RTX HDR Tested – The Ultimate Game Changer

Performance

To enable RTX HDR, you’ll need to use the NVIDIA App. In the ‘Graphics’ section, you’ll find an option for RTX HDR. Here, you can toggle the feature on and off, choosing between ‘Use global – Off’, ‘Off (Default)’, and ‘On’. When you turn it on, you get access to additional settings like peak brightness (measured in nits), middle gray point (also in nits), contrast (as a percentage), and saturation (as a percentage). As for game support, RTX HDR works on a system level, meaning it can theoretically enhance any SDR game which is built using DirectX 9 through to 12. It’s important to note that it can work with certain games which are built using OpenGL and Vulkan, however this isn’t guaranteed and the results will depend heavily on a case by case basis.

Now when it comes to the visual impact of RTX HDR, the results can be quite striking when applied effectively. You can expect to see an expanded color range, potentially making colors in your games appear more vibrant and lifelike. The technology also promises improved contrast, with deeper blacks and brighter highlights which can breathe new life into SDR games, making them look more dynamic on HDR displays.

One of the most noticeable improvements is often in the handling of bright areas in a game scene. In SDR games, bright areas like the sun, explosions, or magical effects can often appear washed out or lacking in detail. RTX HDR can help recover some of this detail, making these bright spots look more realistic and impactful. Similarly, in dark game environments, RTX HDR can help bring out more detail in the shadows without losing the overall mood or atmosphere. This can be particularly beneficial in games with a lot of dark environments, like horror games or stealth-based titles.

The technology can also enhance the perception of depth and dimensionality in game worlds by more accurately representing the range of light in a scene, meaning that RTX HDR can make game environments appear more three-dimensional and immersive. When compared to SDR, the difference can be quite dramatic, especially in games with a wide range of lighting conditions. Scenes that might have appeared flat or washed out in SDR can gain a new level of vibrancy and realism with RTX HDR.

Compared to games with native HDR support, the results might be less pronounced, but RTX HDR can still offer improvements, especially for older games that weren’t originally developed with HDR in mind. However, it’s important to remember that this is an interpretation of how SDR games might look in HDR. While it can make educated guesses about how to expand the color and contrast, it may sometimes make choices that differ from what the game’s artists would have chosen. Additionally, the effectiveness of RTX HDR can vary depending on the game. Some types of games or art styles might benefit more from the technology than others, so you might need to experiment with settings to find the best balance for different games in your library.