU, you won’t see the option. Also, make sure the game supports DLSS 3/4 Frame Generation.
Visual artifacts: If you see ghosting or flickering, try switching to Preset D or E, which have more aggressive AI processing that can reduce artifacts.
Performance not improved: The 35% improvement is a maximum; actual gains vary. If you don’t see an improvement, check if the game is CPU-bound or if your GPU is already at 100% utilization.

Is Preset C Worth Using?

For most RTX 40-series owners, yes. The performance boost is substantial, and the image quality is comparable to previous presets. The only reason to avoid Preset C is if you are extremely sensitive to minor visual imperfections or if you are playing a game where the preset is not well optimized. In those cases, you can easily switch back to Preset B or D.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Preset C work on RTX 30-series GPUs?

No. DLSS Frame Generation, including Preset C, is exclusive to RTX 40-series GPUs because it relies on the dedicated optical flow accelerator hardware that is not present in older cards. However, the new AI model for Super Resolution (which is separate from Frame Generation) is available on all RTX GPUs.

Is Preset C the same as DLSS 4?

Preset C is the default preset for DLSS 4’s new AI model, but DLSS 4 also includes other presets. The new model is the core of DLSS 4, and Preset C is the recommended configuration for most games.

Will using Preset C cause higher input lag?

Frame Generation inherently adds a small amount of input lag because it generates frames that are not based on your latest input. However, the new model in Preset C is faster, which can actually reduce the added latency compared to older presets. Nvidia’s Reflex technology also helps mitigate this.

Can I use Preset C with DLSS Super Resolution?

Yes. Preset C applies to both Super Resolution and Frame Generation. You can independently select the preset for each feature in the Nvidia App, but the default is to use the same preset for both.

How do I know if a game supports Preset C?

Games that support DLSS 4 will typically have a “DLSS” or “Frame Generation” setting in their graphics options. If you see a mention of “DLSS 4” or “Latest” in the Nvidia App for that game, it supports Preset C. You can also check Nvidia’s website for a list of supported games.

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