Nvidia’s new preview driver enables frame generation in unsupported games on RTX 40 series GPUs

The debate around Nvidia’s frame generation and 'fake frames' is ongoing but there’s no denying that the technology is incredible. In some cases, gamers who were struggling to run games on their relatively older hardware are able to double or even more than double their frame rates with minimal sacrifices to quality. However, not all games support frame generation and enabling it for games that don’t was only possible on RTX 50 series GPUs, but not anymore.

Nvidia has released its preview driver version 590.26 that brings Smooth Motion to RTX 40 series cards. Smooth Motion is a driver-level frame generation system that enables better frame rates in games that don’t natively support frame generation. This setting was limited to RTX 50 series cards but as discovered by a user over on the Guru3D forums, it is now available for RTX 40 series cards via the Nvidia App.

Since it is a preview driver, it is not available as a typical driver update via the Nvidia App. Those who want to test it out will need to create a developer account on the Nvidia developer website. There are no special requirements other than an organization or university name to create this account and once done, the latest driver can be downloaded and installed. Those using RTX 40 series GPUs should see a Smooth Motion setting in the Nvidia App after successful installation.

Videocardz reported doubling the frame rate in Company of Heroes 3 running on an RTX 4090 after turning on Smooth Motion. PCGamer tested the setting on an RTX 4080 Super in Peak and Sons of the Forest, noticing a 52 FPS boost in the former and a 30 FPS boost in the latter.

It should be noted that there could be some bugs when running the preview driver on any generation of RTX cards. It is also unclear when it will be available as a final driver release through the Nvidia App for the general public. Regardless, this comes as great news for owners of RTX 40 series GPUs.