Technology
Nvidia DLSS 5 debuts in NBA 2K27 with heavy power demands
Engadget reports that the upscaling feature introduces minor visual upgrades alongside steep power draw and frame rate losses.
The short version
- NBA 2K27 has launched as the first title to feature Nvidia's DLSS 5 AI upscaling technology, providing minor visual enhancements to player skin and shadows.[Engadget]
- Testing on an RTX 5090 at 4K resolution showed frame rates falling from 240fps to 150fps, while power consumption climbed from 400 watts to 525 watts.[Engadget]
- Nvidia announced plans to expand DLSS 5 compatibility to previous-generation RTX 4000 series graphics cards following user feedback.[Engadget]
Key facts
- NBA 2K27 is the first title to feature Nvidia's DLSS 5 AI upscaling system.[Engadget]
- The technology brings subtle visual additions to NBA 2K27, such as extra texture on character skin and slightly more realistic lighting shadows.[Engadget]
- Testing at 4K resolution on an RTX 5090 GPU revealed that turning on DLSS 5 reduced frame rates from 240fps to 150fps.[Engadget]
- Enabling the feature raised power consumption on the RTX 5090 from 400 watts to 525 watts.[Engadget]
- Nvidia announced that it will expand DLSS 5 support to last-generation RTX 4000 graphics cards.[Engadget]
What remains uncertain
- A user on the HardOCP forums reported power consumption exceeding 600W leading to a melted cable, which remains unverified beyond forum testimony.[Engadget]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.