Frame Generation vs Native FPS: What’s the Difference?
Lennon Byatt
Modern gaming PCs can now use technologies such as NVIDIA DLSS Frame Generation and AMD FSR Frame Generation to dramatically increase the FPS number shown on screen.
You might launch a game at 70 FPS, enable Frame Generation and suddenly see well over 100 FPS.
But are those extra frames the same as normal FPS?
Here’s the simple explanation.
Recommended 1440p Gaming PC Specifications
For the best balance of performance and value, we recommend:
| Component | Recommendation |
|
CPU
|
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
|
|
GPU
|
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 or AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT
|
|
RAM
|
32GB DDR5 6000MHz
|
|
Storage
|
2TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD
|
|
Motherboard
|
B650
|
|
PSU
|
750W 80 PLUS Gold
|
This specification is capable of running modern AAA games at high frame rates while providing plenty of headroom for future releases.
Browse AWD-IT's latest AMD Ryzen Processors:
https://www.awd-it.co.uk/components/cpu-processors/amd-cpu.html
What Is Native FPS?
Native FPS refers to the frames your gaming PC actually renders normally.
Your CPU processes what is happening in the game, while your graphics card creates each frame you see.
If your PC is running a game at 80 FPS natively, it is producing around 80 fully rendered frames every second.
Generally, stronger hardware means your PC can produce more native FPS.
What Is Frame Generation?
Frame Generation takes a different approach.
Instead of your GPU traditionally rendering every frame, supported technology can create additional frames between rendered ones.
Imagine your PC creates:
Frame 1 → Frame 2
Frame Generation can analyse those frames and create another image between them:
Frame 1 → Generated Frame → Frame 2
The result is a much higher displayed frame rate and smoother-looking movement.
Modern technologies including NVIDIA DLSS and AMD FSR now offer forms of Frame Generation on supported graphics hardware.
The result is a much higher displayed frame rate and smoother-looking movement
Are Generated Frames “Fake FPS”?
You may have seen generated frames called “fake frames” online.
That description is a little misleading.
Generated frames are real images being displayed by your monitor, but they aren't created through exactly the same traditional rendering process as native frames.
That means a game displaying 120 FPS with Frame Generation won't necessarily respond exactly like a game running at 120 FPS natively.
The biggest difference is responsiveness.
Why Native FPS Still Matters
Frame Generation improves how smooth a game looks, but having a good native frame rate before enabling it is still important.
For example:
40 FPS → Frame Generation → 80 FPS
may look smoother, but the game is still starting from a relatively low native frame rate.
Meanwhile:
80 FPS → Frame Generation → 140+ FPS
starts with much stronger underlying performance and will generally provide a better overall experience.
This is why Frame Generation should usually be thought of as a performance enhancer, rather than a replacement for a capable gaming PC.
Competitive gamers may still prioritise high native FPS and low latency
What About Input Lag?
When you press a key or move your mouse, the game needs to respond to that input.
Generated frames don't represent an entirely new game simulation from the CPU, so simply doubling the displayed FPS through Frame Generation doesn't automatically halve input latency.
Technologies such as NVIDIA Reflex and AMD Radeon Anti-Lag can help reduce system latency alongside modern rendering features.
For casual and single-player games, the added smoothness from Frame Generation can be extremely useful.
Competitive gamers may still prioritise high native FPS and low latency.
Average FPS vs 1% Low
Here’s a simple example:
| Gaming PC | Average FPS | 1% Low |
|
PC A
|
160 FPS
|
65 fps
|
|
PC B
|
145 FPS
|
110 FPS
|
At first glance, PC A looks faster because it has the higher average FPS.
But PC B maintains much stronger performance during demanding moments.
For someone actually playing the game, PC B may therefore provide the smoother and more consistent experience.
This is one reason AWD-IT's existing performance guides sometimes refer to maintaining strong 1% lows alongside average FPS.
When Is Frame Generation Most Useful?
Frame Generation works particularly well in visually demanding games where smoothness is more important than achieving the lowest possible latency.
Good examples include:
- Open-world games
- Racing games
- RPGs
- Simulation games
- Graphically demanding AAA titles
- Games using ray tracing
It can also be especially useful when playing at 1440p or 4K, where your graphics card has significantly more pixels to render.
What About Competitive Games?
If you're playing games such as Valorant, Counter-Strike 2 or other competitive shooters, native performance is usually more important.
Competitive gamers often want:
High native FPS + low latency + a high refresh-rate monitor
rather than simply achieving the biggest FPS counter possible.
Frame Generation can make motion look smoother, but responsiveness should remain the priority for competitive gaming.
DLSS vs FSR Frame Generation
Both NVIDIA and AMD now offer technologies designed to generate additional frames.
NVIDIA DLSS Frame Generation is available on supported GeForce RTX graphics cards, while AMD FSR Frame Generation provides similar technology across supported Radeon hardware.
The exact features available depend on your graphics card and the game you're playing.
You can browse AWD-IT's latest graphics cards if you're considering upgrading your GPU.
Both NVIDIA and AMD now offer technologies designed to generate additional frames
What About 0.1% Lows?
If you've watched detailed PC benchmark videos, you might have also seen 0.1% low FPS.
This looks at even rarer slow frames.
For the average customer comparing gaming PCs, you don't need to obsess over it.
The easiest way to think about the numbers is:
Average FPS = How fast does it normally run?
1% low = How well does it hold up when things get demanding?
That's really all you need to know.
Best Sim Racing Setup for Beginners: Start With the Essentials
You don’t need a full cockpit immediately. A well‑chosen beginner setup helps you develop skills faster and keeps costs under control.
1. Steering Wheel and Pedals (Top Priority)
Your wheel and pedals are the most important part of any sim racing rig. Force feedback allows you to feel grip changes, kerbs, and steering resistance—crucial for learning car control.
Beginner tip: Focus on force feedback quality rather than raw power.
Your wheel and pedals are the most important part of any sim racing rig. Force feedback allows you to feel grip changes, kerbs, and steering resistance—crucial for learning car control.
Creators in attendance
Stacked lineup
Experience zones
Arcades · Sim rigs · PCs
Tech on display
Latest gen builds
Verdict
Showroom certified
Pick Your Tier
We've named each tier after a tournament stage, because let's be honest, that's exactly the kind of thing we'd do. Find your budget and dive in.
Group Stage
Round of 32
Quarter Final
World Cup Final
Don't Forget Your Monitor
Your PC can produce hundreds of frames every second, but your monitor also needs to be capable of displaying high refresh rates for you to fully benefit from them.
A smoother combination of strong FPS, consistent frame delivery and an appropriate refresh rate can make games feel significantly better.
If you're unsure what Hz means, read AWD-IT's guide to why monitor refresh rate matters, or browse the latest gaming monitors.
A smoother combination of strong FPS, consistent frame delivery and an appropriate refresh rate can make games feel significantly better.
Expected Gaming Performance
|
Game
|
1440p High
|
1440p Ultra
|
|
GTA 6 (Predicted)
|
120 FPS
|
90 FPS
|
|
Cyberpunk 2077
|
120 FPS
|
95 FPS
|
|
Black Ops 7
|
180+ FPS
|
150+ FPS
|
|
Fortnite
|
240+ FPS
|
200+ FPS
|
Performance will vary depending on drivers, game updates and graphics settings.
1440p Gaming
1440p provides a sharper image than 1080p but requires additional graphics power.
The AWD-IT Ares Ryzen 5 RX 9060 XT Gaming PC is a suitable option for players who want higher graphical settings, stronger frame rates and the ability to move into 1440p gaming.
Players targeting high-refresh-rate 1440p or 4K should look towards graphics cards such as the Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT
High-End Gaming
Players targeting high-refresh-rate 1440p or 4K should look towards graphics cards such as the Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT.
These cards provide the additional performance needed for demanding modern games, detailed graphical settings and higher-resolution monitors.
Browse AWD-IT’s range of RX 9070 XT gaming PCs.
Should You Pair Radeon with Ryzen?
A Radeon graphics card does not need an AMD Ryzen processor, but pairing the two can create a well-balanced all-AMD gaming system.
The most important consideration is balance. Your processor should be powerful enough to support the graphics card, while sufficient RAM, SSD storage and cooling will help the entire system perform reliably.
You can explore AWD-IT’s AMD Ryzen and Radeon gaming PCs for complete systems using both technologies.
Prebuilt or Build Your Own?
Building a PC gives you control over every individual component, but it also requires additional research, assembly and troubleshooting.
A prebuilt gaming PC arrives assembled and tested, making it a more convenient option for many first-time buyers.
It also gives you one main point of contact if you require technical support or warranty assistance.
Which Radeon Gaming PC Should You Choose?
Before choosing, consider:
- The games you want to play
- Your target resolution
- The frame rates you expect
- Your monitor’s refresh rate
- How long you want the PC to last
An RX 9060 system can be a strong choice for 1080p gaming, while the RX 9060 XT provides more room for higher settings and 1440p. The RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT are better suited to demanding high-resolution gaming.
Should You Turn Frame Generation On?
For many games, it's absolutely worth trying.
If you already have a good native frame rate and want smoother gameplay, Frame Generation can provide a noticeable improvement.
Just remember that the number shown by your FPS counter doesn't tell the entire story.
A game showing 150 FPS with Frame Generation isn't necessarily identical to 150 FPS rendered completely natively.
What matters is how the game actually looks and feels on your system.
The Simple Answer
Native FPS is produced through the normal rendering process of your gaming PC.
Frame Generation creates additional frames between those rendered frames to make gameplay appear smoother.
Neither is automatically “better”.
For competitive gaming, strong native FPS is usually the priority.
For demanding AAA games, ray tracing, 1440p and 4K gaming, Frame Generation can be a brilliant way to achieve smoother visuals without requiring dramatically more raw GPU performance.
If you're looking for a system capable of taking advantage of the latest gaming technologies, browse AWD-IT's range of gaming PCs.
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- GTA 6 PC System Requirements (Predicted)
