What is AMD Fluid Motion Frames 2, and how does it increase fps in games even on weak PCs and laptops

AMD Fluid Motion Frames was originally developed as an advanced frame generation technology aimed at increasing fps and gameplay smoothness. Supported on AMD Radeon RX 6000 and 7000 series graphics cards, as well as on some AMD Ryzen processors with integrated Radeon graphics, AFMF quickly gained popularity and recognition among gamers.

How AMD Fluid Motion Frames 2 Works

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The second generation of AFMF is not just an update to the existing technology, but a complete rethinking of the approach to generating intermediate frames in games. AFMF 2 features a complex machine learning algorithm that analyzes frame sequences and creates additional images, significantly increasing animation smoothness without significantly increasing the load on the graphics processor.

The basis of AFMF 2 consists of two customizable modes:

Search Mode controls the smoothness of animation by optimizing the "fallback" mechanism, which disables frame generation in scenes with high dynamics. In the updated version of FMF at 1440p resolution and above, the High preset is automatically enabled. Thus, in games with fast-changing scenes and special effects, it is possible to achieve greater smoothness and image detail.

Performance Mode optimizes GPU load depending on the power of the used graphics accelerator. If the computer is equipped with a powerful discrete graphics card, the performance mode is enabled. If not, then the Quality mode is activated. It allows achieving a higher frame rate even on low-power devices. Therefore, it will be especially useful for users of mobile and not the newest desktop systems.

How AFMF 2 affects games

AFMF 2, unlike the original iteration of the frame generation technology, supports borderless fullscreen mode for users with multiple monitors and is compatible with games using Vulkan and OpenGL. This has allowed developers to significantly expand the list of supported games, including many popular indie projects and some professional applications based on these APIs. For example, DOOM (2016) or Minecraft.

Another advantage of AFMF 2 over first-generation technology is the significant reduction in latency during frame generation. This is achieved through optimization of interpolation algorithms and more efficient use of GPU resources. For example, in Cyberpunk 2077 using AFMF 2 in combination with AMD Radeon Anti-Lag technology, an average of 28% lower latency is achieved at 4K resolution using the "Ray Tracing: Ultra" graphics preset compared to AFMF 1.

Moreover, AFMF 2 can be combined with the new in-game AMD Radeon Anti-Lag 2 technology to achieve low latency at high fps values in esports disciplines, regardless of the type of graphics used. For example, in Counter-Strike 2 on an AMD Ryzen 7 8700G processor with an integrated Radeon 780M graphics chip, the combination of both tools reduces latency by an average of 12% compared to first-generation AFMF, while providing over 120 fps at 1080p resolution on very high graphics settings.

An important addition is the ability to interact with AMD Radeon Chill - a feature responsible for limiting the allowable frame rate. When activated, an fps cap is automatically set equal to half the maximum refresh rate of a monitor with AMD FreeSync support. This helps to avoid screen tearing and reduce image quality degradation.

The developers of AMD themselves recommend using AFMF 2 in conjunction with Radeon Anti-Lag in cases where the expected maximum FPS does not reach the maximum refresh rate of the monitor. In turn, the combination of AFMF 2 with Radeon Chill is recommended for games where graphics settings allow achieving frame rates exceeding the maximum refresh rate of the monitor.

Graphics cards supporting AMD Fluid Motion Frames 2

AMD Fluid Motion Frames 2 is supported on graphics accelerators based on the AMD RDNA 2 architecture and newer. However, the settings used by AFMF 2 will vary depending on the performance of the hardware used and the resolution.

For AMD Radeon RX 6000 and 7000 series graphics cards at 1440p and 4K resolution, the Search Mode "Auto" is set to "High" by default, and the Performance Mode is set to "Quality". These are optimal settings for high-performance systems, providing a balance between image quality and performance in demanding games like Red Dead Redemption 2 or Metro Exodus Enhanced Edition.

On the other hand, for AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors with integrated Radeon graphics at the same resolutions, the Performance Mode value is set to "Performance" by default. This allows, for example, in games like Fortnite or Rocket League to achieve an acceptable frame rate even on systems without discrete graphics, making modern gaming accessible on a wider range of devices.

These settings are optimized to provide the best balance between performance and image quality on the appropriate hardware and at various resolutions.

How to use AMD Fluid Motion Frames 2

To test AFMF 2, users can download the AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition Preview Driver from the official AMD website. However, it is recommended to uninstall the current AMD Software driver and clean the system of remnants of previous drivers before installation.

Since this is a preview version, there may be errors and issues. AMD encourages users to report any bugs found through the AMD Bug Report Tool, as well as leave general feedback and comments on the AMD Red Team Community forums. But of course, this is not mandatory, as the beta test is open.

AMD plans to release updated versions of the AFMF 2 technical preview, which will include further improvements and fixes for identified bugs. The final version of AFMF 2 is expected to be integrated into AMD's regular production software in the fourth quarter of this year.

Use cases for AFMF 2

The range of use cases where AMD Fluid Motion Frames 2 can be applied is actually quite broad.

Firstly, it is esports. With AFMF 2 and Anti-Lag 2 enabled, it is possible to achieve stable 240+ fps with low input lag in games like Counter-Strike 2 and more.

Secondly, these are ray tracing games. A gamer playing Cyberpunk 2077 on a graphics card AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX, thanks to AFMF 2 in Quality mode, will get an unparalleled enjoyment of visual effects ray tracing in 4K resolution, while maintaining high frame rates and smooth gameplay.

Thirdly, mobile gaming. A laptop user with integrated Radeon graphics can use AFMF 2 in Performance mode to play modern AAA titles. This allows achieving acceptable frame rates even on relatively low-power equipment, expanding the possibilities of mobile gaming.

Fourthly, this is VR. Although this has not been officially confirmed, AFMF 2 could potentially be used in virtual reality games. For example, in a flight simulator, the technology could provide up to 100 fps, necessary for comfortable interaction with VR elements, while maintaining high detail of the virtual world.

When AMD Fluid Motion Frames 2 will be released

It is obvious that AMD Fluid Motion Frames 2 is a significant step forward in frame generation technology. The combination of AI-optimized improvements, flexible settings, and broad compatibility with various AMD graphics solutions makes AFMF 2 a powerful tool for enhancing performance and image quality in games.

As the gaming industry evolves and the demands for graphics increase with the limited hardware potential of video cards, technologies like AFMF 2 will become increasingly important. They allow to expand the availability of modern games for users with different levels of equipment, while providing enthusiasts with tools to maximize the performance of their systems.

It is expected that with the release of the final version of AFMF 2 as part of AMD's regular software, the technology will become even more refined and efficient. This could lead to significant changes in approaches to game optimization and graphics settings, both from developers and users.

And for technical specialists, IT professionals, and computer enthusiasts, AFMF 2 represents an interesting object for study and experimentation. The ability to fine-tune the technology's parameters opens up a wide field for performance optimization in various usage scenarios, from home gaming systems to professional eSports setups.