An unusual combination of Nvidia graphics cards is making waves in the gaming community. A Reddit user known as quziwuzzi paired a high-end GeForce RTX 3090 (Gainward GeForce RTX 3090 Phoenix) with an entry-level GeForce RTX 3050 (Asus Dual GeForce RTX 3050 OC Edition), both based on the Ampere architecture, to achieve 144 FPS at 4K resolution (3840x2160). The secret lies in Lossless Scaling, a budget-friendly software tool that handles AI upscaling and frame generation across any application. Available on Steam for just $7, Lossless Scaling differs from proprietary solutions like Nvidia DLSS, AMD FSR, or Intel XeSS due to its wide compatibility: it works with any game or video software, regardless of official support.
Dual GPU frame generation: the key to doubling performance
In this setup, the primary RTX 3090 handles the game's rendering, while the secondary RTX 3050 is dedicated solely to frame generation. This offloads the computationally intensive task of creating interpolated frames from the main GPU, effectively doubling performance without requiring a single, more expensive card. Lossless Scaling supports 2X, 3X, and 4X multipliers, plus an adaptive mode, all of which worked flawlessly in this scenario according to the Redditor.
Sponsored Protocol
Performance leap from 71 to 144 FPS at 4K
According to the Redditor, the RTX 3090 alone delivered around 71 FPS at 4K. With the RTX 3050 assisting via Lossless Scaling, the frame rate soared to 144 FPS, perfectly matching the 144 Hz refresh rate of the user's 42-inch LG C4 OLED television. While the specific games were not disclosed, the results demonstrate the potential of multi-GPU configurations using modern software.
This approach is particularly timely given the ongoing GPU shortage and high prices. Many gamers cannot afford to upgrade to the latest cards. Using a spare older GPU, even a GeForce GTX 750 Ti or Radeon RX 550, can breathe new life into a system. Critics may dismiss generated frames as "fake," but for $7, it's a cost-effective way to improve the gaming experience until a real upgrade is possible. Lossless Scaling transforms obsolete hardware into a frame accelerator, making high frame rates accessible to a wider audience.
Sponsored Protocol
For more gaming news, check out the upcoming Fortnite The Simpsons crossover event starting July 29, which will surely benefit from high frame rates.
For a deeper dive into Nvidia's architectures, visit the Wikipedia page on the GeForce 30 series.
